From high school rejection to coaching NBA stars: The journey of a celebrity basketball trainer.

Chris Brickley, like everyone else growing up, aspired to achieve greatness in the sports world. However, his journey didn't unfold as he had imagined.

In January 2008, a 38-year-old basketball trainer walked on at the University of Louisville with the goal of going pro. However, after realizing that playing wasn't his long-term future, Brickley turned to coaching. He first became a grad assistant with Ole Miss, where he said it was "rough." Later, he became an assistant with Fairleigh Dickinson.

Despite struggling to find a high school coaching job in New Jersey, Brickley landed an unexpected internship with the New York Knicks.

At MSG, he got the promotion of a lifetime despite ignoring the locker room he worked in.

During the preseason, Carmelo Anthony missed a game-winning shot, and he was instructed not to speak with him following the game.

He went against the grain, which he said changed his life.

"In a recent interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, Brickley shared how he played basketball and experienced missing a shot. He then told the person how he felt, and the next day, the person went into the office and said he wanted Brickley to be his trainer."

""A franchise player's power is what made it happen so quickly," Brickley remarks."

Brickley acknowledges that he owes "everything" to Anthony, stating that without him, he wouldn't know what would have happened next. He also credits Phil Jackson for keeping him on the team and naming him the director of player personnel.

Over a decade ago, Brickley had 3 million followers on Instagram and formed friendships with some of the game's top players.

Brickley's gym in the Summit apartment building in Manhattan attracts not only NBA stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant but also other celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Drake, and Quavo.

Brickley, a BODY ARMOR partner, has maintained relationships with some of the best basketball players of all time due to his shared values with the hydration beverage company.

"My brand aligns with BODY ARMOR because we both prioritize authenticity and real ingredients. I've always aimed to be at the top in the training game, just like BODY ARMOR strives to be the best. Our brands share this goal and have aligned since I first signed with them."

On the weekend, his hometown commemorated "Chris Brickley Day" with the construction of new courts and an abundance of giveaways, including Puma sneakers and headphones.

Although Brickley did not plan his basketball future in this manner, it is still a pleasant outcome.

"The aspiration was to become the LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, or any other legendary basketball player. Although I couldn't achieve that, I never imagined my life would turn out the way it did. However, I continue to work hard every day and hope for the best."

Brickley frequently reflects on his journey, but the work is not yet finished.

Brickley plans to return to the beginning, despite his significant presence on social media.

Brickley says, "I'm extremely hungry and driven. In the future, I'm confident that I'll return to coaching, possibly in the executive realm to create an NBA team, which I believe would be really cool."

"I am offered jobs every summer, but nothing compares to having amazing partners like BODY ARMOR and being in control of my day, narrative, and work. This feeling is the best in the world."

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