Being homesick can change many things during a basketball season. If you went away to college far from home you probably have experienced a little homesickness. It’s quite normal and in my opinion nothing to be ashamed about! Arriving and living in a new culture for most people can be overwhelming and very difficult.

It’s normal to miss friends, family and things you are used to back in your home country. When I first left to play basketball in Finland from the USA, I missed the grocery stores being opened everyday until at least 11pm. But in Finland and in most European countries, all big stores are closed on Sunday and usually stay open during the week until about 9-10pm. Yeah big shocker for American’s who have experienced stores like Walmart and big grocery stores open 24-7. (Article attached)

So hopefully this will prepare you and not scare you from playing basketball overseas! However I recommend that you try to get adjusted to the culture and make the most of your time overseas. Staying in touch with friends by phone (expensive), email, and letters is important when going away for a 7-8 month basketball season.

Most basketball teams in Europe have a small break in November for European competition within that particular country if they participate. If you arrive in August or September then you could probably go home in November if the team allows it. In December you should have a break for Christmas to visit home for one or two weeks depending on the scheduling of your league. So time does fly by really fast if you look at it that way. In no time it will be playoffs and you’re back home with your family and friends. Take a look at my basketball timeline for more information of a typical basketball season.

Staying busy is important for me because that point I find myself bored I feel like I want to go home. I always try to stay busy, in fact I volunteered to work in a local library in Finland. I went every morning about 9:00 and stayed until morning practice which was 11:00. Went back later for a hour or so. It was very rewarding for me because it was a chance to use the internet, make this website and keep myself busy. So if you are highly motivated you can find ways to not get homesick and make your stay overseas worthwhile.

Last year I studied Spanish at a local university for two hours each day for 3 days during the week. Learning Spanish was very important for me to communicate with my team and just living in Spain. NO ONE likes to speak English there After classes were over I found a new hobby that could interest you.

Making a little (BIG POTENTIAL) extra money while playing basketball overseas if you have access to the internet. Read more in this subject.

Continue Reading ->

The best basketball countries depend on what you’re
looking for. If you are interested in the money only and
not worried about team conflicts with management or players
then here are a few countries where you could earn a lot
during basketball season. Please do not quote me on this
but from observing and comments from others.

- Russia
- Slovakia
- Yugoslavia

Countries that pay but the league isn’t at the
top in Europe. Most first year for men players could range
between ($1,500 - $2,500). For women it could be between
($1,300 - $2,000) depending level and stats coming out of
college. These earnings are per month and could be less
or more.

- Sweden
- Finland
- Ireland
- Denmark
- Germany (Not Top League Salary)
- Mexico (Disregard Women Salary)
- Portugal
- Iceland
- Switzerland
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
- Poland
- Norway

Hazardous countries where there is a war, high disease inflicted
area, and teams that could be harmful.

- China (Dealing with Sars)
- Israel (Pays Great but why risk your life - New players
$2,500 - $5,000)
- Turkey
- Russia
- Korea (Nuclear War Program - North Korea but leagues in
South Korea)

The best leagues and teams are below in no particular
order. Salary is different so we cannot state but comments
are available for which I know.

- Greece (Possible teams don’t pay but league is big)
- Italy
- Germany (Top League)
- Spain
- France
- Brazil
- Russia
- Korea (South Korea)
- Australia
- Turkey
- Israel
- Croatia
- Hungary
- USA

NOTE: These salary listings and comments
may change so don’t quote me!

Are you prepared? Having a open mind usually help when you visit other cultures and countries. Complaining about things doesn’t help anything. So if you’re in a country where you don’t understand ANYTHING, ZERO, NADA then take time to learn a word or two each day. Trust me it helps.

When I went to Finland for my first season overseas I had never even heard of the country or the language Finnish. It was very different from the other languages that I studied and heard before. It took time to get adjusted. Thank goodness I had a great roommate who started to ask and learn a word a day. I caught on and borrowed books from the library to get a better understanding of the language. I learned enough to understand but speaking Finnish was/is a different story. It is a difficult language. After three years of visiting and playing in Finland I still can’t speak fluently. Only bits and pieces here and there but my understanding is average. Enough to know what the team and coach were talking about most of the time

So the key is to try to your best to acquaint yourself with the culture if you wish you make your stay worthwhile and fun. Visit the library when you’re there for language books and tapes or plan and study before you leave your country. That is the best advice I have. Planning before you leave is better and you can find the translation dictionary that you need in your home country.

