Every summer, trainer Chris Brickley’s star-studded BlackOps runs are the talk of the offseason. It’s an opportunity for basketball fans to see what their favorite player has added to their bag and to see some of the best hoopers in the world go at it. Here, he gives us his breakdown of another year of BlackOps Basketball and his award picks.

Offensive Excellence Award – Kevin Durant

Who else in NBA history is 6-11 with elite handle, elite shotmaking ability and just a force on the offensive and defensive end? I’ll share a story that I’ve never shared before. Prior to the first workout, I sent him an analytic breakdown of his 2024-25 season. There was one thing that wasn’t up to his normal greatness. Once we got to the controlled live part of the workout, he kept doing that specific thing. I consider KD one of my close friends, and we’ve never talked about this, but I’m pretty sure he went into the live wanting to work on that one shot. And by the time the workout was over, I came to the realization that man has no weaknesses.  

Breakout Season Award – Ty Jerome

Ty Jerome is coming off of a great season in Cleveland. He will have a big role in Memphis and will show the world why they invested in him.

Best Shooter Award – Buddy Hield

Buddy had a workout where he literally shot 95 percent in a 60-minute workout. That takes extreme focus.  

Chris Brickley Invitational Award – Mikel Brown Jr.

Elevation Award – Jalen Green

Jalen Green is a 20 ppg player and a star in the League, but what I’ve realized this summer is that he isn’t even close to his potential. All-Star season could be coming!

NCAA Award – Darryn Peterson

Mark my words: Darryn is the future of the NBA. But we can’t jump steps; right now, he is gearing up for a bigtime freshman season. I’ve been working with Darryn since his freshman season of high school—shout out CJ McCollum for connecting us years ago. Also shout out to his pops, Darryl Peterson, for trusting in me to work with his son over the years. 

Best Group Workout – LeBron James and Kevin Love

Two Hall of Famers grinding, going game speed. Does it get any better? 

Top Women’s College Hooper Award – Azzi Fudd

Azzi Fudd is coming off a Most Outstanding Player of the National Championship Game, and I think that confidence carried over. She had a great summer! I’m excited to watch her play this season at UConn. Azzi and her family have become an extension of my personal family, so it’s deeper than basketball with us. 

Most Fluid Game Award – Devin Booker

Devin Booker makes tough shots look easy. He’s a true professional who goes through each drill with urgency. Book doesn’t skip details. 

GOAT Award – LeBron James

Forty years old and still doing it at an ELITE level. I’ll debate with anyone about it, he’s the Greatest of All Time.

Viral Moment Award – Klay Thompson

All I need to say is 72. Klay hit 72 threes in a row, and the entire world saw it! 

Dog Mentality Award – Amen Thompson

Amen Thompson has the mentality that I love. It had been two years since we worked and his skill set, mindset and overall game was night and day better. Amen has a bright future!

Future Hooper Award – Will Ostertag

Will is a fifth grader from Missouri. Shout out to my girlfriend’s mom for having a relationship with the family. We set up a few workouts and he was elite!! The most elite fifth grader I’ve ever worked with. I know I shouldn’t be saying this because I want Will to remain hungry and motivated, but we talk often and he definitely is hungry and super motivated. 

BlackOps Pro Run Award – Kyle Anderson

Kyle Anderson has been coming to the BlackOps Runs since the start of them; 2017 was when I did my first BlackOps Run. He’s the only player who was in the NBA then and is still in the NBA. He’s the guy when the run starts to get sloppy says, “Nah, we not doing this! Play the right way.” Also, he’s a bucket!!! 

Mentor Award – Donovan Mitchell

Donovan has always had a natural leadership quality and is great at teaching the game. At times this offseason, he worked with an incoming transfer for NYU, Carnegie Johnson. He took time before, during and after workouts to help Carnegie improve his game.

Consistency Award – Jordan Clarkson

When JC first got traded to the Knicks, he told me he wanted to have a great summer. The reality is, all players say that. Jordan followed through with his words and worked out every single weekday for five-six weeks! He’s destined to have a great season for the Knicks. 

Bose Chris Brickley Invitational Alumni Award

I have only done my high school all-American game three years, so to have four lottery picks, including the No. 1 pick (Cooper Flagg) and No. 2 pick (Dylan Harper) is a very special feeling. Many more future draft picks to come!

Best Artist Award – Justin Bieber

I had quite a few artists in the gym this offseason, but JB had the best performance. He shot the three very well, and when we did some live action, he had a knack for slashing to the hoop making him hard to guard. Sheff G was runner up!

The Blueprint Program Award Winner – Jan Hoang

One of the most rewarding parts of what we’ve built over the years is our internship program, The Blueprint Program. Each winter, I post on social media inviting people to apply for a summer internship. We receive thousands of applications from all over the world. From that pool, my manager, Alex Koblenz, and I narrow down the list, conduct interviews and ultimately select six to seven interns.

The program has already produced some remarkable success stories. Today, several former interns are working full-time with NBA teams, one serves as an assistant coach for the Spurs and others have gone on to coaching roles at the Division I level.

One standout is Jan Hoang, an NYU student from Vietnam. For over a year, he’s consistently been one of the first to arrive at the gym and the last to leave. His work ethic, adaptability and willingness to listen have made him an invaluable part of the team.

Photos via Chris Brickley.