D1 is no longer the requirement to sign Overseas.
Nowadays, players of all backgrounds - from D3 to NAIA - can be successful.
This isn’t wishful thinking.
But a fact.
Here’s a few examples to prove it.
🧵 🏀
Many Overseas basketball leagues are like a secret society.
No tryouts.
Little contact info.
But some leagues are different.
They actually encourage players to apply.
Nothing to lose, everything to gain.
Here’s some of the best Open Player Drafts to consider.
🧵 🏀
Most Overseas Players I know:
- Didn’t go to a NCAA high major
- Don't have big-name agents
- Aren’t basketball royalty
They are just hardworking, committed and professional people.
You’d be surprised how far that can take you.
My peers:
“You’re not making the NBA so why even bother playing?”
Me while playing Overseas:
- Paid off $60K in debt
- Saved another $50K
- Started an online business
- Traveled the world
- Had everything paid for
- Reconnected with my roots
That’s why you “bother playing.”
Everyone has a different path in Overseas Basketball.
Some have to pay for tryouts.
Others get it straight out of college.
Run your own race.
But also take notes of those who’ve done it before you.
Success leaves clues.
I once shot 50-40-90 in a season.
So I made a highlight tape of it.
One coach replied:
“Lots of open shots.”
I replied:
“Would you prefer I take contested shots?”
That’s when it clicked:
It’s not just about if you score - it’s how you score too.
Rookie players seem to think Overseas Teams are holding “open tryouts” across the world.
But they’re not.
You create your own opportunities in this game.
Here’s a few ways to do that.
🧵 🏀
Big stats at small college = decent chance to sign overseas
Big stats at small college with second passport = good chance
Big stats at small college with second passport and connections = almost certain chance
Things to eliminate immediately from your highlights:
- Swearing lyrics
- Long intros
- Constant slow-mo’s
- Open layups
- Free throws
- Excessive close-ups
- Excessive replays
Since playing Overseas Basketball, I’ve:
- Paid off $65K in student loans
- Quit my 9-5
- Traveled to 6 different countries
- Made international connections
- Started an online business
But they will tell you it’s the NBA or nothing.
Don’t believe them.
Most powerful Overseas Basketball passports:
-Bosman A (EU)
-Bosman B (East Europe)
-Cotonou (Africa/Caribbean)
-African passport
-South East Asian passport
-South American passport
Each gives players transnational opportunities, meaning you’re not an import in some leagues.
Gap years in Overseas Ball can happen for many reasons:
- Injuries
- Dry market
- Bad resume
- Family issues
- Personal choice
Whatever the reason, try to avoid them at all costs.
Few things kill momentum more than gap years.
“Growth markets” in Overseas Basketball:
- Japan
- Australia
- Mexico
- Indonesia
- France
- Africa (BAL)
“Sleeping giant” markets:
- Belize
- Azerbaijan
- Mongolia
- Nicaragua
The average (import) Overseas basketball player:
- Has no side hustles
- Isolates themselves
- Doesn’t try to learn local language
- Burns bridges
- Doesn’t prepare for post-ball
- Thinks they’re irreplaceable
Don’t be the average player.
Common traits of a European basketball schedule:
- 8-9 month span
- Begins in Sept/Oct
- Ends in April/May
- 1 game per week
- Multiple practices per week
- Occasional cup games
Expect these things when signing in Europe.
General trends in Overseas Basketball:
- Europe has the most leagues
- Asia prefers “bigs”
- Latin America is 1-1 ball
- Middle East is cutthroat
- Oceania plays team ball
- Africa is rapidly growing
- Rookie salaries are low
- Most players won’t get rich
Your career (and life) can literally change on the drop of a dime in Overseas Basketball.
Nothing on Friday.
Teams messaging by Saturday.
Fly out come Sunday.
Stay ready at all times.
Don’t lose faith.
People will talk down on your Overseas Basketball career.
