When I talk to players who signed with international teams, I hear this statement all the time.  "I just couldn't make it playing overseas." While being an American with some good basketball skills my get you a contract, most players are not equipped for a successful transition to playing in international leagues.  There are significant differences in basketball "style of play" and coach-player relationships. There are major language and cultural differences. There is also food, medical, banking, religious and social differences.  And one of the biggest differences, how to handle all that free time living several continents away from your family and friends at home.  We want to help you avoid being labeled what has become generally known as that "ugly American" player.

Most American player's only reference point to professional basketball is the NBA.  In the NBA coaching staffs are 10+ coaches deep with dedicated infrastructure and with much of your schedule and organization provided for you. But, and a large "but" at that, the truth is that in most overseas professional leagues the local national players are playing for part-time jobs.  They play and then go off to their full-time job in the nearby city.  So your off the court schedule is all on you to fill.  Often, you as the international player are left to find your own apartment, bank, food, and a place to lift weights and train.  But this also offers a great opportunity for you...