There have been hours in the gym over the years, working on passing and shooting, dribbling and defence, speed, conditioning and instinct.
Why wouldn’t Precious Achiuwa be supremely confident facing the greatest test of his still-young NBA career?
“It’s just hard work,” the 22-year-old Raptors forward said Thursday. “I work really hard so it makes me very confident. I just know eventually it’s going to pay off.
“I don’t think anyone is confident if they don’t put the work in; I don’t think anyone shouldn’t be confident if they do put the work in.