Let’s get one thing straight from the jump:
There will always be distractions. Overseas. Back home. In the NBA. In college. Everywhere. The question isn’t if they’ll show up—because they will. The real question is: How are you going to handle them?
If you’re an overseas hooper right now, I want you to take a second and remember why you’re there. Not for sightseeing. Not for the clubs. Not for the nightlife. You’re there to be a professional basketball player.That’s the foundation. That’s the contract. That’s the mission. Keep the thing, the thing. And if you let anything take your focus off of that, you’re risking the very thing you worked so hard to get in the first place.
Now, don’t get it twisted—I’m not here telling you to sit in your apartment all season, watching Netflix and eating chicken breast out of a Tupperware container. That ain’t it.Trust me, ask my former teammates, I did it all when I was playing! I am not coming at you with the “holier than thou” talk.
I went out. I traveled. I drank myself to oblivion at clubs in Vienna. I sat on the Champs-Élysées in Paris and people-watched over coffee like I was in a movie. But here’s the difference—and I need you to really hear this:
No one…not a coach, not a teammate, not a fan…could ever say I wasn’t professional.
On many of occasions, I played a full game on a Saturday night, showered, and then drove three hours to a club in another city and stayed the weekend (my ride or die teammate shall remail nameless who was right behind me in his car)…but I never showed up late to practice. Ever! I understood the balance. And that’s what I want you to understand too.
You’re not just living in a new country. You’re representing yourself. Every time you walk into the gym. Every time you show up to practice. Every time you step onto the court. people are watching. Coaches. teammates. club staff. and future teams.
So how do you enjoy the experience of living overseas without letting the distractions pull you off course? Here’s some advice:
1. Establish a Routine
Know when you train, when you rest, and when you go out. Keep a schedule. Don’t get caught in that “I’ll just figure it out” trap.
2. Treat Your Body Like It Pays Your Bills—Because It Does
Get your sleep. Eat like a pro. Recover. Do the little things. Fun isn’t fun if it ruins your game.
3. Pick Your Spots
You don’t have to say yes to every night out. Choose moments that make sense. After a win? During a break?Cool. But the night before a two-a-day? Come on.
4. Explore with Purpose
Travel. Meet people. Try new foods. Go to museums. Embrace the culture, but don’t forget the reason you’re there.
5. Stay Connected to People Who Ground You
Whether it’s your agent, your mentor (such as myself), your family, keep talking to people who remind you of the big picture. The overseas life is beautiful. But it can swallow you up real quick if you’re not locked in. You’re not just a tourist. You’re not on vacation. You’re a pro. And that title means something.
So yeah, go enjoy life out there. Sip that espresso on a cobblestone street in Geneva. Go to that club in Frankfurt. Laugh with locals in Paris. But don’t ever let someone question your professionalism. Your talent will get you signed. Your professionalism will keep getting you signed.
And if you ever feel like you’re getting off track, hit me up. That’s literally what I do at SJM Consulting. I help hoopers navigate all the off-court stuff that no one tells you about—from resumes and contracts to mindset and maturity.
I’ve got another Plan of Action Masterclass coming soon. If you’re serious about taking this life seriously—and want to enjoy it while still getting the job done—don’t miss it.
Let’s Talk…