Are you one of the thousands of college basketball players hoping to play professionally overseas? If so, I’ve got some crucial insights to share. Every year, around 1,500 Division 1 men’s basketball players finish their college eligibility, and that doesn’t even account for Division 2, Division 3, NAIA, or junior college athletes. When you factor in those players, the number jumps to over 2,000 athletes entering the pool each year. For women, the numbers are similar, but with fewer opportunities overseas, the competition is even more intense.
D1 Dominates, But There’s Hope
Here’s the hard truth: most scouts, coaches, and GMs overseas focus first on Division 1 players. There’s a perception that D1 athletes represent the highest level of college basketball, and with so many to choose from, they rarely have time to look beyond that pool. But we all know great players can be found in lower divisions, right? The challenge is that these decision-makers overseas often don’t have the resources or time to dig deeper into lower levels of play.
But don’t lose hope! There are ways for players in D2, D3, NAIA, and junior colleges to break through. You might have a chance if:
- A team has a personal relationship with you or your coach.
- You’ve been recognized as an All-American or gained significant exposure.
While it’s tough, lower-division players can still get lucky, especially if they find teams with limited budgets looking for quality players. Teams at lower levels may prioritize talent from smaller schools because they often come with more modest salary expectations than their D1 counterparts.
The Overseas Reality: It’s All About Value
When I coached in the German 2nd League, my budget for foreign players wasn’t huge. So what did I do? First, I reached out to players I knew personally—players with talent but maybe a bad year or injury history, who would be willing to work with me despite a lower salary. Next, I looked to D2 players and NAIA All-Americans. In fact, two of my foreign players came to me because they shared the same agent as I did at the time.
At lower levels, teams often dig even deeper into smaller schools for talent. For example, I know a team in Portugal’s 3rd league that’s paying one of its American players just €400 per month, plus meals. Their coach intentionally recruits from smaller colleges because their expectations are lower than D1 players, making the deal more feasible.
Performance and Stats Matter – Big Time!
Regardless of your division, one thing is clear: your stats matter. Overseas teams rely heavily on stats to evaluate players. They don’t have time to learn about your backstory, why your coach benched you, or if COVID messed up your season. They’ll look at your performance on paper—points per game, rebounds, assists, and so on—and that’s what will make or break their initial interest.
Remember, teams aren’t necessarily looking for “glue guys or girls” to round out the roster. They want game-changers—players who can contribute right away and help them win. Even if your stats aren’t perfect, agents can help highlight your strengths, but you need to give them something to work with.
Don’t Get Discouraged
It’s easy to get discouraged if you’re not a D1 athlete. But don’t let that define your worth. I’m here to help you understand how decision-makers think, and I want to emphasize that there are countless examples of lower-division players having long, successful careers overseas. Your journey is your own, and with determination, you can carve out your path.
If you can hoop, you will be seen!
Ready to Stand Out?
Navigating the competitive world of overseas basketball can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At SJM Consulting, we specialize in helping players like you stand out in a crowded field. Whether you need guidance on getting noticed by agents, improving your overseas prospects, or understanding the international basketball landscape, I’m here to help.
Contact me today and let’s get you on the path to a successful basketball career overseas! Let´s talk…