RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's next generation of basketball players gained an unexpected lesson in resilience after the DBL Indonesia All-Star 2026 squad completed a nearly three-hour training session during a power outage at Chicago Hope Academy in the United States.

The session, led by renowned basketball skills trainer Micah Lancaster, continued despite severe weather that caused electricity disruptions across the Midwest. Lancaster later praised the determination shown by the Indonesian student-athletes.

DBL Academy coach Madya Firman Anugerahadi, who accompanied the team in the U.S., said the extreme conditions did not reduce the players' enthusiasm to complete every training drill.

"We hope this experience becomes a valuable lesson in building competitive mentality because the players continued to show commitment and enthusiasm despite training under limited conditions," Madya said in a written statement on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

After the session, Lancaster shared his appreciation on his Instagram account. The trainer, who has worked with NBA stars including Kyrie Irving, Dwyane Wade, and the late Kobe Bryant, said the players' work ethic remained evident despite practicing with minimal lighting.

Lancaster noted that the experience proved a strong desire to improve does not depend on ideal circumstances.

Madya said the blackout occurred after a powerful storm swept through Chicago, leaving the court illuminated only by emergency lighting. Nevertheless, the scheduled high-intensity training session continued with all 24 DBL Indonesia All-Star 2026 players, consisting of 12 boys and 12 girls.

Lancaster adjusted the drills to suit the conditions, focusing on footwork to improve balance and body control. Players also practiced ball-handling using DrillMat to maintain proper foot placement, hip positioning, and ball control.

Battery-powered reaction lights in red, green, and blue were also used to sharpen decision-making, with each color signaling different movements such as drive shots, step-back shots, or layups.

Madya said the unusual training conditions became an important part of the team's character-building process during its basketball development program in the United States. ***