TESTIMONIES
What are parents and players saying about Skills on Skills?
“Keith and I have been together from the beginning. He helped me grow from middle school AAU into a high school state champion, NCAA Division 1 athlete, and a 5-year professional in the NBA G League and Europe. We worked together 4-5 days per week for 13 years, and his knowledge, energy, passion, and ability to make his players better is unmatched. I've worked with professional trainers all over the world and there is nobody l'd rather be with than Keith. Keith is more than a trainer, he's family. He will help get you to where you want to go if you're willing to put in the work.” - Trevor John (Cal Poly SLO - Drexel - Santa Cruz Warriors)
“I met Keith back in 2012 going my freshman year of high school. Had to be one of the greatest help of my career. Up until that point of playing basketball I never had a trainer to help me develop the necessary skill set I needed to get to the pro level. We spent hours on hours whether it was at 9pm or 2am in the morning the work was getting done. But Keith wasn’t just a trainer for me, the relationship we built will go on to last a lifetime. We spent a lot of time off the court together just enjoying life and getting to understand each other and he really turned into a big brother for me. Keith’s ability to analyze what you already bring to the table, maximizing it, also while adding value to your game is hard to come by. He took the time to watch me play and then go back to the drawing board and develop a plan to get better and till today we still talk consistently about on and off the court stuff to help get me thru my pro career. I don’t know where my game would be without the man.” - Nikhil Peters (Cal Poly Pomona - NBL1 Southwest Metro Pirate)
“Coach Keith has been an important part of my player and personal growth and development over the past few years. Not only does he bring great energy and love to the game of basketball but also helped me break down my shot at all three levels. Most importantly, he’s just a great guy who cares about his people and players far beyond the basketball court. Always will be appreciative of Keith” - Aidan Mahaney (Saint Mary’s - UCONN)
Keith has helped me with my game exponentially. From his advanced shooting workouts, rigorous ball handing drills, or tough finishing techniques I just know every time I work out with him I’m getting better. Since starting with Keith in 2021, I’ve seen a humongous boost in my confidence to shoot, take people off the dribble, finish in traffic with both hands, and facilitate the basketball. The thing that stood out the most to me with Keith is that we have become family. Through some of the darkest times in my career I could call on him and he would offer advice whether it be comforting or harsh. No better trainer out there and I’m rocking with my guy. - Dishon Jackson (Washington State - Charlotte - Iowa State)
“From training with Keith you can quickly tell that his attention to detail and his feel for game at the higher levels separates him from other trainers. He has worked with some of the best for a reason and loves implementing college/professional habits into our workouts. If you are looking to play at the next level and take your game seriously Keith is your guy.” - Carter Mahaney (Northern Arizona University)
“I had the opportunity to play for and train with Coach Keith for multiple years and experienced significant growth on and off the court as a byproduct. As a coach, he really understands the game but also gives players freedom to make plays to showcase their abilities and be themselves. As a trainer, he is a specialist in shooting and excels in helping with the little details that most trainers would never even notice. Ultimately, he is a great basketball mind that cares about the people that he works with as both players and people.” - Chase Bennett (Linfield College)
“I met Keith in 2019 when I was a junior in high school and out of all the trainers I have had throughout my career, he is the best in the business. Not only is he an outstanding trainer, but he is an even better person. Keith is someone you can trust to develop not just your basketball skills but life skills as well. His attention to detail in your development is the reason he has helped so many people achieve greatness on the court. Keith is someone you are blessed to have in your corner and I am glad I can say that.” - Austin Patterson (Wofford - Sacramento State - Montana)
“Working with Coach Keith has allowed me to grow in many areas such as confidence, leadership, and skill level and has led to my development as a basketball player and person. Through workouts and game environments, Keith has pushed and challenged me in many ways in order to be my best. Coach Keith is someone to help you be your best and improve on both basketball skills and life skills.” - Cade Bennett (Saint Mary’s College)
“Coach Keith’s attention to detail and understanding of the game is what separates him as a trainer and coach. In the three years that he coached and trained me during high school, he helped me become a better individual player by giving me things to work on specific to my game. Coach Keith is someone who tells you what you need to hear, but also listens and works with you. He is a high character individual who cares about the success of his athletes and can give you the tools to play at a high level.” - Emmanuel Callas (University of San Diego)
“Playing for Coach Keith and working out with him consistently helped improve my game tremendously. He helped me take my game to the next level and I am forever grateful for that. Along with being a great coach, he is an even better mentor off the court.” - Johnny Semany (Lawrence University - University of Southern Indiana)
