Yes, there is life after basketball.
A good one. A fulfilling one. Even a great one—if you choose to make it that way.
And I get it… that question is a scary one for a lot of athletes. We spend years, sometimes decades, shaping our identity around one thing: being a hooper. It’s who we are. It’s how people introduce us. And when the ball stops bouncing, even for a little while, it can feel like we stop bouncing too.
But here’s the truth: Basketball was never your whole identity—it was just the door. A beautiful, life-changing, opportunity-giving door. What you do after that? That’s your choice. And that choice can be powerful.
Part One: Living a Great Life After the Game
When the playing days are done—whether that’s at 22, 32, or 42—you still have decades ahead of you. You don’t want to spend that time feeling lost or bitter about what used to be. You want to be intentional.
Here are a few things that helped me (and many of the former players I work with):
- Reconnect with who you are beyond the game.
What else do you enjoy? What are you curious about?
Start exploring that without guilt. You earned the right to try new things. - Plan for peace, not pressure.
You don’t have to have it all figured out the second you stop playing. Breathe.
Transitioning is a process. It’s okay to slow down. - Use your skills off the court.
Time management. Leadership. Discipline. Adaptability.
These are traits you developed through basketball that are gold in any industry. - Invest in relationships.
That network you built overseas? Those friendships you made along the way?
Keep those alive. Those connections often lead to new opportunities.
Part Two: From Player to Purpose — Inspiring Others
Now, if you’re like me, and you still feel that pull—the one that wants to give back to the game—you’re not alone. And the best part? You don’t need to wear a jersey to still make an impact.
Some of us were made to inspire. To reach back while moving forward. To teach, to guide, to lead.
And if that’s in your heart, lean into it.
- Coaching is a great way to stay close to the game and mold the next generation.
You don’t need to coach at the highest level to make a difference. A local team, a youth club, even just a player you mentor can shift a life. - Becoming an agent (if that’s your calling) is another powerful route.
But do it the right way. Be honest. Be reliable. Be different than the ones who burned players in the past. - Mentorship—like I do through SJM Consulting—is a lane too.
There are countless young players hungry for guidance, with no clue where to turn.
You can be their light. Their translator. Their bridge.
But one thing I’ll say clearly: Don’t be a gatekeeper.
Don’t hoard the knowledge you earned overseas like it’s a secret recipe. Help the next ones coming up behind you. Give them what you wish someone gave you.
That’s how you stay in the game. That’s how you create legacy. That’s how you turn your playing career into a platform for purpose.
You are more than an athlete. You always were. And when you step into the next chapter, I hope you do it with pride. Whether that’s starting a new career, inspiring future hoopers, or both—know that you still matter in this game.
That’s why I do what I do with SJM Consulting. Because players need someone who’s been there. Someone who remembers what it’s like. Someone who’s not afraid to say: “You’re not alone.”
So whether you’re thinking about life after the game or wondering how to stay in it differently…
Let’s Talk…