The Value of Learning the Language: A Pro’s Perspective
When you’re playing basketball overseas, the term “journeyman” takes on a whole new meaning. The reality is that most contracts, especially for rookies, are short-term—often just for one season. Even veteran players rarely secure multi-year deals, which means you might find yourself bouncing from country to country, year after year. With this constant movement, many […]
Flirting with Your Next Team: Networking Tips
As the season reaches full swing, now is the time to start thinking about your future. I’m not talking about flirting in the traditional sense—but rather, “flirting” with your next potential team. This is about planting seeds for opportunities that could come up next season, and trust me, the moves you make now can open […]
“When Should I Fire My Agent?”
It’s early October, and I know some of you are still at home, frustrated that you haven’t landed a contract yet. The title is an exact quote from a player the other day. Trust me, I understand the anxiety. At this point, it’s natural to start pointing fingers—often at your agent. After all, it’s their […]
How College Hoopers Can Stand Out
Are you one of the thousands of college basketball players hoping to play professionally overseas? If so, I’ve got some crucial insights to share. Every year, around 1,500 Division 1 men’s basketball players finish their college eligibility, and that doesn’t even account for Division 2, Division 3, NAIA, or junior college athletes. When you factor […]
Why Getting a Second Opinion Can Save Your Overseas Career
They say hindsight is 20/20, and in my case, that couldn’t be more true. Looking back, had I gotten a second opinion on my injured leg, I would have taken 3-6 weeks off, healed up, and continued my career. Instead, I made the mistake of trusting the team doctor, whose priority was the team’s success, […]
Off The Plane, Ready To Go
If you’ve never played basketball overseas before, there are a few things you absolutely must know and understand before boarding that plane and crossing into new territory. Life as an import player isn’t just about talent—it’s about making the right impression from the moment you step off the plane. Here’s what you need to be […]
How to Earn Playing Time Overseas
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 […]
Tips For European Hooopers Playing Abroad For The First Time
This post is for all the European athletes stepping out of their comfort zones for the first time to either attend college or play basketball professionally in another country. Consider this your heads-up! You’re about to get a taste of what life is like for American players who venture overseas to play ball. Trust me, […]
Navigating and Executing Set Plays Overseas
One of the biggest challenges I see many rookies struggle with overseas is understanding and executing their roles within set plays. Adjusting to this aspect of the game can be tough, especially when you’re new to the professional scene. As a pro now, learning and mastering your playbook is part of your job—there’s no other […]
Understanding and Navigating the “Replacement Market”
As we approach the critical period from mid-August through November, the overseas basketball landscape enters what I call the “Replacement Market.” This is a crucial time for both teams and players, characterized by a high turnover rate as teams reassess their rosters after a few weeks of tryouts and preseason games. Seasons start typically in […]