But usually, it’s nothing too blatant - more micro aggressions.
“When are you getting a real job?”
“How much longer are you going to do this for?”
Let ‘em talk.
The journey isn’t for them.
7 signs you’ve been scammed by a fake agent in Overseas Basketball:
1. They ask for an upfront fee
2. They say they’ll reimburse you
3. They won’t FaceTime
4. They pressure you
5. They get angry at questions
6. Unprofessional contract
7. No one can verify they’re legit
Things we take for granted in North American basketball:
- Hardwood floors
- Trainers
- Athletic therapists
- Air conditioning in a gym
- Access to weight rooms
- Referees
- Games not being rigged
None of these are a given when beginning Overseas.
No Overseas Basketball league will be easy.
But some will definitely have more opportunities than others.
So here’s some of the best starter leagues for rookies.
🧵 🏀
The goal of playing Overseas should be just that - to play Overseas.
Some will get scouted.
Others will have agents.
Some will have to pay for a tryout.
In the end, does it matter?
As long as you get there.
Results over process.
Andrew Bynum:
20 years old averaged a double-double
21 years old started on a championship team
22 years old started every game during an NBA Finals run
24 years old became an NBA all-star
All while playing with Kobe Bryant and the LakeShow
I didn't play Overseas Ball to:
- Become a millionaire
- Try to make the NBA
- Flex on my peers
I did it because hooping is what I love to do.
Maximize your life.
Do a lot of what you love - and little of what you don’t.
It’s pretty simple.
"You know how I like to think of myself? As a human being. Because under the sky, under the heavens, man, there is but one family." HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Bruce!
#BruceLee
Europe is like basketball heaven for beginners.
So many countries.
So many divisions.
So many opportunities.
Better yet: Players can quickly climb the ladder if they know where to look.
Introducing the Dual Player License 🪪.
🧵 🏀
You need 3 habits for your Overseas Ball career:
Physical habits:
Training & weightlifting
Social habits:
Networking & professionalism
Learning habits:
Researching & comprehension
Have all 3 to maximize your career.
How to maximize your Overseas Basketball salary:
- Get a side hustle
- Coach youth basketball
- Play well
- Negotiate bonuses
- Get paid accommodations
- Get free flights
- Get food paid for
- Invest in assets
Do all these things and you’re guaranteed to get ahead.
In your Overseas Hoops career you’ll be:
- Left on read
- Ignored
- Disrespected by agents
- Disrespected by coaches
- Told you’re not good enough
- Be belittled
And you’ll be left with a burning rage to prove everyone wrong.
So go and do it.
The second-leading scorer in Cyprus is a D3 player.
Think again if you thought D1 was the only way in.
Talent is everywhere.
Just make the most of your opportunity.
Overseas Basketball is often glamorized as something for the rich and famous.
But they couldn’t be further from the truth.
You will grind and struggle along the way.
And your love for the game will be tested.
It’s not for the weak.
Something I've noticed with many players who elevated to higher leagues.
- Worked out 2-3 times per day
- Lifted weights daily
- Networked daily
- Watched film often
- Napped often
- Did little besides basketball
- Treated every day like Gm.7
Success leaves clues.
Every year European pro leagues promote - and demote - clubs in every country.
That means you can quite literally climb the ranks with your team if you ball out.
Or you can fall out of a job if you don’t.
- Foam rollers
- Massage guns
- Physiotherapists
- Ice
- Physio tape
- Weight room
You may not have access to any of these when playing Overseas.
So get a baseline knowledge of sports science.
It could be a difference maker for your career.
The best of
@Khris22m
as he recorded his first career triple-double (23p/14r/10a)!!