“Coach Keith helped my game grow to another level. He is one of those coaches that really teaches you the game and puts you in situations to excel and grow in. Playing with him as my coach was a great experience because of the great energy he brought along with the elite IQ he has for the game. Coach Keith also was a great mentor for me in making my decision to go take a prep year and for when I was deciding where to go for college. He cares about his players and puts a lot of effort into supporting them on and off the court and pushing them to reach their goals. Thankful to have had him as a coach.” - Joaquin ArauzMoore (Gonzaga)
“Coach Keith has played a big role in my player development over the years especially during Covid. He is very detail oriented in terms of footwork and shot mechanics, which has help my game translate to the next level. As a person, Keith has always been a pleasure to work with and truly values his players growth and overall successes.” - Niyi Olabode (UC Riverside)
“Coach Keith!! This has been my guy since the day I met him. He helped me become the player I am today! All he does is make me improve my skill and mindset. Everything he teaches is all valid and all used in my game. He showed me there is so much that I need to work on in order to improve my game. Not only is he my all time favorite trainer but he’s just a genuine guy. He always wants what’s best for you and doesn’t put himself first. He’s the type of trainer that I will bring to my wedding. The type of trainer that I’m gonna always stick with. The type of trainer that will be the reason I make it to the top. Can’t wait to keep working with him and improving my game. I’ll always be grateful and appreciative for everything he’s done for me.” - Hunter Schenck (Utah Tech)
“Keith has always been committed to my development as a player. He knows what is going to translate at whatever level you are playing at or striving to play at. I appreciate the way he challenges his players to not only play the game but to think it as well.” - Kevin Gad (Saint Mary’s College)
Coach Keith and I begin working before I left to play at the University of San Diego. He helped me prepare for the next level while also honing in on my personal development as a person and a player. He is always down to get in the gym at any hour and his overall enthusiasm and passion for basketball makes him so fun to workout with. He has not only helped me refine my shooting at all three levels, he has been instrumental in improving my speed, defensive skills, and shot efficiency. I look forward to my sessions with Keith and cannot wait to get back into the gym with him - Kylie Horstmeyer (University of San Diego)
“Playing for Keith has helped my game tremendously. Keith has coached some of the best players in the world so learning what they have learned and doing the same drills has brought my skill level to new heights. He is a very passionate coach who cares deeply about his players. He demands 100% effort and commitment to the game which has helped me at the Division 1 level.” - John Flannigan (University of Nevada Reno)
“Keith is one of the best player development coaches I have ever seen worked with. After a few workouts you can tell his attention to detail is second to none. He helped me with the transition to division 2 to division 1 and was there every step of the way.” - Amy Baum (Hawaii Pacific - University of San Francisco - Big V Bulleen Boomers)
“I have been training with Keith Lai since I was 11. I am blessed to have been able to work with him for as long as I have and I have watched my game and skill set improve tremendously over the years. Without him I would not be the player I am today. He has experience training at the highest level and I am thankful that he has instilled his knowledge into me and my development. He has helped me understand what it takes to be a successful individual at the highest level both on the court and off. Not only is he a great trainer but he is a great individual, mentor, and friend.” - Kaylie Edge (Sacramento State - Chico State - U20 Great Britain National Team)
“I was able to work with Keith right after l entered the transfer portal. Before this time I was very inconsistent with my shooting, and not very confident with my ability on the floor. Keith was able to break my shot down and see where he could help. They were very simple changes but would take lots of repetition to fix. Within our workouts we repped these changes, gradually leading me to shoot at way higher percentages. Seeing me make more shots gave me way more confidence as a shooter. Keith is overall a great coach pushing you to limits you never thought you were capable of and makes training a lot of fun.” - Lauren Crocker (Utah State - Utah Tech)
“I worked out with Keith for a few months after my first season playing basketball in college. In just a few training sessions he gave me great insights on my shooting mechanics and form, and my shot has never felt or looked better. His knowledge of the game and what it takes to be great is second to none. Most importantly, Keith is a great person who genuinely has his athletes' best interest in mind.” - Ali Wetta (Utah State - Colorado Christian)
“I started working with coach Keith the summer going into my sophomore year of college. Not only did coach keith improve on my strengths, but he showed me the game in ways I haven’t been taught yet. Coach Keith gave me more confidence going into my next year of college than anyone would have. The workouts always tailored to real game scenarios and he never allowed us to give anything other than our best. I am very grateful for coach keith improving my game and love for the sport.” -Scott Ruegg (Colorado College)
