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MY STORY

Basketball has been the driving force in my life for more than 25 years. It's more than just a game—it's a passion that has shaped who I am, and I can't imagine my life without it.

Growing up in Gdynia, Poland, I dreamed of one day moving to the United States and playing in the NBA. At 14 years old, that dream became possible when my family relocated to Reno, Nevada.

Although I was considered one of the top young basketball players in Poland, I quickly realized the level of competition in the United States was much higher. Players my age were stronger, faster, more skilled, and had a deeper understanding of the game. Instead of becoming discouraged, I embraced the challenge.

I spent countless hours in the gym, working on my game before and after practice, learning from outstanding coaches, and constantly searching for ways to improve. Those years taught me that talent alone is never enough—success comes from discipline, consistency, and a willingness to outwork the competition.

That mindset allowed me to achieve goals I once only dreamed about. I competed at the highest levels of high school basketball, earned the opportunity to play Division I basketball, and went on to enjoy a seven-year professional career throughout the United States and Europe while proudly representing the Polish National Team.

Like every athlete, my journey wasn't without setbacks. Injuries forced me to spend time away from the game and gave me an opportunity to reflect on how I wanted to continue making an impact. In 2018, I discovered a new passion—helping young athletes develop their skills and confidence.

That same year, I founded Olek Czyz Basketball with one mission: to help players reach their full potential through hard work, proper instruction, and a genuine love for the game.

Looking back on my own career, I now realize how fortunate I was to learn from exceptional coaches and to benefit from individual skill development throughout my playing journey. Those experiences not only made me a better basketball player, but also taught me lessons about perseverance, discipline, leadership, and continuous improvement that extend far beyond the court.

Today, my passion is investing in the next generation of athletes. Whether a player is just beginning their basketball journey or preparing to compete at the next level, my goal is to provide the guidance, knowledge, and encouragement they need to grow both as players and as people.

Every workout is about more than improving a jump shot or ball handling. It's about building confidence, developing character, creating lifelong habits, and helping young athletes believe in what they are capable of achieving.

I consider it a privilege to share the knowledge I've gained over the past 25 years with families throughout Reno and Northern Nevada, and I look forward to helping every athlete become the best version of themselves—both on and off the court.

 

Olek Czyz Gries Oberhoffen Pre-Season shooting Free Throw France
Olek Czyż Gries Oberhoffen Pre Season vs Nancy

Gries Oberhoffen 2019

Signed a one year contract with a French team Gries-Oberhoffen

Averaged 10.5 pts, 2.8 rebs, 1.3 ast in 16 min of play in preseason

Best Performance in Disney Cup vs SLUC Nancy 28 pts, 4 rebs, 2 ast and 2 stl

Suffered knee injury in the first game of the season

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Olek Czyż Anwil Włocławek 2019 PLK Champion
Anwil Wloclawek Dunk vs Torun Play-Offs

Anwil Wloclawek 2019

After a long rehab, signed in February with a Polish Team Anwil Wloclawek

Averaged 2.7 pts, 2.2 rebs in 8 min of play

Won a PLK Championship beating Torun 4-3 in the Finals

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Olek Czyż Pistoia Basket
Olek Czyż at Carson City MAC basketball training

Still Ballin Co. (Olek Czyz Basketball) 2018 - Current

Signed a one year contract in Italy with former team Pistoia Basket
Suffered injury during first official practice

(DNP 17-18 Season)

Underwent a double knee surgery

Started a basketball Skills Development Business "Still Ballin Co." in 2018

  • YouTube
Olek Czyż Polish National Team Polska
Olek Czyż Maciej Lampe Polish National Team

Polish National Team 2017

Joined the Polish National Team for the training camp after knee surgery

Played against Czech Republic, Lithuania and Latvia

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Olek Czyż Juve Caserta vs Reggio Emilia
Olek Czyż Juve Caserta vs Venezia

Juve Caserta 2016 - 2017

Signed a one season contract with Juve Caserta - Italian team from Serie A

Scored 26 pts 8 reb 2 stl in season opener vs Reggio Emilia

Suffered an injury soon after season has started

Averaged 7.4 pts, 3.5 rebs in 18 min of play

(DNP Half Season)

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Polish Anthem Olek Czyż Polish National Team
Olek Czyż Polish National Team Photo Shoot

