It may be a simple routine of sleeping in, getting some food, and listening to some much needed pump-up music before a home game at the Thomas & Mack, but Bryce Hamilton has been doing it for years.
As a senior, Hamilton is set to play in his last home game as a Runnin’ Rebel, although the emotions will be high, he keeps his routine the same just like any other home game.
Averaging 21.7 points per game ranks Hamilton sixth in the nation, the key to this might just be the three hour nap he takes just before a game.
“That day [game day], we get to sleep in,” Hamilton said. “So I’ll probably wake up at 10 a.m. For breakfast, I always have to get McDonalds. I got a sausage egg McGriddle combo and some pancakes.”
After grabbing breakfast, Hamilton will head back to his place to chill before the team shootaround which is typically about 1:30 p.m.
“I usually will watch other college basketball games that are going on during that time,” Hamilton said.
Once the team’s shootaround ends, which is around an hour, Hamilton will have team dinner around 2:30 p.m.
“My go-to would be salmon and I get a salad,” Hamilton said. “That’s all I usually get pretty much.”
The most important thing in Hamilton’s game day routine follows team dinner, a pregame nap.
“I’m taking a nap, 2 hours, 3 hours, till it’s time to get up and go play,” Hamilton said.
Once arriving at the Thomas & Mack, warmups begin where Hamilton will listen to various artists, which is a must for him before a game.
“My go-to song, I have to play before every single game, would be Freestyle by Lil Baby,” Hamilton said. “That song gets me going. I also have to listen to a little bit of Nipsey Hussle, some Meek Mill, also Babyface, I have to listen to all those people before a game.”
Just like that, tip-off is underway after introductions and the National Anthem. After getting the “dub” Hamilton will get some treatment and stretching before heading out to get food.
If his parents are in town he’ll go out with them but if not he’ll go with the rest of the team, which Angry Chicks is typically the place to eat after a game.
After being questioned about any unique rituals Hamilton said, “my pregame thing is pretty simple, I don’t meditate or anything like that really.”
A simple routine may not work for everyone, but it works for the Runnin’ Rebels starting guard and leading scorer.
Hamilton and the Runnin’ Rebels host Wyoming tonight for senior night and the final home game of the season before the Mountain West Tournament which begins March 9.
