Starting every spring, I start getting flooded with messages.
“Hey OG, I just graduated—can you help me find a job overseas?”
“My boy averaged 16 and 8—he’s league-ready. What’s the next step?”
“Do you know any agents you can recommend to me?”
These questions are coming from both men and women, fresh off their final college season, trying to figure out how to turn that diploma and stat sheet into a professional contract.
The truth is: getting into this overseas game is harder than most of you realize.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s talk numbers. Every year, around 5,000 men and 4,000 women graduate from college programs across the NCAA, NAIA, JUCO, and Canada. That’s 9,000 players entering the potential overseas pro pipeline annually.
Of course, not all of them will try to go pro. But even if just 30–40% pursue an overseas career, that’s thousands of hungry hoopers emailing, DMing, and begging for a shot.
Now let’s stack that up against the available spots:
– Europe has around 350–400 pro teams for men and 250–300 for women.
– On average, each team might have 2–3 import spots (some more, some less).
– That gives us maybe 800–1,000 total spots for Americans (imports) in Europe on the men’s side, and 600–700 on the women’s.
Sounds rough? It gets worse.
You’re Not Just Competing With Your Class
College seniors tend to wrongly think they’re stepping into an open market. But they’re not. They’re stepping into a market that’s already filled with returning vets.
Players who have:
– Multiple years of overseas experience
– Game film from real pro leagues
– Agents with existing team relationships
– Euro passports or dual citizenship
– Actual proof they can perform overseas
In most cases, you’re not replacing another rookie—you’re trying to replace a seasoned pro. And if the job pays well? The team wants a sure thing, not a gamble.
Agents Have Their Pick
This is where it really stings: it’s a buyer’s market. There are more players looking for agents than there are agents looking for players. Every legit agent is already getting 50–100 DMs a week, and most already have a full roster of clients they’re actively trying to place.
Let’s be honest: if you don’t have a 2nd passport, a crazy stat line, or strong pro-level film from your college career, you’re likely not at the top of their list. That doesn’t mean you’re not talented. That means you’re replaceable—until you prove otherwise.
So… Do You Still Have a Chance?
Yes. But let’s be clear: Getting a job overseas isn’t just about hoping someone finds you. It’s about doing the work to stand out in a sea of qualified talent.
That means:
– Crafting a pro-ready resume and highlight film
– Reaching out to teams and agents the right way
– Avoiding scammers and fake “agents”
– Being open to smaller leagues or low-paying jobs to get your foot in the door
– Staying mentally and physically ready in case the call comes late
You’ll need preparation, strategy, and yes—luck.
What I Tell Every Player I Mentor
This path isn’t impossible, but only if you are willing to put in some serious work. I’ve helped players land their first job with no pro film, and no agent—just the right plan and mindset.
But I also keep it real with them.
– You don’t deserve a job just because you finished college.
– You’re not entitled to an agent just because you can hoop.
– You’re not alone—you’re in a saturated market.
If you want to rise above the crowd, you need more than just skill—you need a plan.
That’s why I founded SJM Consulting. To help players navigate this exact storm. If you’re serious about going overseas, I’m here to help you build your Plan of Action, find the right opportunities, and avoid the traps.
Talent gets you in the conversation. Work ethic keeps you in the gym. But strategy is what lands the job. Because no matter how many buckets you got in college, this game is global now—and you’re one of thousands trying to go pro.
The question is: are you prepared to beat the odds?
Let’s talk…