Why Top High School Prospects Should Head Overseas

Playing basketball overseas can give young players a chance to challenge themselves at a high level of competition, which can help them develop their skills and gain valuable experience. Overseas leagues often attract top talent from around the world, and many of these players have already played in the NBA or are on the verge of doing so.

Lamelo Ball, a highly-touted prospect in the 2020 NBA draft, chose to play in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) for a season before declaring for the NBA draft. Playing in the NBL allowed Ball to play against seasoned veterans and former NBA players, which helped him refine his game and prepare for the NBA. Ball was eventually drafted third overall by the Charlotte Hornets and has been a standout player ever since.

Brandon Jennings is another example, playing in Italy's Serie A league before being drafted 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2009 NBA draft. Jennings had an impressive season in Italy, where he averaged 17.0 points and 5.5 assists per game. His experience in a highly competitive league gave him the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the NBA.

In addition to the level of competition, playing overseas can also expose young players to different styles of play and coaching methods. This can help them develop a more well-rounded game and prepare them for the NBA's diverse playing styles.

Playing basketball overseas not only offers young players the chance to compete against high-level competition but also exposes them to different cultures and ways of life. For many young players, playing overseas can be a life-changing experience that helps them mature both on and off the court.

Jeremy Tyler, a former high school standout, chose to play overseas in Israel and Japan instead of attending college or playing in the NBA's developmental league. Tyler faced criticism for his decision, but he believed that playing overseas would give him the opportunity to experience different cultures and mature as a person. Tyler said in an interview, "It's about me growing up and seeing different things, and it's not just about basketball. It's about being a man and being able to adapt."

Tyler's experience playing overseas helped him develop his game and mature as a person. He eventually returned to the United States and was drafted 39th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2011 NBA draft.

Ricky Rubio, a Spanish basketball player who played in the Spanish ACB League before being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2009 NBA draft had a similar experience. Playing in Spain helped him adjust to the NBA's different playing style and gave him a unique perspective on the game. Rubio said in an interview, "Playing in Spain was good for me because I learned to play different styles of basketball. It's a more physical game, and there's a lot more emphasis on defense."

Playing overseas can also help young players develop language skills and adapt to different lifestyles. For example, Kobe Bryant spent part of his childhood in Italy, where his father played professional basketball. Bryant's experience living in Italy helped him learn to speak Italian fluently and gave him a unique perspective on the game.

Playing basketball overseas can also be financially rewarding for young players. Many overseas leagues offer competitive salaries and bonuses, which can provide financial stability and security for players and their families.

For example, Jennings signed a contract worth $1.65 million for one season with Lottomatica Roma. The contract included incentives for individual and team performance, which allowed Jennings to earn additional income based on his performance. Similarly, Ball earned a reported $1.2 million for his one season with the Illawarra Hawks. Ball's earnings in the NBL not only provided financial security for him and his family but also helped him avoid the potential pitfalls of accepting money from unscrupulous agents or sponsors.

Playing abroad can also provide young players with exposure to international markets and potential endorsement opportunities. For example, Yao Ming, who played in the Chinese Basketball Association before being drafted by the Houston Rockets, became a global superstar and one of the most marketable athletes in the world. Yao's success in the NBA helped him secure lucrative endorsement deals with companies like Nike, Coca-Cola, and Visa.

This option can be financially rewarding for young players and provide them with the financial security and stability needed to focus on their development and their game. It can also expose them to new markets and potential endorsement opportunities, which can be a valuable source of income and help them establish themselves as marketable athletes.

Playing basketball overseas provides young players with exposure to international scouts and teams, which can be invaluable for their future career prospects. Many NBA teams have international scouts who travel the world to identify and evaluate talent, and playing overseas can provide young players with the opportunity to showcase their skills to these scouts.

Luka Doncic, a Slovenian basketball player, like Rubio played in the Spanish ACB league before being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2018 NBA draft. Doncic's success in the ACB league, where he won the league's MVP award at the age of 19, caught the attention of NBA scouts and teams. Doncic's experience playing overseas helped him develop his game and increased his draft stock, leading to him being selected as the third overall pick in the draft.

Similarly, Kristaps Porzingis, a Latvian basketball player, played in Spain's Liga ACB before being drafted by the New York Knicks in the 2015 NBA draft. Porzingis' success in the Liga ACB, where he was named the league's Rising Star award winner, helped him catch the attention of NBA scouts and teams. Porzingis' experience playing overseas helped him improve his draft stock and secure his place in the NBA.

Overseas basketball is not the only option for young players considering skipping college and playing professionally right after high school. Joining the NBA G-League Ignite can also be a viable option. The NBA G-League Ignite is a team composed of top prospects who are coached by experienced NBA coaches and compete in the NBA G-League, a professional developmental league owned and operated by the NBA.

One of the advantages of joining the G-League Ignite is that players can earn a salary and benefits while also receiving top-notch coaching and training from experienced NBA coaches. The G-League Ignite program is designed to help young players develop their skills and prepare for the NBA, with a focus on skill development, strength and conditioning, and basketball IQ.

In addition to playing games against other G-League teams, G-League Ignite players also have the opportunity to play against NBA teams during exhibitions and training camps. This exposure to NBA competition can help young players prepare for the intensity and physicality of the NBA game, and also provide them with an opportunity to showcase their skills to NBA scouts and teams.

Another advantage of joining the G-League Ignite is that players can potentially receive endorsement deals and other sponsorship opportunities. The G-League Ignite program is designed to help players prepare for the professional world of basketball, which includes managing their personal brand and securing endorsement deals.

Jalen Green, a highly-touted prospect who joined the G-League Ignite instead of playing in college, signed an endorsement deal with Adidas before even playing his first game with the Ignite. Green's decision to join the G-League Ignite allowed him to not only earn a salary while developing his game, but also to begin building his brand and securing endorsement opportunities domestically.

There are significant advantages to playing in a top pro league, whether in the G or overseas, before entering the NBA. Playing in these leagues can provide young players with the opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience at a high level of competition, experience a different culture and way of life, and gain financial stability and exposure to international scouts and teams. For these reasons, top NBA prospects leaving high school should seriously consider heading overseas.

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