In this YouTube vlog, EuroLeague player Elijah Bryant returns from a three‑week break to discuss the upcoming "trap game" against Anadolu Efes in Istanbul. He outlines the mental approach needed after a hiatus, emphasizing micro‑step focus, winning the first possession, and treating each quarter as a separate objective. The video then transitions into live play‑by‑play commentary, detailing key actions, scores, and player performances from the Anadolu Efes vs. Alba Berlin matchup, including Bryant’s scoring contributions and notable moments such as free throws, drives, and defensive plays. Interspersed are brief remarks from teammates, commentators, and fans. At the end, Bryant promises a full recovery‑day walkthrough, highlighting tools like red‑light therapy, ice baths, mobility work, nutrition, supplements, and massage, positioning the routine as essential for maintaining performance throughout the season.
Chapters
We are back, finally back to playing games after 3 weeks off. Today we have a very, very I would say trap game. But before the break, took a bad loss against Pana and then lost against Besitos in the cup game. So it was good to kind of free the mind, get away from basketball, spend some family time. But now it's time to lock in, get ready for the game. And this is probably the worst team to play after a break because these guys run up and down, they have no pressure to win. So it would be a great challenge for us but glad to be back playing basketball again.
Missed you guys. In addition to the game day routine and all of that, stick around to the end for a full breakdown of what a detailed recovery day looks like from start to finish. Love.
Come on, bro. How about Daddy's here?
My dad's in Woodbury, Minnesota currently.
Like I said, these teams have nothing to lose. We're coming off a break, haven't played in 3 weeks, some of us. Some people played national team, but for us, it is a must-win. I think every game for the rest of the season is honestly a must-win. We know that, but I think you also have to understand that it's a game, right? So there's going to be ups and downs during the game. There's going to be runs. It's gonna be good times, bad times, but you have to remember to make sure that you're staying in— your emotions are matching your desired reality. Because for us to reach the plan, we gotta win the first possession, you know what I mean? Like, and when you break it down like that, then you learn how to systemize what it is. You can't get to the plan without winning the first possession. You can't get to the plan without winning the third quarter. So gotta break it down all into micro steps. Speaking of trap game, literally Fener just lost to Maccabi. So like I said, 3 weeks off, trying to find a rhythm is not easy even for one of the best teams right now in the standings. I will say that off time has been nice to kind of, like I said, get away, but also spend some time actually practicing. We had 3 practices as a team, which is super rare during the season. So being able to be back in the facilities, you know, working out and getting to use all our stuff and be home for a second and gain some momentum going into finish this very, very important part of this season. So let's get to it. Whoa, your muscles are strong, dude. Whoa, whoa, Roxy, you're strong too!
Well, as for the home team, Anadolu Efes Istanbul, just outside the playing positions in 13th with a record of 12-13. The opening tip controlled at the second attempt. Big Eurostep, fouled in the act of shooting. He'll go to the free throw line to shoot 2.
Bryant gets the floater for 4.
His creativity, he was able to score. Nice handle from Elijah Bryant, drives, hangs in the air, absorbs the contact and gets the finish through the foul.
Again, Elijah Bryant to the hoop, leading all scorers with 7.
Yanni Wexell cutting back door to the free throw line, back to his man down. Corey looks at the 3, offloads and finishes with the left. Damian Thompson finishes with the one fist and flush. Half-time scores: Anadolu Efes Istanbul 48, Alba Berlin 35. Willis to 10 points in the game to become Efes' first double-digit scorer. Offensive foul on Elijah Bryant. Can't believe it. Yanni Westbrock up in the crowd. Count the bucket! Double clutching in the air and able to kiss it high off the glass. Elijah Bryant. Oh, ghost glass! Did he call bank? It does not matter because it is open on this Friday night in Istanbul. So this is going to be a case of catch and shoot. There's the catch. Oh my goodness, that is up! Did he beat the shot clock? No, he didn't. So the basket good, and Elijah Bryant able to get a shot away. Crochet to pull up 3-pointer. Contact from Barça Foirier, but the basket counts. Pass off Foirier with a terrific finish, interrupted by Matt Thomas, but they're losing one dead with the blow-by. The home fans urging Roland Schmitz to shoot because they want to turn up, but Roland Schmitz electing to dribble it out.
Hey, good win, good effort. As I told you before, it's a matter of mentality, and that was a mentality game, okay? You make Look, the game simple was not. Very good job. So one of the few is our lovely Guys, make everybody listen.
Since there's no date for, for the, for the birthday wish and today game is over, uh, wish for that to be with all on your way for the gift. Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
Love you all.
I'm going to take you through a full recovery day. First up, red light therapy. It's easy, it's backed by science, and honestly great for recovery. My ankle's sore from last night's game, so instead of just resting it, I use it to speed up healing and reduce swelling. I also wear toe spacers to keep my feet in their natural shape since shoes can compress them, which isn't great for athletes. After my morning routine, I ate a big breakfast. Today I had oatmeal with banana, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and chia seeds. A bunch of seeds, right? At noon, I did my mobility routine. This is super important. Not just when you feel tight, but every day. Honestly, on recovery days, I spend about 30-45 minutes stretching. If you want to follow along, I'll link my routine below. Next, I jumped into the ice bath. I started doing this regularly after getting one for my house, and it's been honestly a game changer. Ice baths help reduce swelling, improve blood flow, and even boost your mood. Plus, starting the day with something tough makes everything else feel easier. After the ice bath, I did some push-ups to get my blood flowing again. I'm challenging myself to do at least 100 push-ups every day to stay strong. Trying to join me? Then I made sure to hydrate. Water is super important for recovery. I also take a few key supplements to help my body recover and perform better: creatine, hydrogen tablets, electrolytes, collagen, omega-3 fish oil, MitoPure, and beef tallow. In the afternoon, I went to the facility for a massage before practice. Most of the team usually does the same. If you don't have access to a massage, it's okay. You can try foam rolling or using compression boots. This helps get rid of soreness and keep your muscles loose. I hope this was helpful. If you want more details, I'll link the full guide below. Remember, consistency over intensity. If you like this, make sure to tap in, and we'll see you in the next one.
