With the NBA 2K League season’s inaugural tournament just days away, Kings Guard put their training regimen on full display Tuesday.
Beginning with a 2K team practice at Kings Gaming House and rounding out the day with an exhaustive set of mental and physical training at Urijah Faber’s Ultimate fitness – led by the UFC Hall of Famer – it proved to be a day in which the team faced varied challenges to help build upon its already strong foundation.
At practice, the team took to the virtual court for a few rounds of 2K competition – highlighted by a recognizable sound.
Established before arriving in Sacramento for his penchant of cowbell ringing – the team’s first round-pick warmed up his trademark celebration with a few plays that dazzled the small crowd in attendance, including the Worldwide Leader, ESPN. By the time the scrimmage came to a close, Kings Guard emerged victorious over the game’s artificial intelligence, 92-69.
After putting in work in the e-paint, the team headed to the gym, and its first mind and body workout with Faber. Despite it being the group’s initial training session, the mixed-martial artist, who helped cement Sacramento’s place in the octagon, wasted no time getting the team’s heart racing with warmup moves and technique. Through each jab, slide, undercut and plank, the squad left it all on the mat.
After the rigorous yet rewarding session, Faber emphasized the value of team and individual visualization.
“I close my eyes and I think about success and my game,” said Mootyy afterward, who looked up to Faber growing up.
While the workout put the team to the test, it was another important building block toward team unity and strength.
“(It was) motivating, inspirational, and intense, all at the same time” said Safiya4ya and Timelycook.
“It was more tiring than I anticipated -- I didn’t expect all of that,” exclaimed Mootyy. “It was cool.”
With a boost of adrenaline, Kings Guard continues to be optimistic as it prepares for their first tournament, but Urijah reminds of the importance of harnessing the lessons learned.
“It’s an exciting time but they have to be on that edge,” said Faber. “(They) have (to have) that mental game ready.”