Polish National Team 2016

Played for the Polish Senior National Team in European Qualifiers

Averaged 6 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.3 ast, 0,8 stl in 15 minutes of play

  • YouTube
Olek Czyż Pistoia Basket Dunk
Olek Czyż Pistoia Basket vs Milano

Pistoia Basket 2015 - 2016

Signed a one season contract with Pistoia Basket - Italian team from Serie A.
Avaraged 11.3 pts, 5.5 reb, 0.8 ast, 0.8 stl in 22 minutes of play
Advanced to Italian Cup Final 8 for the first time in team history
In a loss vs Trento during Italian Cup recorded 20 pts, 7 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl
Finished the season as 6th seed (highest in teams history)

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Olek Czyż Polish National Team Polska
Polish National Team Olek Czyz vs Portugal

Polish National Team 2015

Debuted in the Polish Senior National Team

Placed 11th at the Eurobasket.

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Olek Czyż Dunk Turów Zgorzelec vs Zielona Góra in PLK Finals 2015
Olek Czyż Turów Zgorzelec 2015 Eurocup

PGE Turow Zgorzelec 2015

After a long rehab signed in January with the Polish Euroleague team PGE Turow Zgorzelec.

Averaged 7 pts, 3.7 reb, 0.9 ast in 17 min of play

Won the award for Best Newcomer Of The Year

Finished in Final 8 in Eurocup

In the Playoffs lost during Finals to Stelmet 4-1

  • YouTube
Olek Czyż D-League Elite Camp
Olek Czyż D-League Elite Camp
Olek Czyż Canton Charge in Reno, NV Showcase

NBA D-League 2013 - 2014

After being released by Milwaukee Bucks, Olek signed with NBA D-League affiliate team the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
Half way through the season the Mad Ants negotiated a trade with the Canton Charge.

In the NBA D-League averaged 12 pts, 7 rebs in 24 min of play.
Best game recorded in the D-League 28 pts and 19 reb.

Summer 2014

Attended Elite G-League Mini Camp

Participated in Miami Heat individual workouts during NBA Finals.

Went off to play in the Las Vegas NBA Summer League for NBA D-League Select team.

Serious Hamstring injury excluded Olek from participating in the NBA Summer League games

Also missed Polish National Team window.

  • YouTube
Game day #15 #Bucks Milwaukee Bucks Jersey
Olek Czyż Milwaukee Bucks vs Memphis Grizzlies
Olek Czyż Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Olek Czyż Milwaukee Bucks vs Charlotte Bobcats

NBA Milwaukee Bucks 2013

Was part of a 15 men roster starting the season with the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks

Played in 4 Pre-Season Games vs Charlote Bobcats, Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies and Cleveland Cavaliers
Recorded a game of 11 pts 3 reb and 1 stl in 16 min vs Charlotte Bobcats

Played with the 2018 Most Valuable Player in NBA Giannis Antetokounmpo
After being released by Milwaukee Bucks Olek signed with NBA D-League affiliate team the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

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Olek Czyż Portland Trailblazers at Las Vegas Summer League
Olek Czyż with Chicago Bulls Las Vegas Summer League 2012

Summer 2013

Took part in the NBA Summer League with the Portland Trailblazers.

  • YouTube
Olek Czyż Virtus Roma Dunk 2012
Olek Czyz Biela All Star Weekend Dunk Contest in Biela

Virtus Roma 2012 - 2013

Signed his first professional contract for one year term with Italian team Virtus Roma.

Averaged 6.8 pts, 4.1 rebs in 17 min of play

Took part in 2012 Italian All Star Game Dunk Contest (Finalist)

Beko Italian Cup Final Eight Semi-Finals during the mid-season tournament

Best performer against Euroleague team Cantu during Italian Cup Final 8 (19 pts, 8 rbs)

Finished regular season as 3rd best team in Italy.

In the Playoffs lost during Finals to Montepaschi Siena 4-1.

  • YouTube
Olek Czyż Portland Trailblazers practice in Portland
Olek Czyż Chicago Bulls Summer League in Las Vegas

Summer 2012

Worked out with NBA teams prior to 2012 NBA draft

Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trailblazers.

Participated in EuroCamp in Treviso, Italy.

Took part in Las Vegas Summer League during 2012 summer playing for the Chicago Bulls.

