RUSS SULIT

HEAD OF PERFORMANCE

1. What do you specialise in at Hoops?

I am the Head of Performance - I specialise in Strength & Conditioning, particularly for Basketball Players. I have a heavy focus on all things Power, Plyometrics & Strength Training.

2. What’s one thing athletes can expect from your sessions?

Whilst different athletes need different approaches, any athlete coached by me can expect to be challenged and pushed to new limits. I run my sessions with all of my energy and 110% attention to ensure athletes are maximising their development. 

3. What’s your coaching style or philosophy?

The fundamentals work. It does not matter who you are or what level you have achieved; everything in the gym should always go back to first principles. There is always something you can get better at, but rather than tell you; it is my job as a coach to show you.

4. What’s your education/background in basketball/S&C?

As a junior basketball athlete, I've played countless local comps for multiple teams across Penrith, Blacktown & Hills. Most notably, I represented Blacktown Storm from 2013 - 2016 winning multiple Metro & State Cup Championships. I've also played under Homegrowns NBTC program (2017) and Jo-Flow Basketball (2022). I have also attained my BNSW Level 1 Coaching Course

As a Strength & Conditioning Professional, I believe in education as a constant pursuit of mastery. In 2020 I started training under @MFPerformance to become more athletic for basketball. This led me down the S&C Rabbit-hole with exercises, programming etc. 

I then started training under Hoops Sports Performance in 2023 as an athlete which further ignited my curiosity for the profession. This led me to undertake my ASCA Level 1 and join the inaugural Hoops Sports Performance Internship. Most recently, I have had the pleasure of being a mentee under Coach Connolly & wrapped up an Internship with the Newington College S&C Department. Otherwise, I have also completed my International Strength Systems Certificate (SSIC L1) & PlusPlyos Introduction to Plyometrics. Most interestingly, I also attended the 2025 BNSW Coaching Conference and have partaken in numerous workshops/lectures run by other professionals. I've also started my ASCA Level 2, looking to complete in early 2026!

5. What do you want every athlete to walk away feeling after training with you?

Aside from the DOMS, an immense sense of strength, satisfaction and determination to keep improving. I also like the idea of feeling empowered after hitting big lifts or excitement at getting better in something that they previously have not done before. 

6. What do you enjoy most about coaching?

As coaches, the most enjoyable part is actually coaching. I love the fact that what we do is as much an artform as it is a science. By pushing athletes to reach higher numbers, we are effectively also coaching them to be better human beings. The fact that I can give back to the sport in this way is extremely satisfying because in every athlete I coach, I see myself from 10 years ago. If I had this 10 years ago coaching might be a different story.

7. Who's your favourite basketball player/athlete? Why?

Kobe Bean Bryant. The Black Mamba and his approach to the game has had a heavy influence on my upbringing. Whilst I modelled my playstyle after him, the mentality of becoming the best I can possibly be at my craft has been a key value. Constant improvement every single day is an approach I take to everything. Consistency breeds success and challenges present new opportunities for growth. 

8. What’s a fun fact or something that athletes might not expect from you?

I am actually a bit of a nerd. I have a vast collection of comic-books and a profound appreciation for all things Science Fiction. From Comic-book movies/tv shows to Sci-Fi Epics; I love the idea of exploring the unknown and taking science to the extreme (Hence, why I studied Physics).

9. Share your favourite motivational quote or piece of advice for athletes.

“Your true being lies not deeply hidden within you, but an infinite height above you, or at least above that which you commonly take to be yourself.”

~ Friedrich Nietszche

“If you are going to try, GO all the way” ~ Charles Bukowski