Before I headed to play basketball overseas in 1999, I had some college teammates and friends from outside the US playing at the same school. They were always faced with the same issue as most foreigners that come to live, work or study in the states for a temporary amount of time: Green Card & Visas. Well, it is an issue that each individual depending on their country’s relation to the USA;  if they were entitled or rewarded enough time to complete their time in the university.

Even after of some talk with players who actually expressed their excitement to possibly live permanently in the states, they also found it very difficult. This was in college, so you can imagine in the professional atmosphere such as the NBA or WNBA for that matter. There are so many foreign players in the NBA and WNBA that it cannot be unnoticed.  An American Visa is not easy to  obtain and those who do have one, either:  have good country ties with the USA; very good luck in the lottery; or use a very good immigration service system..

Foreigners basketball players from all over the world such as Australia, Europe, Asia, South America all have the same problems. Professional basketball players may at times have it easy if they are well paid, known and have a company to represent their circumstances to the USA government in hope of approval. If that does not work, most people do marry to bypass the waits of proper long process.

When it comes to pursuing a remarkable coaching career there are many things that can be helpful in a coaching career.  Many coaches have participated in many activities in communities around the country and have gained exposure for the community service they provided.  Not only can potential professional basketball coaches participate in community service activities such as blood drives but many offer one day coaching clinics for underprivileged youth that are interested in sports and sponsoring camps across the country.

By participating in these activities and volunteering in communities it gains exposure for those interested in pursuing a coaching career.  By gaining exposure a coach can land his dream job that he/she enjoys.  There have been many success stories in the past on coaches that were active in communities across the nation and are among the top basketball coaches in sports history.  When a coach has his/her community involved they are not only helping the community but, also their career.  Also when participating in community activities coaches have the opportunity to network with other coaches that may be involved with a similar community service activity.  By building a network with other coaches or individuals that are in the sports field, this gives a coach the chance to exchange contact information and can be the beginning of a healthy relationship.  Many coaches have landed key jobs by building a network with individuals involved in the sports world.  The same thing applies to coaches participating at local camps.  At camps there are many coaches that are also participating and athletes from around the world that may be a recruit for you in the future.  Although majority of the coaches that volunteer for these camps and community service activities aren’t getting paid they get privilege of helping a community and building a network that can help in the future.