The Five Cardinal Sins: Mistakes Overseas Players Don´t Even Know They Are Making-Written by Lauren Neaves (Agent)
Every season, I have to negotiate multiple contract terminations and exit packages for players who, for one reason or another, were not up to the team’s expectations. A team’s expectations…what are those exactly? Many would assume that would be prolific scoring, dominating performances, etc. They wouldn’t be wrong, indeed players must have a strong impact […]
Should You Sign a Non-Exclusive Contract with an Agent?
When you’re chasing the overseas basketball dream, few decisions are as important—or as misunderstood—as the type of contract you sign with an agent. It might seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of your career, but trust me, it’s not. Whether you’re fresh out of college or a seasoned vet trying to squeeze […]
Transitioning from Playing Overseas to a New Career
For many professional basketball players, the overseas journey is a rewarding chapter filled with unique experiences, challenges, and growth. But as every player knows, the basketball court isn’t forever. Transitioning from playing overseas to a new career can be daunting, especially when there isn’t much content or guidance tailored to your specific experience. Here’s how […]
Lessons from Being Promoted a Division in Overseas Basketball
The Pro A championship in Germany will be decided today so this is perfect timing for this blogpost. When a team earns promotion to the top league in their country, the celebration is electric. Fans rejoice, players feel the payoff of a grueling season, and the city embraces a new level of visibility and pride. […]
Discount Codes? When Agents Start Playing a Different Game
Over the last few weeks, I’ve had some troubling conversations with four different players—all of them reaching out independently with the same uneasy question:“Sean, does this sound right to you?” What they shared wasn’t illegal. But it was definitely suspect. And in my eyes—unethical. Each story centered around an agent based in the U.S. recommending […]
Why You Don’t Know How Good Your Agent Is Until You’re Injured or Fired
In overseas basketball, everything seems great when you’re healthy, playing well, and getting paid on time. But when things take a turn—whether due to injury or a sudden contract termination—you quickly realize just how valuable a good agent can be. I always say: A player never knows how good their agent is until they are […]
The Lowball Offer: When Teams Make You the Villain
One of the harsh realities of overseas basketball is understanding that, at the end of the day, basketball is a business. No matter how well you play, no matter how much you’ve given to a team, there may come a moment when you receive a contract offer that feels like a slap in the face. […]
7 Things You Never Know About Overseas Hoops—Until You Do
Whether you’ve played overseas or are still dreaming of making the leap, there are certain things you won’t fully understand until you’ve lived the overseas experience yourself. Some lessons come from experience, others from mistakes. And some? You may never truly know. From what your agent actually does to how teams make decisions, let’s pull […]
5 Essential Steps to Start Your Overseas Basketball Career
Congratulations on finishing your senior season! The journey from collegiate basketball to playing professionally overseas is exciting, but it’s also a road that requires preparation, persistence, and a proactive approach. The dream of being “discovered” while waiting at home is just that—a dream. The reality? You need to make things happen. Here are five critical […]
Why You Should Never Accept the First Overseas Contract Offer
About to wrap up a solid season overseas, and your team offers you a contract to return next year. It feels good to be wanted, right? You might even be tempted to sign it immediately—after all, you already know the system, the coach, and the city. But here’s the reality: signing the first offer is […]