  • YouTube
University of Nevada Basketball Olek Czyz vs Utah State at Lawlor Events Center
Olek Czyz Dunk Nevada vs Washington University
Olek Czyz Nevada Wolfpack WAC Conference Champion

Nevada 2010-2012

Nevada Wolf Pack Junior Year 2010-2011

WAC 2010-2011 All-Newcomer Team Award

Averaged 12.3 pts, 5.7 rebs during 2010-2011 season.

All-WAC leader in 3 point shooting during 2010-2011, with 46.8% 3PT shots made.

Became eligible to play mid-season 2010-2011 at the University of Nevada and

continued to play for one more season in 2011-2012.

Nevada Wolf Pack Senior Year 2011-2012

Won the NCAA Dunk of the Year Award by The Hoops Manifesto

WAC 2011-2012 All-Conference First Team Award.

Averaged 13.8 pts, 6.5 rebs during the 2011-2012 season.

Helped lead the Wolf Pack to a 2011-2012 WAC Conference Championship.

Finished the season with 28 wins (Second most in programs history up to that point)

  • YouTube
Olek Czyż Senior National Team vs Iceland
Olek Czyż u20 Polish National Team

Summer 2009 - 2010

Polish National Team U-20

Summer 2009 Polish National Team U-20

Earned a Bronze Medal at the 2009 FIBA tournament for U-20 National Team.

Averaged 7.3 pts, 3.8 rebs and 1.2 ast per game, posted a .514 (18-of-35) field goal percentage in the tournament

Helped Poland to a 5-1 record, .

Summer 2010 Polish National Team U-20

Lead the Polish U-20 basketball team in winning a Bronze medal at the 2010 FIBA tournament.

Olek was selected as All-Tournament First Team during FIBA U20 tournament in 2010.

During FIBA 2010 U-20, Olek was named "Best Forward" by www.Eurobasket.com

Averaged 16.1 pts, 8.1 rebs, was ranked #1 in 2 point Field Goal Percentage (74%) and #1 Field Goal Percentage (70.9%).

  • YouTube
Olek Czyż Duke University Dunk
Olek Czyż Count Down to Crazines 2009 360 Dunk Contest

Duke 2008 - 2009

Duke University Freshman Year 2008 - 2009

Freshman year played limited minutes at Duke.

Recorded a 44.5 inch vertical jump at 18 years old at Duke.

March Madness Sweet 16

ACC Tournament Champion

Duke University Sophomore Year 2009- End of 2009

Count Down to Craziness Dunk Champion

Recorded two games in the starting lineup

Recorded 6 pts 6 rebs 3 stl 3 ast in 24 min in his starting lineup debut

After 10 games through the season transferred to play at the University of Nevada

  • YouTube
Olek Czyż Under Armor Classic MVP in Maryland
Olek Czyż Under Armor Classic MVP in Maryland

Before Duke 2008

Ranked 87th overall and 27th among power forwards by ESPN 100

During Senior year of High School signed to play at Duke University over Florida, Louisville and other colleges.

Claimed MVP honors at the 35th annual Under Armor Capital Classic

Recorded a game-high 23 pts to lead the U.S. All-Stars to a 123-85 victory over the Capital All-Stars, shoting 9-of-14 from the floor and 5-of-5 from the foul line while adding 9 rebs, 2 ast and 1 blk shot in the game.

Scored 32 points to lead the Blue team to a 94-82 win over Silver in the ninth annual Fallon Optimist All-Star Classic

  • YouTube
Olek Czyż Reno High School 2008 shooting Free Throws
Olek Czyz Reno High School 2 time State Champ

Reno High School 2004 - 2008

Led Reno High to a 77-17 record, winning Two State Championships (2006, 2008), 26-6 record in 2008.

First Team All-State - 20 pts and 10 rebs per game

In 2008 Posted 18 pts and 10 rebs in a 76-72 win over Cheyenne in the 4A State Championship game

In 2008 Scored 25 pts and added 13 rebs and 3 blk in the State Semifinal win over Foothill

Wild West Tournament Slam Dunk Contest Champ 2006, 2007, 2008 (Three-time winner of the event)

2008 Wild West Tournament Championship

  • YouTube

Early Childhood in Poland 2000-2004

Born & Raised in Poland, Gdynia

Started playing basketball at a basketball school ZSSO 14 at 10 years old

Moved to USA with family at 14 years old

In the background video, you can see the First in-game Dunk at 13 years old

Contact me

olek czyz basketball

Operating out of
Reno, nv & Carson City, NV

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