Idan Ravin, a soft-spoken, intensely private 38-year-old former lawyer from New York with no formal basketball playing or coaching experience has achieved an unlikely distinction. He's one of the NBA's most sought-after personal trainers.



Though he doesn't know who started it, Mr. Ravin's nickname in NBA circles is "The Hoops Whisperer."



Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony flies Mr. Ravin to Denver several times a season to help him with his ballhandling. Star New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul turns to him in the summers to sharpen his footwork and Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas, who scored 15 points Saturday in his first game back from a knee injury, worked with Mr. Ravin throughout his rehabilitation.