“Coach Keith has helped me develop my basketball skills to a whole new level. He helped me improve my shot creation, learn different ways to score the ball and expand my overall basketball knowledge. I played for Coach Keith for over four years, and I felt my confidence improved each year with him. His different teaching styles help further understand and create specific workouts you will use in real-game situations. With his help, I could achieve my dream of playing college basketball. He saw the value I brought to a team and helped me become the player I am today. I can’t thank Coach Keith enough for the time and effort he put into creating my game and being a great mentor on and off the court.” - Christian Carter (Bellevue University)
“Keith is one of the best in the business. Working with him elevated my game and helped me adapt to the college level. His ability to teach skills, reads, and concepts and relate to his players is next level. It’s always a great time working with him, one of the best coaches/trainers you’ll find.” - Tyler Isaak (Cal Baptist - Citrus College)
“Coach Keith has been a huge part in my development as a basketball player. After knowing and working with him for 6 years, I have seen improvements in my game from shooting, dribbling, defense, and overall basketball IQ. I have spent many early mornings and late nights working with Keith and he showed me how invested he is into making better basketball players. Keith’s care and commitment really make him the best trainer I’ve worked with.” - Connor Stechschulte (Santa Rosa JC - Chapman University)
“Keith is one of the best in the business. Not only did he help me elevate my game he treated and continues to treat me like family. His attention to detail and emphasis on game reps made me a better player. He created a competitive atmosphere where everyone was eager to work and in my opinion there’s no place better to work in. Keith is a hooper and he will train you like one.” - Sofia Fidelus (Cal State Los Angeles)
“Keith played the biggest role in my development as a player. His attention to individual preparation and details, not only in workouts but in strength training and nutrition were unparalleled and helped me immensely in making stride I had not made before on court. His honesty with me throughout the whole process of up and downs prepared me for the next level of basketball and assisted my growth as a young man.” - Calum Rutherfurd (Montana State)
“Keith’s unwavering commitment to my son’s development, and more importantly, his leadership in the realm of advocating and pushing for Calum’s personal accountability was something I had never experienced in a coach before. My son’s growth, on and off the court, was exponential when he began his training journey with Keith. He saw something special in Calum and recognized an untapped talent that had not previously been fully appreciated or developed. Keith went above and beyond in terms of training and communication as well as connecting Calum with a circle of people (nutritionists, summer travel programs and additional coaching staff) to support Calum in becoming the player he knew he was capable of becoming. Keith is a dedicated leader and basketball trainer with tremendous knowledge who balances the right amount of grit and heart; he is also an overall extraordinary human being.” - Alison Rutherfurd (Mother of Calum)
“Keith has a lot of knowledge as a trainer and helped me improve my shooting and footwork. He’s super detailed in his workouts from the warmup to the final drill. He gave me specific feedback on how to be more efficient when shooting off screens and off the dribble. After working with Keith my shot got quicker and I was more comfortable shooting whether it be off the catch or dribble.” - Brady Cook (Cal Baptist - Citrus College)
“Coach Keith is one of the most knowledgable and influential trainers I’ve had in my basketball career. He brings amazing energy and creates great relationships with his players. He also does a great job training each player to their individual needs. Keith makes training an enjoyable experience while also pushing his players to become elite.” - Tyler Dutto (Chapman University)
“Coach Keith and I had began to workout in 2021 and he instantly lined me up with elite competition. Nothing was guaranteed for me throughout my recruitment process and he was a great advocate to help me play at the next level. Along with his skill development, the connections that I made with him after were full of optimism and gratitude. College basketball is not easy by any means, knowing that I had Keith in my corner if anything went south was more than reassuring. I will forever cherish the relationship we built through a short time because i knew it would last me forever. I would reach out to Keith after games whether good or bad and he always reminded me that there is light through the tunnel. Keith has always been more than just another name in the hoops world to me. A Coach, mentor, & friend, Keith lai has always been able to get players to that next level and inspires the basketball community to push their limits in expanding their game. I’m forever grateful for all that I have learned from him on and off the court!” -JoJo Murphy (Chico State)
“Keith's understanding of the art of shooting and the game of basketball overall helped me reach new levels of confidence. His consistent encouragement and attention to detail taught me the importance of dedication and hard work. Through his guidance, I learned that consistency in practice and a positive mindset are key to achieving success on and off the court.” - Caden Breznikar (UC Santa Cruz)