Will U.S. College Basketball Upend European Basketball Development?
There’s a seismic shift happening in the world of international basketball, and it’s coming from across the Atlantic. Fueled by the explosion of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in the United States, top European prospects are increasingly turning their backs on elite youth academies like those at Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in favor […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Unspoken Reality: Why Import Players Frequently Change Teams in Overseas Basketball
As a former player and coach overseas and deeply rooted in team dynamics, I understand the value of camaraderie and collective achievement. However, in overseas basketball, import players face a distinct reality shaped by short-term contracts and transient team dynamics. Factors Contributing to Frequent Team Changes -Short-Term Contracts: Unlike other professional sports leagues where players […]
The Complex Path To Professional Basketball For Youth Players – Part 1
Embarking on the journey to become a professional basketball player is a dream many young talents cherish. However, the harsh reality of the business side of basketball can be a challenging hurdle, especially for local players eager to make their mark. In the first part of this blog series, I recount a disheartening situation where […]
Why I’m Against The Euroleague Allowing Trades
When it comes to the Euroleague entertaining the idea of enabling player trades, there’s a whirlwind of complexities that might not be immediately apparent. From tax intricacies in different countries to the impact on domestic league decisions, and the myriad of other challenges, it’s a terrain fraught with potential issues. However, amidst all these obstacles, […]
Setting The Record Straight
As a former European basketball player and coach, and current consultant, I’d like to share my perspective on the ongoing debate between European basketball, particularly the Euroleague, and the NBA. First and foremost, let me clarify that my preference for watching European basketball does not diminish my respect for the NBA and its value. In […]
Analyzing Team USA’s 4th Place Finish in the FIBA World Cup: A 10-Year Plan
As a former European basketball pro and coach, I’ve closely observed Team USA’s recent 4th place finish in the FIBA World Cup. The rise in international competition demands that Team USA adapt and implement a comprehensive plan to regain its dominance for more than just the Olympics. I will propose a 10-year plan that emphasizes […]
NBA vs. Euroleague
Basketball fans often debate the merits of the NBA versus the Euroleague, with one of the most hotly contested issues being the number of games played. The NBA has a grueling 82-game regular season, while a typical Euroleague team plays just 34 games in addition to their normal club season of up to 34 games. […]
An Objective Look At Why The USA Is Now Number 2 In The World Rankings PART 2
5. Money…Back when I first came overseas, it was unheard of that a native player would be making more money than an American. There was no way unless the native player was a National Team player, but even then, that was more the exception than the rule. These days, however, it is not uncommon that […]