NBA trainer, Ganon Baker teaches young basketball athletes what it takes to achieve greatness in the sport, as well as in themselves in Raymond on March 28. Photo by Rachel Gilmour.

The town of Raymond became the hub for basketball enthusiasts as players from across Southern Alberta gathered for a transformative camp led by world-renowned trainer Ganon Baker a couple of weeks ago. Known for his work with legends like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, Baker joined forces with local organizer and player development specialist, Jordan Carlson, to deliver an unforgettable experience. Together, they emphasized not just basketball skills, but life lessons and values that will resonate far beyond the court.

For Carlson, the decision to bring Baker to Alberta was a no-brainer. After encountering Baker through mutual connections and witnessing his impact firsthand at an event in Fremont, Ohio, Carlson was convinced that Alberta’s youth needed this experience.

“It was apparent that the kids here in Alberta needed this,” Carlson explained. “They needed the pressure, the knowledge and the confidence that Ganon brings.”

The basketball camp in Raymond was more than just another training session. It was part of a larger vision to inspire young athletes in a province where basketball holds a special place in communities like Raymond and Magrath.

“Basketball is life here,” Carlson remarked, emphasizing the deep-rooted passion for the sport.

Baker brought his signature intensity and passion to the sessions, blending insights from decades of working with elite athletes into training tailored for local players.

“I bring their mindset. I bring their attitude so that the players can learn how winning is done in life and in basketball,” Baker said, referencing the lessons he’s learned from legends like Kobe and LeBron.

Throughout the camp, Baker emphasized behaviors essential for greatness, describing them as “six Hall of Fame world champion behaviors that they bring to be great at their sport—that we as mere mortals could use in our lives.”

This wasn’t Carlson’s first collaboration with Baker. A similar camp in Calgary last year had set the tone for this event, sparking excitement and demand among Alberta athletes. “Athletes saw a glimpse of what real elite training was like, and it lit a fire,” Carlson said. “It changed a lot of their lives, and they wanted more.” For Raymond, where basketball is a way of life for many young athletes, the camp was perfectly suited to the town’s enthusiastic community.

Across multiple sessions, Baker worked with nearly 200 participants, tailoring drills to their age and skill levels. Younger players received patient, playful instruction, while older participants were pushed to their limits with more demanding drills. “Being a good teammate, having joy, the intelligence and toughness doesn’t change; just the complexity and simplicity of the drills,” Baker explained. His ability to connect with players of all levels made the camp an empowering experience.

Beyond the technical aspects of basketball, Baker inspired players to pursue their passions with purpose and determination. “They’ve got to find their purpose, what they love, where pain is not going to make them quit—and attack it every day with tremendous passion,” Baker said. He urged athletes to strive for personal greatness, reminding them to “be your own GOAT—greatest of all time—at whatever you love.”

For Carlson, success wasn’t just about attendance numbers—it was about engagement and impact. “Are athletes staying after, talking with families, sharing their experience? How many showed up with notepads? How many took away notes and are utilizing what they learned?” Carlson explained. These tangible outcomes reflected the transformative effect of the camp.

Organizing such an impactful event came with challenges, particularly in conveying its importance to the community. “You have to experience it to truly understand the impact,” Carlson said. With nearly 200 athletes attending and enthusiastic feedback pouring in, the camp proved to be a resounding success.

As the camp wrapped up, both Baker and Carlson reflected on the powerful experience they had created. “We lit a fire,” Carlson said. “They got that taste of what greatness is.” For Baker, the camp was an opportunity to leave a lasting impression: “The most rewarding thing is: I know I’m doing God’s work. I’m in my anointing. I see them motivated, I see them learn, I see them inspired.”

Looking ahead, both Baker and Carlson are open to future camps in Alberta if the community shows interest. “If the market wants it, we’ll come back,” Baker said. For Raymond, the camp was more than just an event—it was a spark of inspiration, lighting the way for young athletes to pursue their dreams and achieve greatness.