Whether you’ve played overseas or are still dreaming of making the leap, there are certain things you won’t fully understand until you’ve lived the overseas experience yourself. Some lessons come from experience, others from mistakes. And some? You may never truly know.
From what your agent actually does to how teams make decisions, let’s pull back the curtain on overseas hoops and shed light on what really goes on behind the scenes.
1. You Have No Idea What Your Agent Actually Does
A good agent does way more than just land you a contract. They’re constantly:
- Calling teams behind the scenes
- Selling you to clubs that may be interested
- Negotiating deals you don’t even know exist
But let’s be real—unless you’ve got a camera crew following your agent like a reality show, you’ll never know exactly how hard they’re working on your behalf.
The truth? If your agent is doing their job, you shouldn’t have to worry about it. Trust the process.
2. You’ll Never Know How Many Teams Showed Interest
Many players assume that if a team inquires about them, their agent will tell them immediately. Wrong!
Why? Because interest doesn’t mean offers. Your agent might talk to 5, 10, even 15 teams before one actually puts a contract on the table. If your agent told you about every inquiry, you’d start doubting them when deals didn’t come through.
Bottom line: Agents will only bring up serious offers—not just teams “checking in.”
3. You’ll Never Fully Understand Why You Did (or Didn’t) Get an Offer
Overseas teams don’t just pick the most talented player—they look at:
- Playing style fit (Does your game complement their system?)
- Budget (Are you worth the money?)
- Team chemistry (Will you be a locker room problem?)
- Work visa eligibility (Some teams avoid certain nationalities for legal reasons)
This isn’t a player’s market. Teams have hundreds (if not thousands) of options, so even if you had a great season, there’s no guarantee they’ll offer you a deal. And no matter how much your agent pushes, the final decision is always the team’s.
4. You’ll Never Know What Your Former Teams Say About You
When you move on to a new team, will your former coach sing your praises or warn the next team about you?
You might never know.
Some teams speak highly of their former players. Others, for reasons both fair and unfair, may paint you in a bad light.
That’s why being professional and leaving on good terms is crucial. Even if you didn’t like the situation, don’t burn bridges—you never know who’s talking to whom.
5. A Great Season Doesn’t Guarantee a Bigger Contract
Just because you put up numbers this season doesn’t mean you’ll get a raise. Overseas basketball doesn’t work like the NBA—teams don’t have salary caps forcing them to pay you more if you perform.
You are worth what the market says you are worth.
Some players earn the same salary for years before getting a major bump. Others take a pay cut even after a strong season. Pro tip? Save your money and never assume a bigger bag is coming.
6. You’ll Never Know If You’ll Fit In With a New Team
Every overseas team has its own culture, coaching style, and locker room dynamic. Even if you’re a great player, you might not mesh well with the system or personalities.
The only way to find out? Show up, work hard, and ADAPT. If you don´t, you will be on a flight back home quicker than a New York minute.
7. You Might Have the Wrong Agent
Not all agents are created equal. Some are grinders who work day and night for their players. Others? Barely lift a finger.
One thing I have learned about agents is, an agent that is good with one client, might be horrible for another client. Just because an agent has a good relationship with you, does not mean he/she will have a good relationship with another player.
If you feel like your career is stagnating, or if your agent only calls when it’s contract time, it might be time to rethink that relationship.
- Do they communicate with you throughout the year?
- Are they actively looking for better opportunities?
- Do they understand your goals beyond just getting a job?
The right agent is a game-changer. The wrong one? A career killer.
Overseas basketball is full of unknowns. Some things, you learn the hard way. Others, you might never truly understand.
That’s why having the right knowledge, strategy, and support system is crucial. And that’s exactly what I offer at SJM Consulting—helping players navigate the overseas basketball business the right way.
Need help with your overseas career? Let’s build your game plan together.
Let’s Talk…