Lakers forward Jake LaRavia experienced a heartwarming reunion with his former AAU coach, Rick Thomas, on NBC’s show “Launching Legends.” The segment revisited the rigorous training that played a pivotal role in shaping LaRavia’s professional basketball journey.

From Indianapolis Kid to NBA Star

Before making his mark as a forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, Jake LaRavia was a young player in Indianapolis with aspirations of playing professional basketball. Seven years after their initial connection, his former AAU coach, Rick Thomas, surprised him by traveling to Los Angeles for a reunion featured on the NBC program.

The Grueling 'Hill' Training

In middle school, LaRavia approached Coach Thomas to join his AAU team. At the time, LaRavia was a skinny teenager with potential, but lacked coordination and balance. Coach Thomas humorously described his early running style as that of a “baby giraffe.”

Developing Athleticism and Endurance

To address these challenges, Thomas introduced LaRavia and his teammates to “the hill,” a significant grassy slope in an Indianapolis community park. This became their primary training ground for building endurance, enhancing athleticism, and improving coordination.

The workouts were demanding, involving exercises like one-legged jumps, bear crawls, and carrying teammates. This intense conditioning was crucial for developing LaRavia’s work ethic and athletic foundation.

A Coach's Dedication and Impact

LaRavia attributes a significant portion of his current success to the time, faith, and effort Coach Thomas invested in him during his formative high school years. Thomas, who was only 22 and recently finished his own playing career, was initially hesitant to coach an AAU team but was committed to helping aspiring players.

Building a Team from Scratch

LaRavia was among the first players Thomas coached. They started with a team that struggled, leading Thomas to emphasize strength, speed, and toughness through extensive conditioning. This included long-distance running, using resistance bands and weight vests, and frequent hill sprints.

Thomas’s methods focused on building both physical and mental resilience. He also fostered a strong team spirit, emphasizing collective effort over individual accolades or shoe deals. The team’s dedication was evident in their efforts to fund travel to tournaments through car washes.

From College to the NBA

LaRavia’s dedication and hard work, combined with a growth spurt that improved his dunking ability, began attracting attention from college recruiters. He initially played for Indiana State before transferring to Wake Forest.

The strong bond formed between LaRavia and Thomas extended beyond coaching; Thomas became a significant mentor, akin to a big brother. This relationship and the demanding training instilled a powerful work ethic in LaRavia, paving the way for his selection as a first-round NBA draft pick and his eventual role with the Lakers.

Enduring Influence and Legacy

Thomas’s influence extended beyond basketball skills, helping to unlock LaRavia’s athletic potential and shape his overall approach to the game and life. LaRavia firmly believes his work ethic and achievements are direct outcomes of Thomas’s persistent coaching and guidance.

The reunion on “Launching Legends” underscored the lasting impact of Coach Thomas on LaRavia’s career and life, highlighting their enduring bond.