Welcome to the EYR family!
We're excited to introduce you to our community and share with you what Earn Ya Rep is all about. Today we're interviewing our Founder, Anthony Gurley, to get the inside scoop on how the brand started and what it means to be a part of the EYR movement.
"EYR is not just a brand, it's a lifestyle. The process of Earning Ya Rep is a relatable experience for anyone who is aspiring to do something legendary in life."
Pictured Left: Anthony Gurley, founder of Earn Ya Rep
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did your basketball journey begin?
"I was born and raised in Roxbury, MA. I grew up in Mission Hill, an area of the city that loved basketball and produced many notable players over the years. Growing up, I would go to the local park to watch talented Boston-bred athletes, like Wayne Turner, Randall Jackson and Will Blalock play in pick-up games and tournaments. They were neighborhood inspirations, and witnessing their journey from the city courts to the college arenas inspired me to be just like them one day.
My dad had a big influence on the start of my basketball journey. The sport was something he shared with me in my earliest years. As a kid, I was never the most talented, but I was extremely self motivated. My dad used to tell me that I was going to have to work hard on my game in order to be something special. Through dedication and persistence, I was able to improve my skills over the years. My love for the game grew strong, and I was determined to make my mark on the court. By the time high school rolled around, my efforts had paid off and I earned a spot on the Newton North Varsity Basketball team as a freshman. That marked the beginning of when my basketball career really took off, and the rest is history."
What made you decide to start your own brand?
"After retiring from playing professionally, it was time to start writing the next chapter of my life. During my last season in Venezuela, I took some time to reflect on my situation and think about what I wanted to do moving forward. Basketball has been the vehicle by which I have navigated through the first 30 years of my life - I've earned a college degree, traveled the world, learned many lessons and made special friendships along the way. All of these experiences have helped shape me into the man I am today. I am forever grateful for the journey I have been on thus far. Although my chapter of playing at an elite level was coming to an end, I knew basketball was still going to have a major presence in my life.
I felt that starting Earn Ya Rep would allow me to share my story, spread my love for the sport and inspire our younger generations to chase after their dreams."
Where did you come up with the name Earn Ya Rep?
"The name originated from a 3v3 basketball tournament that I was planning a couple of summers ago. The tournament needed a name, and I wanted it to be an authentic reflection of what I stand for. I was unsure what the name would be until one day I had an epiphany and landed on Earn Ya Rep. The name really resonated and stuck with me. People who know me on a personal level have agreed that it is a very fitting name, as I have worked incredibly hard both on and off the court to earn my reputation."
Explain the meaning behind Earn Ya Rep and what makes the brand unique.
"EYR is not just a brand, it's a lifestyle. The process of Earning Ya Rep is a relatable experience for anyone who is aspiring to do something legendary in life.
I wanted to create a community of people who can come together and feel supported in their own unique journeys. No matter the dream or goal, the daily demands and emotions we face as we make our visions become realities is an experience that we all have in common. I want people who are out there earning their rep to know that they're not alone. What we're in pursuit of might be different, but we're all in this grind together.
I like to think of EYR as more than just a brand, it's a movement that is bringing people together."
Tell us about your basketball training services and philosophy.
"We have an incredible staff that is very knowledgeable, credible and passionate about teaching the game. I'm really proud of the team that we're forming, and everyone is eager to start making a positive impact.
Our training services specialize in fundamental skill development. We have designed programs that concentrate on mastering the basic skill techniques that help make players' more effective on the court. When I was growing up, there was a big emphasis on building a solid foundation. Your layup had to be perfect before moving out to the three point line, and I felt that this is an important philosophy to build on. I sometimes find that training methods accelerate so rapidly that they sacrifice the development of basic techniques. That is why at Earn Ya Rep we optimize players' developmental progression by mastering essential skills and advancing to more challenging concepts in an intentional manner.
Be sure to follow us to stay up to date with our upcoming clinics, camps and events. We also offer team collaborations and small group training which can be coordinated by sending us a message on our contact page.
We hope to train with you on the court soon!"