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.

Here are the list of Elite VideoCoachMe.com coaches:

• Ed Schilling
• April McDivitt-Foster
• Dr. Hal Wissel
• Ken Barer
• Alan Lambert
• Shelly Till
• Hernado Planells
• Dale Osborne
• Avi Meyerson
• Nadine Domond
• Myndi Hill
• Jerry Jones
• Scott Fields
• Gilad Shoham
• Al Morales, Jr.
• Mike Nicols
• Dymetrius Ware
• Brian Huber
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You can’t go wrong with a trial. And if later you decide the pricing is great a well: $49 (30min session) & $89 (60min session) and it includes:

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5. you understand what it takes to reach the college level

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!!!

Hi Sylita my first question is their an age limit in order to play overseas and if so what might that age be.

In Europe and Overseas the leagues are different and honestly depending on the level there isn’t much restriction on age. Basketball clubs in Europe are very different from the structure in the USA. They have leagues based on age, similar to AAU basketball and if you’re a good player no matter the age limit pretty much you can play in a top level team. Ricky Rubio of Spain played in the ACB Spain which is equivalent to the NBA in the USA (for Spain) and he started when he was 16. Now this year he’ll be drafted pretty sure in the first round.

Why is it so difficult to get responses from agents and/or coaches for try-outs?

Well I think its common, for agents many are picky and are looking for players who have a “name” or those who have proven themselves as a professional player already. Now with so many players it can be difficult but not impossible. But in the Spring and Summer agents and clubs are busy building on the new season and new teams aren’t finalized, budgets etc. Best time to contact agents honestly is during the winter season and right before Spring!

i am M.A  I in exercise physiology and nutrition . i want to study and work about basketball nutrition and physiology , please show me how can i start and be success.tnx

Please visit After Basketball where the website explains how to start your own business has a basketball nutritionist or trainer.

I am 5′8″  2-3 guard currently playing Division 2 basketball. When I graduate, I want to play overseas basketball, is it going to be harder for me since I am shorter and more of a shooting guard then point guard?

It will be harder mostly because a lot European teams are looking for big power forwards and centers. If you’re a shorter guard, you have to really stand out and be exceptional. Or start in a lower level league and work your way up! But it’s not impossible

How do i get in touch with a agent?

I honestly think the best approach is by telephone. The internet is great to find Basketball Agents and agencies but to get a real clear response, calling is favorable and being prepared and organized of course. Have your profile ready to be sent by any means possible: Email, fax or regular snail mail.

Just after writing about Brandon Jennings success in Europe more high school players are opting or looking at the option to play pro basketball in Europe instead of attending college. Jeremy Tyler is another high school sensation who is planning his new season abroad in Europe to make himself eligible for the 2011 NBA Draft. There are pros and cons to this option.. I think it all depends on the individual, however some say that college is not for everyone. This is true, however playing a professional sport is not always guaranteed for the rest of your life.

I personally get a lot of questions from high school players who want to for seek a Europe pro contract. If that is what you want you will need to be the following

• Extremely well known player (basically a top recruit)
• Helped your team to titles or state championships
• A well known basketball agent
• Played in front of European coaches in tournaments in Europe (helps a lot)

What do you think??

Hurry up!!

Now that March Madness and the NCAA Championships are over, the winner of the Hops Shoe Contest has been selected.  Thanks for all 32 contestants however, only one was chosen.

The winner is:  arokoyoadeyinka [@] yahoo.com – “This sneakers are good and fine,am thinking how it will look on me when i put it on…….i will like the blue hops sneaker…..i will like to wear it to my coming game,i will happy if i become the winner…”

Please reply to this post as the winner and you will be contacted regarding shipping address, shoe size and the shoe that you prefer.

Thanks again for all who participated!

Both Men and Women NCAA Finals was a true blow out! But very nice to see two teams play great team basketball. Congrats to UNC and UCONN for great basketball and especially UCONN making it three perfect championship seasons under coach Geno Auriemma.