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Guru Reveals Surprising Tool Milwaukee Bucks 22-Year-Old Could Use To Grow Confidence

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 3:43 PM ET

With limited resources to make a splash via trade or free agency, the Milwaukee Bucks would benefit immensely from developing young talent. One such youngster, third-year guard Ryan Rollins, took a massive step last season and looks poised for further growth. Among the Bucks set to hit free agency this summer, he is a player the team should aggressively attempt to bring back – not only for what can already provide, at a cheap price, but even more so for his potential.

In a comprehensive interview with Bucks commentator Marques Johnson, basketball guru Olin Simplis, also known as “The Guard Whisperer,” revealed one technique he uses to cultivate player confidence and propel development in guys like Rollins.

Rollins Can Become Key Piece for Milwaukee Bucks

Midway through the 2023-24 campaign, Rollins, a former second-round pick, arrived in Milwaukee from Washington. He played in just three games for the Bucks that year but assumed a much larger role last season, making 19 starts in 56 appearances.

The backup point guard flashed strong defensive chops and a sneaky three-point stroke, shooting 40.8% from deep while averaging 6.2 points and 1.9 assists in just 14.6 minutes per contest. As Damian Lillard popped in and out of the lineup due to illness and injury, Rollins stepped up to provide more than serviceable minutes in his absence. If he continues his upward trajectory, whoever snags him in free agency will have an excellent rotation player next season.

In the interview, Johnson noted that Rollins seemed “more comfortable on the court.” From a mental standoint, he asked Simplis, a trainer with over two decades of experience, how he gets guys “on the precipice” of becoming everyday players to reach the next level and feel like they “belong.”

Strong Mindset the Basis for Next-Step Development

Simplis’ response drew visible surprise.

Man, we do a lot of reading. I start a book club with all my guys, you know, because the mental approach, the confidence space, that’s very important. We can do all the work on the floor but if you don’t believe in yourself, or you don’t have that mental fortitude to go out there – because you’re going to have some failures too. … So we do a lot of reading, a lot of mental stuff.

Set to turn 23 this July, Rollins is at a stage in his career where he can be readily molded. Prior to the 2024-25 campaign, he had never started a game or averaged more than 6.6 minutes. Building off his first taste of on-court success by fortifying his mental foundation would prepare him for a full-time role next season.

Of course, off-court activities aren’t the only aspect of Simplis’ regimen. “We make the workouts hard because I believe the workouts got to be harder than the game. If that happens I think it tends to transition to the game.”

In addition to working on the hardwood, Rollins could also look to bulk up his frame. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, he was often the smallest player on the floor last season.

Simplis, who has trained 2025 MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, also said he stays in touch with players, emphasizing the importance of continued interaction.

You know, as a trainer the guys trust you. You’re no longer a trainer, you’re family, you’re a psychologist, you’re a brother, you’re a mentor. You don’t leave them hanging during tough points of the season. You stay in tune, you know, a lot of film sessions. And then you remind them, end of the day, only 450 guys play this game … you’re a one-percenter. So to be a one-percenter, you have to think highly of yourself to some regard.

Having demonstrated tantalizing promise, Rollins has reached the point where that kind of deep dive – the full package of physical and mental immersion in the game – could help transform him from “promising young talent” to regular rotation piece or starter. Hopefully, that transformation will have the chance to occur as a Milwaukee Buck.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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