If you’re a basketball player with hopes of playing overseas, attending basketball combines during the summer can be a great opportunity to showcase your skills to potential teams. However, it’s important to be well-prepared and to approach the experience with the right mindset. Here are some pieces of advice for those of you going to basketball combines during the summer with hopes of landing a contract to play overseas.
- Prepare mentally and physically: Before attending a basketball combine, make sure you’re in top physical shape, have practiced your skills, and have a clear idea of what you want to showcase to potential overseas teams. Understand and constantly be aware that this is YOUR chance! Don’t let circumstances ruin that for you.
- Research the combine: Look into the history of the basketball combine you’re planning to attend and find out what type of players have been successful in the past. Reach out to players who have been there in the past and ask how it was for them…and if the camp does not provide film that you can use to send out to agents or teams, I would not recommend going.
- Network with other players: Use the basketball combine as an opportunity to network with other players, coaches, and scouts. Building relationships can help you find new opportunities and improve your overall experience. Be open!
- Be professional: If you want to be a professional, then act like one. Conduct yourself with professionalism and respect, both on and off the court. This will help you stand out and make a positive impression on potential overseas teams. Understand that people are watching not only what you do on the court, but what you do off of it as well.
- Be the loudest person on the court: You can be noticed in a positive light by being communicative. Talk on both sides of the floor. Help players on your team by letting them know you are there on the help side for example.
- Stay focused: Basketball combines can be overwhelming, with many distractions and other players vying for attention. Stay focused on your goals and what you need to do to achieve them.
- Be adaptable: Remember that different overseas teams may be looking for different types of players, so be adaptable and willing to adjust your playing style to fit their needs.
Ultimately, attending basketball combines with the intention of landing a contract to play overseas requires a combination of hard work, dedication, professionalism and luck. By following these pieces of advice, you can increase your chances of making a positive impression on potential teams overseas.