There’s a side of overseas basketball that doesn’t get talked about enough — the locker room dynamics between import players and the domestic ones.
Every season, new imports arrive ready to prove themselves. But in many cases, it’s not the coach or management that determines how long you last…it’s your relationship with the domestic players.
The truth is, it can be your own teammates who end up making your life difficult, and sometimes even the reason you’re sent home. Especially the older domestic players have seen dozens of imports come and go. Many have lost minutes, touches, or roles because of them.
That’s where the tension starts. It is sometimes spoken, just not always in the language you understand. Who do you think the GM gets information about you from?
So how do you handle it?
Start by understanding your environment. Don’t come in acting like you’re above the team because you’re the import. Respect the culture, the language, the habits, the way things are done. Take time to learn from the local players, and show them you’re there to contribute, not compete for spotlight or hierarchy.
Leadership overseas doesn’t come from talking, it comes from consistency. How you practice, how you react after a loss, how you treat the younger players, those things earn respect far faster than stat sheets ever will.
The best imports are the ones who understand that building bridges in the locker room is part of the job. When local players trust you, your team becomes tighter, your experience gets better, and your value rises across the league because the word will get out…good or bad.
If you’re struggling to adjust to the dynamics of a new team or find yourself isolated in the locker room, that’s where I can help. Through SJM Consulting, I mentor players on how to adapt, communicate, and build relationships that last, not just contracts.
Because surviving overseas isn’t only about how you play, it’s also about how you fit.
Let’s Talk…