When you step into the overseas basketball world, you learn pretty fast that everything counts…your game, your stats, your attitude. But here’s something you might not think about: your network and who you choose to follow. Because in the social media era the term „social currency“ matters more than ever.
I first heard “social currency” from Jori Davis at WeVolve: the idea that your follows, likes, and connections carry value, not just to you, but to everyone watching. For an overseas hooper, that means your IG feed, who you tag, who you associate with, even who you follow quietly such as scammers.
Here’s the deal:
- When you follow a known scammer, you give them exposure: more followers, more algorithm reach, more perceived legitimacy.
- When other players see you following them, they may assume “if he/she trusts them, maybe they’re legit.”
- I recently had a longtime follower ask: “Why did you get on me for following that page?” Once I walked her through how it operates, she deleted the account.
- And here’s what you need to remember: your career isn’t just shaped by your jump shot or highlight tape—it’s shaped by who you let attach to your name.
What you should do instead:
- Audit your follows. If you wouldn’t want your future GM to see one of them on your page, hit unfollow.
- Build genuine, value-based connections. Real agents, real pros, people you’ve worked with and who respect you.
- Let your social currency serve you, not someone setting you up.
- When in doubt, ask. If you’re unsure about a contact or account, reach out. I review profiles and check red flags with players all the time.
You still get to pick your path. But once you follow, tag, or associate with someone, you’re partly saying you trust them. And if they’re a scammer, you just handed them your trust and gave them more reach that they will surely use to scam another hooper down the line.
Want to build the right network, not boost someone else’s scam? I’m here. Let’s Talk…