The last Bucks player to match or exceed each of those totals in a single game was Alvin Robertson on Dec. 26, 1990. (via
@jkubatko
)
Best Overseas Basketball Starter Leagues:
- Spain (EBA)
- Germany (Regionalliga 1/2)
- Australia (NBL 1)
- Mexico (CIBAPAC)
Each has:
- Huge number of teams
- Imports allowed
- Small college imports
- Opportunities to move up tiers
Avoid “ego” basketball highlights:
- Constant replays
- Lots of close-ups
- Slow-motion shots
- Your favourite song
- Weird effects
- Dramatic build-up
Just get to the point.
Show your best stuff in the opening 30 seconds if you’re actually looking to get signed.
4 seasons ago we lost the finals - in part - because of a blown goal tend call.
Crazy this past weekend the same thing essentially happens as
#49
goes through the net to tap it out.
Just one play though and I didn't even notice it atm but I was wondering how it popped out. 🤔
You can make it in Overseas Ball as a small college player - but here’s the deal:
You’ve got literally hundreds of players coming from more respected conferences than you.
So you’ve got to stand out another way.
Big stats.
Connections.
Two passports.
Something.
- Train 2x per day
- Lift weights
- Get 2 passports
- Network with coaches
- Don’t smoke or drink heavy
- Stay out of trouble
- Learn to write
- Learn to make highlights
- Get a side income (online)
Do these 9 things consistently and you’re ahead of 99% of Overseas players.
How I structure every Basketball highlight video:
- My “Play-of-The-Year” to start
- Best plays in opening 30 secs
- Biggest strength in opening min
- Section off skills afterwards
- 3-5 minutes total
Playing Overseas Basketball, you can realistically go from $500 to $5K per month.
Great thing is: There’s more than one way to do it.
There’s literally never been a better time to play Overseas Basketball.
🧵 🏀
Getting your first Overseas Basketball contract is hard.
But many players actually make it harder on themselves:
They let anyone do their highlights.
They do zero market research.
And they hope an agent does everything for them.
Then when nothing happens it’s “politics.”
Worst things about Overseas Basketball:
- Outrageously low starting wages
- Late payments
- Non-payments
- Playing for stats
- No job security
- Unresponsive management
- Culture shock
- Home sickness
If you didn’t bat an eye at that - you’re ready to go.
Overseas Basketball Leagues holding drafts:
- Thailand (TBL)
- Indonesia (IBL)
- Canada (CEBL)
- Philippines (PBA)
- Costa Rica (LSB)
- South Korea (KBL)
- Costa Rica (LSB)
Some are open entry.
Others have some restrictions.
Either way, opportunities await.
The sooner you get your passport, the better.
Get it before 16 and you’re really set.
- Play on NT freely
- Play as a local freely (Europe)
- Play in other university system
- Increased exposure
Outside of skill, this is the biggest thing to set your child up for success.
Today was a great, great day to finally secure a deal two years in the making.
We are bringing a
@MetapanBc
youth basketball academy to the children of Metapan, El Salvador.
This is first-ever for the city and we already have a ton of youngsters signed up. 😊
If you are:
- Getting paid to play basketball
- Experiencing a new culture
- Fulfilling your childhood dream
- Competing on a daily basis
You’re living the dream.
Don’t listen to what Cousin Salley’s definition of “winning in life” is.
Your passport is the greatest asset in your Overseas Basketball career.
That is, with a few exceptions.
Sometimes it may actually be harder to play as a local in your domestic league than as an import elsewhere.
Example: Puerto Rico (BSN)
Ways for a D3 player to overcome “small college status” & sign Overseas:
- Have multiple passports
- Win major awards
- Put up major stats
- Have crazy athleticism
- Be very tall
- Connections
Go against the Basketball grain in 2024:
- Lift weights on game-day
- Workout 2-3 times per day
- Prioritize sleep over parties
- Make highlights for jobs, not clout
- Get a side hustle
- Get a second passport
- Research the Overseas markets
The majority will not do this.
The basketball community often only validates people at the top.
NBA players, EuroLeaguers etc.
I get it: Learn from the best.
But those who are hooping for a living, making money and traveling the world should also be studied.
