As a professional basketball player, playing in Europe can be a unique and exciting opportunity, but it can also bring its own set of challenges, especially if you are coming from the bench on a high-level team.
If you join a high-level team that is playing in a European cup competition such as the Euroleague, Euroleague Women, or FIBA EuroCup, then you might find yourself on a strong team. You may not have to create big numbers to be a productive and useful member of the team.
For example, let’s take FC Bayern Munich which plays in the Euroleague. They have 16 licensed players for Euroleague games and 20 for their German 1st league Bundesliga games. Some of these players will play during Bundesliga games, but will never dress for Euroleague games. The team will choose to rest some players when they have Bundesliga games so they do not get fatigued.
That means FC Bayern Munich has a very strong team with a lot of competition for minutes. Yes, this is the cream of the crop, and even if you never play on that level, many strong teams aren’t playing in a European cup competition. There could be teams that don’t even need their foreign players to carry the full load. It might even be that the team has brought you in specifically to come from the bench.
So what do you do if you find yourself in such a situation? Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a young player, it’s important to be prepared to contribute to your team’s success whenever your number is called. Here are some tips for making the most of your role as a bench player in European basketball.
- Be adaptable. European basketball is different from what you are used to, and it’s important to be adaptable. Pay attention to the style of play and make adjustments as needed.
- Stay in shape. With limited playing time, it’s important to stay in peak physical condition. make sure you are eating right, getting enough rest, and working out regularly to stay ready.
- Be a team player. In Europe, the emphasis is often on team basketball and it is important to embrace that philosophy. Be unselfish, play for your teammates, and do what you can to help the team succeed.
- Embrace your role. Do not pout and complain that you should be a starter. That is the coach’s decision, not yours. Take pride in what you are asked to do and realize that even if you are not a starter, you can still be a valuable piece of the puzzle.
- Stay focused. Even if you don’t see much playing time, it’s important to stay mentally prepared because, during a long season, you never know what could happen. Study the game, work on your skills, and stay mentally sharp.
In conclusion, playing in Europe as a bench player can be a unique, yet challenging experience. With the right mindset and preparation, it can be incredibly rewarding. Be adaptable, stay in shape, be a team player, embrace your role, and stay focused and you will certainly make the most of your time on the court.