How to Keep Your Game Sharp Overseas When Gym Access Is Limited
For overseas basketball players, maintaining your game can be challenging, especially when access to a gym or practice facility is limited. Whether it’s due to team schedules, budget constraints, or even the offseason, staying ready is non-negotiable. Here are some tried-and-true ways to stay sharp, no matter the circumstances. 1. Go Old-School: Find a Hoop […]
Mental Challenges of Playing Overseas and How to Overcome Them
The recent and tragic death of former EuroLeague player Janis Timma from Latvia serves as a stark reminder that the mental health of basketball players overseas is a serious issue. I did not know him personally, but when something happens to someone in the overseas basketball community, we all feel it. While the excitement of […]
What Are “Stability Stats” for College Players Wanting to Play Overseas?
When it comes to professional basketball overseas, talent and skill are just part of the equation. There’s another factor that often carries just as much weight but doesn’t get nearly the same attention: stability. For coaches, scouts, agents, and general managers abroad, your track record of consistency—or what I call “stability stats”—can make or break […]
Breaking Out of a Shooting Slump
Every basketball player, from amateurs to seasoned pros, experiences shooting slumps. For overseas players, however, the stakes can be higher—a prolonged slump might jeopardize your employment. The pressure to perform in a foreign environment, coupled with the fear of being replaced, can make a slump feel insurmountable. But the truth is, a shooting slump is […]
Gameday Mindset: How to Prepare Like a Pro
Gameday is the pinnacle of every basketball player’s week—the moment when all the sweat, grind, and preparation come together. It’s not just another day; it’s a day to show what you’ve worked for and represent your team, your city, and, for many overseas players, even your home country. But how you approach gameday mentally and […]
Off-Court Drama Equals On-Court Consequences
Being part of a basketball team overseas can be one of the most rewarding experiences. You bond with teammates, share victories, and overcome challenges together. However, not every challenge is about X’s and O’s. Sometimes, the real issues are off the court—teammates whose extracurricular activities might be dragging the team down. Whether it’s partying too […]
Playing Out of Position Overseas
“A Jack of all Trades is often a master of none…but often times better than a master of one.” That quote defines me as a player better than any other. If anyone knows about playing out of position, it’s me. At 6’8”, I was the ultimate utility player, a hole-plugger who could be thrown into […]
Thriving as a Bench Player in Overseas Hoops
Hooping overseas is a dream for many athletes, however, for those transitioning overseas for the first time—especially bench players on strong teams—it can present unique challenges. Unlike some leagues around the world where a few players carry the majority of the workload, most overseas basketball teams place a heavy emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and role […]
Why U.S. Players Need to Adapt to Stay Competitive Overseas
American players, here’s a reality check: the international basketball landscape is no longer the same. Remember the days when American dominance was unquestioned? The Dream Team set the bar high, but fast forward to today, and the U.S. has real competition. In today’s global basketball market, American players are not as irreplaceable as they once […]
Why American Hoopers Are Embracing Foreign Citizenship
Two years, while I watched the 2022 European Basketball Championships, one thing stood out: the presence of American-born players who’d taken up citizenship in foreign countries to compete on their national teams. With 17 American-born athletes representing countries outside the USA, it’s clear that this trend is reshaping the landscape of professional basketball in Europe. […]