On 16–17 December 2024, Coach Kimrossi Taylor from IMG Academy led a transformative basketball clinic at BISS Puxi. This two-day event was more than just a training session — it was an opportunity for student-athletes to experience the mindset, accountability, and elite coaching for which IMG Academy is renowned. Players honed essential skills such as ball handling, shooting, catching, passing, and decision-making, but the true value lay in what Coach Taylor taught them beyond the drills.
A Focus on More Than Just Skills
Coach Taylor’s coaching philosophy goes far beyond technical drills. His approach emphasises mental toughness, communication, and energy—the very qualities that separate elite players from the rest. “In every drill, it’s not just about executing the move; it’s about how you approach the game, how you communicate with your teammates, and how you hold yourself accountable,” Coach Taylor explained. If a drill wasn’t completed with the expected intensity and precision, he would stop everything and reset the exercise. The message was clear: excellence requires consistency.
The clinic wasn’t just about improving individual performance; it was about instilling a growth mindset to help players rise to the challenges of higher levels of play. Just as IMG Academy has prepared thousands of athletes for success, Coach Taylor underscored that success is earned through hard work, dedication, and mental focus.
The IMG Academy Difference: Stories of Success
IMG Academy’s reputation for producing top-tier talent is unmatched. From NBA stars to Olympic athletes, IMG Academy has been the launching pad for some of the world’s finest athletes. Coach Taylor’s unique ability to connect with players and develop their talents is part of what makes IMG Academy such a powerhouse in athletic development.
One standout success story is D’Angelo Russell, the current NBA star and former #2 overall draft pick, who trained at IMG Academy. Russell previously visited BISS Puxi in June 2016 as part of his international tour, where he engaged with students and shared insights into the dedication required to reach the highest levels of professional basketball. Reflecting on his experience, Russell said, “IMG Academy taught me discipline, focus, and how to work hard every single day to become the best version of myself.”
Russell’s journey echoes what student-athletes can experience in an IMG Academy training environment: a holistic approach that nurtures not only athletic excellence but also character, leadership, and perseverance. This commitment to developing the whole person sets IMG apart, equipping athletes with the tools they need to thrive both in sports and in life.
What Players Can Expect from IMG Academy’s Basketball Pathway
The BISS Puxi clinic wasn’t just a training session—it was a gateway to what IMG Academy offers for players serious about taking their game to the next level. IMG Academy provides summer camps in Bradenton, Florida, where players can continue to refine their skills under the guidance of elite coaches like Coach Taylor. These camps offer a tailor-made experience focused on both technical skills and personal development.
For those aspiring to take their game even further, IMG Academy has a proven track record of helping athletes navigate the college recruitment process. Participants in the clinic also gained insights into college placement and the importance of basketball IQ, communication, and decision-making—all critical factors for standing out to college scouts.
Take Your Game to the Next Level: Exclusive NAE Discount
For members of the NAE family, IMG Academy offers a 10% discount on summer camps with the promo code NAEIMG. This unique opportunity allows players to continue their training experience with one of the best academies in the world, learning from coaches who have worked with top-tier athletes and understand what it takes to reach the next level.
