I get questions daily from players asking how to play basketball overseas. Even with all of the resources from sites like Basketball Overseas, Basketball Connect and Basketball Agencies, some players are still confused.

If you are ready to play overseas then my friend Augie Johnston who is currently playing pro basketball in Germany will specifically show you exactly how to become a professional basketball player. Augie’s course gives you some downright sneaky tricks to give you direct contact with teams and agents that 90% of players do not know.  These are the exact same techniques that players have used in the past to land jobs playing professional basketball internationally.

The organized 7-Step video course is good and I’ve checked it out personally before recommending it to you.

Check out the preview below

Good luck and tell my friend Augie that I sent ya!
Visit the website

I recommend everyone to take notes on this video and try to follow what Damon Brown did.

Check it out!

Well during the fall and winter overseas I’ve seen so many problems financially with teams that bothered me deeply. Some top clubs have folded like CSKA Women’s Basketball club which was one of the best teams in the Euroleague. Some professional basketball players have had to retreat back home due to financial problems with clubs who promise “this and that” and before they know it, their over their budget. Personally, I don’t understand how any club can began a season without the proper funds. If you don’t have it, don’t count on having money until you see the money. In this economy, a written promise or even verbally don’t stand for squat..

I’ve had a friend in Spain who played three months and was only paid for the first month and that was not until the beginning of December. How could this be? Sure, there is another understanding that sponsors make promises and verbally commit and at times they back out. So, as a club I wouldn’t count on that unless I’ve been given money. Also, many teams in Europe count on the local city/government for financial backing but with some systems, they can decide when they pay the clubs. This of course effects the timing of when you can play your team.

However, there is no excuse because no team shouldn’t be prepared and budgeted in the beginning for the players and team that they wish. I’m so sick of tired of seeing it but during last year I saw effects with teams folding and now this year it is even worse. So, if you want to play basketball overseas and you’ve heard horror stories of not being paid, honestly its true and even more during the trying times of the economy.

If you’re coming out of college now, weigh your options and what is most secure for you. Dreams still come true but I think it has to be analyzed a lot more in 2010!

Good Luck!

Download it Basketball-Overseas-Guide!

Drug abuse and addiction in the NBA some times goes without notice. Many teams in fact may not mention anything about a player to the public because it would ruin their image. In professional sports and in basketball specifically there is a lot of drug abuse just as in Hollywood. The most recent big tragic death of drug use was Michael Jackson (my favorite Musician) and earlier during the year DJ AM’s and Heath Ledger. Money can buy pretty much anything physical and that could include for basketball players, recreational drugs, enhancement drugs and other prescription drugs. While living in Europe there is always talk about doping in sports. However, there is not much mention of Doping and test in the NBA. The most recent news of an NBA player that was fined due to taking a stimulate drug was Rashard Lewis of the Orlando Magic.

Also, most recent player, Michael Beasley of the Miami Heat was admitted into a drug rehab program just recently. It is pretty sad but players especially after finishing their professional career, many have depression issues which lead to drug abuse and dependence on prescription drugs for control. Pill Addiction is alive in all sports, not excluding basketball worldwide. The sad fact and numbers are true on all levels.

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.

Coaches from a wide variety of experience such as amateur, international,  and professional basketball coaches.  You receive a step by step analysis of your game. Then you take that knowledge and go work on it before the season begans. You don’t get ready for the basketball season during the basketball season. Everything happens in the off-season! Also, the great thing about Video Coach Me is that you can try it for free. I remember when I first visited the website it was all paid, now you can try it and decide later its value to you. But I’m sure from the example videos and testimonials you’ll be happy with the services.

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Check out VideoCoachMe.com and tell them that I sent you! Good luck!

In the game of basketball at any level that the sport is being played the necessary equipment is needed for organized play.  The game of basketball requires all the necessary equipment, such as complete basketball goal systems, score tables, basketball, whistles and all accessories.  There is one company that specializes in the complete source of basketball products through its extensive catalog that is available online.  Basketball Products International (BPI) is the company that offers basketball products that are recommended and are the also approved by different levels of basketball play, such as the NFHS (National Federation of High Schools), NCAA, NBA, FIBA and the recreational level of basketball around the world.  Interested individuals can download BPI’s extensive catalog from their website and also request the catalog by mail.

BPI has a huge customer ratio not only because of their supply of basketball products, but BPI’s complete inventory is priced at least 10% of the MSRP that’s unbeatable.  Many of the basketball equipment outlets and sporting good stores cannot compare to BPI’s inventory or prices.  Organizations such officials of different levels of organized basketball can get low pricing on whistles.  BPI offers the top brands of basketball equipment that’s approved by different levels of basketball play.  So for the necessary equipment for the game of basketball at prices that are unbeatable anywhere and guaranteed customer satisfaction BPI is the place to go.

I’ve been working hard on getting the newest season Pro Team Contacts 2009/10. Basketball teams overseas address, logo, telephone, address, fax and website information available.

It should be complete by the end of the week.

Current Country Contacts Updated:

• Brazil Men
• Austria Men & Women
• Italy Men & Women
• Germany Men & Women
• Ireland Men & Women
• England
• France Pro A
• Spain Women
• England Men & Women
• Switzerland Men & Women
• Germany Men & Women
• Finland Men & Women
• Netherlands Men
• Sweden Men & Women
• Ukraine Men & Women
• Portugal Men
• Norway Women & (Men soon)
• Greece Men
• Poland Men & Women
• Serbia Men & Women
• Turkey Women

Basketball overseas contacts to be completed: Norway Men, Portugal Women, Spain Men, ACB Spain, Slovania Men, Russia Men & Women, Latvia Men & Women, Scotland, Czech Republic, NBA, WNBA, Australian Leagues and more!!!