Your passport has a huge impact - both positively and negatively - on your Overseas Basketball career.
EU passport = Most versatile
SE Asia = Richest opportunities
African = Growth potential
Caribbean = Opportunistic
American = Toughest path
Since I started playing overseas basketball, I've:
- Traveled to 6 countries
- Quit my 9-5
- Paid off all my student loans
- Paid off all my credit cards
- Established online business on overseas basketball
But they will tell you, it's NBA or nothing.
Don't believe them.
Overseas Basketball league changes (2023-2024):
- Italy restructures Serie B
- Indonesia removes draft
- AUS (NBL1) counts Southeast Asian as locals
- CIBACOPA increases import limit
What did I miss?
One of the hardest parts of Overseas Basketball is not losing enthusiasm.
Don’t lose enthusiasm when no one’s responding.
Don’t lose enthusiasm when others belittle you.
Don’t lose enthusiasm when the going gets tough.
Because it will get tough.
Overseas Basketball Play-Styles:
Scorer regions:
- Latin America
- West Asia
- Southeast Asia
- Africa
Team ball regions:
- Europe
- Oceania (Australia, NZ)
That being said, the higher the level - regardless of the region - the more likely it becomes structured.
5 things you will never regret by pursuing Overseas Basketball:
1. Following your passion
2. Getting paid to play
3. Traveling the world
4. Betting on yourself
5. Making international contacts
None of it is easy.
But it might be the most rewarding thing you’ll do.
Side hustles to make extra cash while hooping Overseas:
- Coach youth academy
- Private coaching (in-person)
- Zoom training (basketball)
- Zoom training (athletics)
- Copywriting online
- Call centre
- Data entry online
- English tutor
- Coding
- YouTube channel
Old school training methods that actually work:
- Playing outdoors
- Playing 5v5
- Playing 3v3
- Shooting around without a trainer
- Chasing after your own rebounds
Coming from a small college can be a disadvantage.
No one will dispute pro teams usually favour bigger college players.
But it can also be an advantage:
- Less ego
- Willingness to work up the ladder
- Experience with fewer resources
- Biggest appreciation
I made $700 per month in my rookie season.
All I did was play basketball.
But by Year 2 I was pulling in $4,000/mth.
The most ironic thing?
I barely increased my playing salary.
Instead I leveraged all the “hidden benefits” of Overseas Basketball.
Settle down in a “normal job” and you’ll be praised - even if you’re miserable.
Take a chance on your hoop dreams and “you need to grow up” - even if you’re happy.
We’ve got it backwards.
What a rookie player sees:
- $700 per month playing wage
What a team sees:
-$700 per month playing wage
- $1,000 round trip flight
- $250 per month food allowance
- $1,000 per month housing fee
Even if you are a beginner - you cost a lot.
Make it worth their investment.
Being a youth basketball coach actually makes you a better Overseas Basketball player prospect.
That’s because many (European) clubs will often want you to coach youth basketball during the day time - and then ball at night.
Two years ago I decided to visit/play in El Salvador for the first time in my life despite hoards of negativity surrounding the country.
Today, I can say that making that plunge was one of the best decisions in my life.
There is beauty in chaos.
Happy independence day. 🇸🇻
You can make it as a small guard in Overseas Ball.
But you’ll likely need some (all?) of these things to do so:
- Crazy athleticism
- Automatic jump shot
- Great play-making
- Great vision
- Great leadership
- Second passport
- Lots of determination
In Overseas Basketball, your contract will rarely go past a single season.
But usually that’s a good thing.
Unlike the NBA, the baseline for overseas salaries is quite low - especially for rookies.
So by having a shorter contract you can level up faster.
Playing Overseas Ball to prove other people wrong is a dangerous game.
That’s because no matter what you do, the outcome is always out of your control.
People will always have opinions.
And they’ll always move the goal posts.
Do it for yourself instead.