The Line with Dr Kristen Holmes NBA Trainer Chris Brickley Reveals the Secret Drills, Workouts, & Stories Behind NBA All-Stars!
Oct 23, 2025
In this episode, Chris Brickley, an elite NBA trainer and founder of BlackOps Basketball, shares his inspiring journey from training homeless to coaching stars like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. He reveals the intense coaching test he passed to join the Knicks and discusses the unique drills that elevate players' skills, such as the innovative Brickley 300 drill. Chris also dives into player mindfulness, load management strategies, and his transition from focused coaching to global brand ambassador with Puma, underscoring the essence of preparation in elite basketball.
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Unexpected Knicks Tryout Breakthrough
- Chris recounts the Knicks' tryout where three trainers had to run impossible solo multi-player drills for evaluation.
- He didn't expect to get the job but was hired after that performance and that trust launched his NBA career.
From Nike Condo To Homelessness
- Chris left the Knicks for a promised Nike deal and lived briefly in a Soho condo provided by Nike.
- When the deal fell apart he moved out, lost his card, and became homeless, sleeping in a gym back room for weeks.
Opportunities After The Low Point
- After rising visibility from elite sessions, Equinox and a real-estate family offered to build him a gym and housing.
- He signed with a manager and began to build a business and brand from that moment.
