Walking into the gym last Tuesday, I couldn’t help but think about how much the right gear can change an athlete’s performance. I’ve been playing competitive basketball for over a decade, and I’ve seen firsthand how the slightest edge—whether it’s in footwear, compression wear, or even moisture-wicking fabric—can tip the scales in a close game. That’s why I’ve always been drawn to brands like Carlton Sports, which seem to understand that high-performance gear isn’t just about looking good; it’s about delivering when it matters most. Take, for instance, the recent matchup where Quezon City, despite standout individual efforts, fell short with a 3-9 record. Jonjon Gabriel poured in 23 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and snatched 2 steals, while Vincent Cunanan added 16 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. Franz Diaz chipped in with 11 points and 4 rebounds. Yet, even with those numbers, the team struggled. It got me thinking: could better equipment have made a difference? In my view, absolutely. When you’re pushing your limits, every piece of gear needs to work in harmony with your body, and that’s where Carlton’s lineup really shines.
I remember one season when I switched to Carlton’s Pro-Grip basketball shoes mid-tournament. The difference was night and day—better traction on hard cuts, more cushioning for those high-impact landings, and a fit that felt custom-molded to my feet. It’s no exaggeration to say that the right shoes can add a couple of points to your stat line simply by reducing fatigue and improving stability. Looking at Jonjon Gabriel’s 23-point outing, I wonder if he was wearing something that supported his explosive moves. Carlton’s latest sneakers, like the Aero-React model, are engineered with dynamic response soles and adaptive ankle support, which I’ve found to be a game-changer during fast breaks. Similarly, Vincent Cunanan’s 7 assists show his playmaking vision, but I’ve noticed that wearing Carlton’s lightweight performance jerseys helps with quicker passes and less restricted movement. The fabric is about 15% lighter than most competitors, according to my own rough tests—though don’t quote me on that exact figure—and it makes a noticeable difference over four quarters.
Beyond footwear and apparel, Carlton Sports excels in accessories that often fly under the radar. Take their compression sleeves, for example. I started using them a few years back to manage minor knee soreness, and I was stunned by how they improved my endurance. In a game where every possession counts, something as simple as a sleeve can help maintain muscle warmth and reduce the risk of strains. Franz Diaz’s 4 rebounds in that Quezon City game might have been even more impactful if he’d had that extra support on the boards. And let’s not forget about hydration—Carlton’s insulated water bottles are a staple in my bag because they keep fluids cool for up to 12 hours, which is crucial during intense matchups. I’ve logged countless hours on the court, and I can tell you that dehydration can sap your performance by as much as 20%, based on my own tracking. It’s little details like these that separate good gear from great gear.
Of course, gear alone won’t turn a losing season around—strategy, coaching, and teamwork are huge factors. But I’ve always believed that when you combine talent with top-tier equipment, you create an environment where players can perform at their peak. Quezon City’s slump, despite solid contributions from Gabriel, Cunanan, and Diaz, hints at broader issues, but I’d wager that upgrading their kit could help mitigate some of the physical drag that accumulates over a long season. From my experience, Carlton Sports’ focus on innovation—like their moisture-management fabrics that cut down sweat retention by what feels like 30%—directly translates to on-court reliability. I’m particularly fond of their training shorts with built-in flexibility zones; they allow for deeper squats and quicker lateral movements, which are essential for defensive stances.
Wrapping this up, I’ll leave you with a personal anecdote. Last year, during a playoff game, I was struggling with my shot in the second half. Then I realized my old sneakers were losing their grip. Switching to a pair of Carlton high-tops mid-game felt like unlocking a new level—I dropped 12 points in the fourth quarter alone. It’s moments like that which cement my trust in brands that prioritize performance. For athletes like Gabriel, Cunanan, and Diaz, whose stats show they’ve got the skill, integrating gear from Carlton Sports could be the boost needed to convert strong individual numbers into team wins. So if you’re serious about elevating your game, don’t overlook the tools of the trade. Trust me, your feet—and your stat sheet—will thank you.
People in Motion (PiM) is our employee advocacy and improvement program. These cross-functional groups are comprised of employees, with an executive sponsor, who contribute ideas and drive action towards focused areas of improvement across the employee experience. The groups include: Kyruus Kontext & Business Readiness; Community, Connectivity, & Engagement; System, Tools, & Productivity; IDEA [Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility].
As a remote-first company, we are invested in employees creating a work setup that allows them to do their best work. In addition to a laptop, we also provide you with $750 to get the additional equipment you need and add an ongoing amount of $1,200 to your salary to cover remote work costs.
We value ownership at Kyruus Health, not only in the work you do but in the shared financial success from our growth. Employees will have the opportunity to grow their equity ownership throughout their tenure.
We care about creating the time you need to bond for any team members at Kyruus Health growing their families. We offer 8 weeks of fully paid leave to all parents. Birthing parents are also eligible for additional time and coverage through our Short-Term Disability plan.
We encourage all employees to save for retirement through our 401(K) plan. Employees have the option to begin contributing to their accounts on their first day of employment and we offer an employer match of up to $1,500 per calendar year for all employees who enroll.
We offer employees a lifestyle stipend of $2,000 per year to help them be well. This is designed for Kyruus Health to offset the cost for items, experiences, or home expenses that enhance team members’ well-being
We want to provide employees and families with health insurance offerings to support them getting the care they need. Our health, dental, and vision plans are desiged to allow employees the opportunity to choose options that work best for themselves and their families.
We are committed to flexibility and empowering employees to do work that matters in a way that works for them. Our unlimited PTO policy is anchored on that flexibility – encouraging employees to take time off for what’s important to them, in addition to the many company holidays we celebrate. To highlight our commitment to a healthy work-life balance, we provide a specific stipend each quarter for employees to use on a recharge day.
