Drills, Dedication, and Inspiration: A Night with Drew Hanlen

Drills, Dedication, and Inspiration: A Night with Drew Hanlen at the Wells Ave Y 

On Friday, April 4, the West Suburban YMCA’s Wells Avenue branch welcomed more than 100 youth, parents, and local coaches for an inspiring evening with world-renowned NBA Skills Coach, Drew Hanlen. 

As part of our teen basketball development programs, the event gave young athletes a rare opportunity to learn firsthand from one of the top minds in the game. Known as the top NBA Skills Coach in the world, Drew has helped shape the careers of players like Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Zach LaVine, and his impact was felt from the first drill to the final message of the night. 

Hanlen led participants through high-level drills, shared insights from his work with NBA stars, and emphasized the value of discipline, hard work, and a strong mindset on and off the court. Throughout the clinic, Drew emphasized that commitment, consistency, and hard work are the true game changers. 

West Suburban YMCA President and CEO Jack Fucci joined in the evening to thank Drew and highlight the YMCA’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility for all. “Events like this embody our mission,” Jack shared. “We’re not just building better players—we’re building stronger kids and a more connected community.” 

A special thank you to Aaron Joseph, whose generous donation made this incredible event possible. His support helped bring this experience to life for so many young athletes in our community. 

We’re grateful to Drew Hanlen for making this event so special and to everyone who came out to participate. Whether you're aiming for the NBA or just love the game, one thing is clear—showing up and putting in the work is where the magic happens. 

Stay tuned for more youth sports events and clinics coming soon!