Staying Professional in an Unprofessional Situation
Let’s get one thing straight: not every overseas basketball situation will be a dream come true. Some teams are notorious for their lack of professionalism, and you may find yourself dealing with issues that are completely out of your control. From delayed payments to subpar living conditions, the challenges can be overwhelming. But here’s the […]
The Pitfalls of Agents Who Only Offer “Help”
Before diving into the topic, let me clarify that this is purely an opinion piece based on my experiences and observations in the overseas basketball world. I’m not here to vilify agents who follow the practices I’ll be discussing, as there may be legitimate reasons behind their actions that I haven’t considered. However, it would […]
Beware of Unethical Agent Practices
As someone who’s spent years navigating the overseas basketball scene, nothing frustrates me more than hearing stories of players being taken advantage of by unethical agents or scammers. It’s infuriating to see how a small percentage of agents exploit the trust of their players for personal gain. Today, I want to address this issue head-on […]
Avoid Being Scammed
I’ve seen many players fall victim to scams by fake agents and other fraudsters. These scammers employ convincing tactics that can easily deceive unsuspecting hoopers. To ensure your safety and avoid falling victim to scams, I have compiled some practical tips that will aid you in making informed decisions: Scammers continuously evolve their tactics to […]
Two Key Mistakes to Avoid When Pursuing an Overseas Basketball Career
Recently, I had conversations with two players aspiring to play overseas, and each made a common mistake that many players make. Here’s what I learned from those discussions and the advice I had for them and you. The Agent Dilemma During a conversation about agents, one player mentioned, “I have an agent, but I also […]
The Importance of Leaving Overseas Teams on Good Terms
With more and more seasons ending in Europe, I wanted to write this blog as it is incredibly important for the future of overseas hoopers. How you leave a team can be just as important as how you play on the court. The way you end your tenure with a team can have long-lasting implications […]
The Truth About Early Termination Of Your Agent Contract…
One particular area that demands attention is the inclusion of monetary penalties for early contract termination with agents. I will shed light on these unfavorable clauses, dispel misconceptions, and emphasize your rights as outlined in the FIBA Agent Guidelines. Understanding FIBA Agent Guideline Clause 320: Clause 320 of the FIBA Agent Guidelines explicitly states, “The […]
Why Playing Against A Pro Doesn’t Guarantee Overseas Success
I hadn’t planned to write today, but a conversation with a player who’s yet to experience overseas basketball prompted me to address one of my biggest pet peeves when speaking with players. I ABSOLUTELY DETEST IT WHEN PLAYERS TRY TO GAUGE THEIR ABILITIES AGAINST OVERSEAS PROS IN SUMMER LEAGUES, PICKUP GAMES, OR ANY UNOFFICIAL SEASONAL […]
The “When I Make It To A Bigger League” Myth
In the world of overseas hoops, it’s not uncommon to hear athletes express their aspirations of reaching higher leagues as a catalyst for taking their game more seriously. Excuse my French, but that is a bunch of bullsh*t! The notion that a bigger paycheck or a more prestigious platform will magically transform one’s approach to […]
Player Empowerment: Negotiating The Terms in Agent/Player Contracts
In the world of professional basketball, players are often represented by agents who negotiate contracts on their behalf. But what about the contracts between the agent and the player? Is the player able to negotiate terms or does the player have no right to indicate that some terms are not beneficial to him/her? While these […]