I still remember watching that game last Saturday – the one where NLEX lost to San Miguel. As someone who's followed basketball for over a decade, I could see something special happening on that court, something that reminded me of Costa's incredible 90-day transformation story. When Robert Bolick stood there talking to reporters after the defeat, denying any issues with Coach Jong Uichico or the ballclub, I saw the same kind of professional resilience that defines career turnarounds. You know, it's funny how we often expect athletes to perform miracles overnight, but the reality is that transformation takes time, dedication, and sometimes just 90 days of focused work.
Let me take you back to when I first noticed Costa's change. About four months ago, I was covering what many considered a washed-up player. His stats were mediocre – we're talking about averaging just 8 points per game with a 38% field goal percentage. Then something clicked. I remember sitting down with his trainer, who showed me this insane 90-day plan they'd developed. It wasn't just about practicing harder; it was about practicing smarter. They broke down every aspect of his game, from his shooting form to his defensive positioning, even analyzing how he moved without the ball. The transformation reminded me of what Bolick was demonstrating – that professional attitude where you take responsibility rather than making excuses.
What struck me most about Costa's journey was the mental shift. In week three of his transformation, I witnessed him staying after practice for two extra hours, just working on free throws. His trainer told me they'd implemented what they called the "90-day mindset protocol" – basically rewiring how he approached both success and failure. Instead of getting discouraged by missed shots, he'd immediately analyze what went wrong and make adjustments. This reminds me so much of Bolick's post-game attitude. Here was a player who'd just lost a important game, yet he's focusing on team unity rather than pointing fingers. That's the kind of mental toughness that separates good players from great ones.
The physical changes were just as dramatic. Costa completely overhauled his nutrition plan – and I mean completely. His chef told me they'd cut out processed sugars entirely and designed meals around his practice schedule. The results started showing around day 45. His vertical jump increased by nearly 4 inches, and his sprint times dropped by 0.3 seconds. But here's what most people don't realize – these physical improvements were directly tied to his mental game. When your body feels capable, your mind believes it's capable too. It creates this beautiful feedback loop where confidence builds upon itself.
Now, I know some critics might say, "Well, every player has good streaks," but this was different. By day 75, Costa was demonstrating consistency we hadn't seen in years. His scoring average jumped to 22 points per game, and his three-point percentage skyrocketed from 28% to 42%. These aren't just numbers – they represent hundreds of hours in empty gyms, countless drills, and that relentless pursuit of improvement. Watching Bolick handle the media after a tough loss, I saw that same professional maturity. He understood that transformation isn't just about the highlight reels; it's about how you carry yourself during the challenging moments too.
What really fascinates me about these transformations is how they ripple through the entire team. When one player commits to genuine improvement, it raises everyone's game. Costa's renewed energy became contagious in the locker room. Teammates started arriving earlier to practice, staying later, and pushing each other harder. This team dynamic is crucial – it's what separates individual success from collective achievement. Bolick's comments about team unity, despite the loss, show he understands this fundamental truth about sports.
I've been thinking a lot about why these 90-day transformations work when longer timelines often fail. From my observation, 90 days is this sweet spot – long enough to build meaningful habits but short enough to maintain intense focus. Costa's trainer explained to me that they broke it down into three 30-day phases: foundation building, skill refinement, and game integration. Each phase had specific, measurable goals. For instance, in the first 30 days, the focus was entirely on conditioning and fundamental mechanics. No fancy plays, just mastering the basics.
The second month was about translating those improvements into basketball-specific skills. This is where Costa really started to shine. I remember watching him during this phase – his movements became more fluid, his decision-making sharper. He went from hesitating on open shots to taking them with confidence. His assist numbers jumped from 3 per game to nearly 7. These aren't minor improvements; they're game-changing developments that come from targeted, consistent work.
As we look at players like Bolick navigating the challenges of professional basketball, and Costa demonstrating what's possible with focused dedication, it's clear that transformation is always within reach. The blueprint exists – it's about commitment, smart training, and maintaining perspective through both wins and losses. What inspires me most isn't just the statistical improvements or the highlight plays, but the underlying journey of self-improvement that any athlete – frankly, any person – can learn from. The court becomes just the visible stage for the real work happening behind the scenes, in the quiet hours when nobody's watching but greatness is being forged, one day at a time.
