Being an American playing overseas, you have great responsibility. The Americans are (usually) the highest paid players on the team and are expected to be the best players on the floor. You are held at a higher standard than the rest of the team and have to be sure to be on your game night in and night out. You can’t be late for practices or meetings and if you are, people start to wonder “What the hell is wrong with the American?” Professional basketball is a cutthroat business, especially in Europe, and a couple bad practices or games and you can easily be fired and sent home. In Ireland, each team is only allowed one American, putting even more pressure on us. We are also the only ones getting paid and the teams do not want to waste the little money they have on an American who gives them 10 points a night.
It is important as the American to never give anyone a reason to mark you as the selfish, cocky American. This will not only help you stay on your current team, but it may help you get jobs in the future. It is amazing how much attitude plays a part in getting jobs overseas. The management does not want some asshole American and even if he might be slightly better than you, a good attitude may help you win the position over him.
I am sure to always be respectful to players, coaches, referees (who don’t give any calls to us Yanks) and management. I make sure to do the little things, such as shaking hands and signing autographs after the game A little courtesy goes a long way.
In conclusion DON”T BE THE STEREOTYPICAL AMERICAN IF YOU WANT TO GET GOOD JOBS PLAYING OVERSEAS
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