Yes it’s possible! All you need is a lot of courage, time, patience, and good persuasive abilities. Ok maybe I’m stretching it too much but you can play anywhere without an agent but be cautious. Here is a list of Pros and Cons of being a free agent and representing yourself.

Pro’s of Representing Yourself Without a Basketball Agent

- You know exactly what you’re getting into
- Direct communication with teams and management
- Negotiate what you want
- Work hard and know it

Con’s of Representing Yourself Without a Basketball Agent

- No legal help or partners in that particular country when/if things get hard
- Not much prior knowledge of team, management or players
- Deal could go bad and you could be stuck
- If things go bad it will be difficult to change teams fast without an agent/manager
- A LOT OF HARD WORK

As all things have its good and bad points but overall if you have determination you could be very successful. With an agent a percentage is taken from your potential salary. The percentage isn’t taken out of your salary but if your season salary is $15,000 and your agent’s fee is 10%, then the team would pay them directly 10% of $15,000 which would be $1,500. It would not come out of your monthly salary!

But if you represented yourself you could ask for more money without agent fees. Its not a lot more but it could be more for you. Add bonuses and things how you see fit but of course with negotiations with the management before you sign. Before you sign any contract if you representing yourself its best to get a lawyer to look over it first.

Basketball Agents commission and percentages vary each management agency but the range is between 3% - 10%. Most overseas agents take between 8% - 10% at average if you do want to get a basketball managemer.

NOTE: Be very cautious if you attempt to represent yourself. Contact me for more information and suggestions.

My name is Sylita (Q) Thomas and back in 1999 I took my first steps out of the USA to play professional basketball overseas. I graduated from Georgetown University where I played in the Big East Conference. The first three seasons of my professional career began in the top league in Finland until the last stop in the Spanish Basketball League.

I created this website with basketball players in mind because it can be overwhelming thinking about playing overseas. Hopefully this website willl ease some of your anxiety and prepare you for a great basketball career overseas.

(photo taken Christmas 2003)

During my free time I usually build websites, update this site with good info and travel!. If you are interested in basketball website or logo feel free to visit my company website.

Don’t hesitate to contact me or the volunteer writers for Basketball Overseas.

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Athlete Recipes

One of the most common questions about playing basketball overseas is being qualified enough to play.

Can I play overseas basketball if I don’t have much experience but great abilities?

YES!! Some type of organized basketball experience is important to most teams overseas. That’s not to say if you haven’t played organized basketball that you have no chance. If you have played one or two years in college and for some reason you couldn’t finish but you want to play, it’s still possible.

There are many free agent exposure camps that are going on throughout the year. Also some organizations tour Europe which you may or may not have to pay to join. However its an opportunity to showcase your skills in front of real coaches from overseas, agents, and basketball club managers.

Exposure basketball camps

Some basketball exposure camps cost between $100.00 - $250.00 for registration, excluding any transportation, food, and accommodations. So taking a chance could be worth it depending how much you want to play. It’s best to search the web for camps that could be possibly close to your home and jump on board! It can never hurt to try.

If you are in Christian organization there are many that tour overseas to do missionary work and play basketball as well. Those are great opportunities if you are interested in spreading the gospel and play basketball!

Where can I play?

Well if you want to be realistic as to where you have to potential to play then you must think at what level you play right now. If you consistently practice and play against players that currently play organized basketball overseas, college, or professional in the states then you can probably measure your skills and abilities by that. Otherwise it would be very hard to say if you have a chance to play against anyone overseas.

But if I had to guess where a player should play if they don’t have much experience is to try the second or third divisions overseas. That way if you play well the coaches and clubs in that particular country will see your game and then start to make offers to play in the higher division. This approach in my opinion is the best option in terms of experience if you didn’t get the right exposure you wanted in or out of college.

The key is to get your basketball profile together with all stats, pictures, and a basketball highlight tape. The tape is important because no matter where you did or did not play, what your game time skills appear on tape is the most important to basketball clubs. You could fit to a team perfect and then you’re off to play