I’m really excited to watch the Olympic basketball games in a few weeks. After watching the US Mens Basketball Team play against Team Canada, I could see that they are strong. However, I’m doubting their inside play against the more bigger international teams like, Argentina, Spain, China and Germany. There is no question the guards are ready and the hot shooters. I recommend everyone tuning in and watching the Olympics basketball on television just to get an idea of the international game and players. The rules are different in a way and a lot of calls like “traveling” violations and carrying the ball. The FIBA rules and officiating take close measures and in the USA we can get away with a quick first step, especially in fast breaks.

On another note, I’ve noticed some former NBA players are now considering more the option to play basketball overseas because of the difference in salaries, especially in regard to the Dollar (USD)  being much weaker than the Euro. In the next couple of months, I’m sure you notice and read about it. I mean low end NBA players, not the stars!

Anyway, I encourage you to watch the Olympics basketball tournament starting August 9th! Here is the Olympic mens basketball schedule and womens olympic basketball schedule.

Next Q & A for basketball players!

I have no college playing experience but am a good player. Are there any avenues i can take to get a tryout. Even at the lowest levels?

Everything is possible, but contacting a good basketball agent would be your best bet to market your skills and getting a video of you playing in some type of good competition and organized ball.

How long does it usually take for a coach or agent to get back with you as a client, or player.

Well normally if a coach or agent is interested they would contact you back pretty fast. In most cases, coaches and teams get requests from many players daily. So, I can imagine they would look up your name online to see if you’ve played in college and find stats to see if you’re worth contacting. It is a business and its easier to market players who have experience and proof of game.

I am a player looking for where to start playing my pro career anywhere arounnd the world and i have a vidoe incase you a interested in it my question is how should i start playing pro basketball below is my video for you.

To answer your question, from your video and information that I see, you’re doing exactly right. You are exposing yourself online with video and stats from your career. Now like most players unless they sign multiple year contracts, is wait for an opportunity to arise and decide upon it.

Were do you find agents best? Do you go online or is there like offices were u can go like travel agents?

If you know of a player who plays overseas and they have an agent, you should ask them. Perhaps their agent can work with you. Mostly, word of mouth and experience from other players is a great way to find a good agent. Also, top websites such as Basketball Connect and Basketball Agencies Directory is a source where you can find agencies as well. Once you find an agency you like, try asking for a players information to find out more about the agency.

How can i start my process into going overseas to play basketball when i come out of high school?

I can say its relatively hard because you only have references of playing against youger and smaller players. Unlike as a professional who have most likely played in college and play up against top players who have the same skills. I recommend finding an agency who has experience with marketing high school players.

Well thats it for the first round of Basketball Overseas Q & A for players. Please post questions or comments for the next round at:

Basketball Overseas Questions

I’ve been getting several good emails questioning basketball overseas. So that everyone benefits I’ll be answering all questions unless they don’t overlap. Here is Round 1 of Basketball Overseas Q & A for AGENTS.

How does the player represenative gets his money? Is there ever an instance when agents do not get paid!

In all cases in the FIBA rules regarding player, team and agent, the Agency gets paid by the team/club directly. Never does the player pay you nor should you request money from the player.

I am a new agent and find myself dealing with a lot of players wanting to go overseas, I don’t really know what are good teams and how to get my guys exposure? Do i send tapes and when I look up teams on the internet they are all in other languges? Please help me out with this….

As an agent one of the first and most important things you must do is make good contacts. Contacting and partnering with other agents in other countries who know the system, know the teams and the language. Once you find a reliable partner you will send him/her your top players and they will find teams after which you both split the commission from the player’s contract.

What are the steps to becoming an agent for overseas….I have a player that has been invited to play ball in Turkey, Istanbul Besiktas…is t here an agent requirement with this league and if so what is the process.

As I said above it is better to have a contact in Turkey so if a problem arises you’ll understand the system and law if need be. Jurisdiction in other countries are different and if you’re not a citizen you’re not able to fight any battle without a proper contact.