Are you a basketball player looking to secure playing time as an import overseas? It’s not always as simple as, “I’m an import and better than the player ahead of me.” Playing overseas comes with its own set of challenges, and understanding both the written and unwritten rules will put you in a better position to succeed.
Team Needs vs. Individual Desires
One thing you’ll quickly learn is that overseas coaches have to juggle the needs of the team with individual players’ ambitions. As a player, it’s easy to focus on yourself: How can I get more minutes? Why am I not starting? But coaches have a broader perspective. They have to think about which rotations work best, which players have chemistry, and how making one substitution affects the team’s defense or offense.
I used to think only about my own game as a player, but when I became a coach, I realized how many variables are at play when deciding who gets minutes. Coaches aren’t just thinking about talent—they’re thinking about balance.
If You Want to Play More, Someone Else Plays Less
Here’s the reality: for you to get more time on the court, someone else has to sit. So, how do you get ahead? It starts in practice. Are you outworking and outperforming the player ahead of you consistently? Make sure the coach sees what you can do—whether that’s your defensive intensity, shooting, or leadership.
But it doesn’t stop there. You have to deliver when it counts, and that means games. Every time you step on the court, treat it like an audition. You don’t know when or how long you’ll play, so be ready to contribute right away. Whether it’s scoring efficiently, grabbing rebounds, or locking down the other team’s best player—show your value to the team in ways that help win games.
Know Your Role and Be a Team Player
As an import, you also need to accept that your role may be limited by rules outside your control. Different countries and leagues have restrictions on how many foreign players can be on the court at the same time, which might mean fewer minutes than you’d like. Even if you don’t agree with the decision, understanding the bigger picture will help you accept it.
One of my players in Germany’s second league, for example, was probably our best player, but he didn’t start all the time because of the import rules. The league required two German players on the court at all times, and his position overlapped with one of our top Germans. So, despite his talent, we had to manage his minutes carefully. He understood the situation, and though I knew he wanted to start, he handled it professionally and contributed when called upon.
Dealing with a Deep, Talented Team
Another challenge you might face is being part of a stacked team. This is common in leagues like the EuroLeague, where rosters are deep, and teams rotate players to avoid burnout over a long season. You might play in league games but sit out EuroLeague matches, or vice versa.
On such teams, efficiency is everything! Minutes are spread out, and the team’s success doesn’t rely on just two or three key players. Everyone has to contribute. You might not get a lot of minutes, so when you do, you need to make them count. If you don’t, there’s always someone right behind you, equally talented, ready to take your spot.
Earning Minutes Is More Than Just Your Stats
Remember, it’s not just about your individual performance. How well do you fit with the rest of the team? Maybe your skill set doesn’t complement another player’s, so the coach won’t put you both on the floor at the same time. Be patient, work hard, and stay positive. Your opportunity will come.
I hope these insights help those of you aiming to earn more playing time overseas. Keep grinding, stay dedicated, and believe in yourself. I am here if you need some advice on how to handle a situation such as this. The overseas basketball path isn’t always easy, but with perseverance, you can make it.