Washingtonians Hooping in Hungary

The basketball world is a small one. Every new teammate seems to know someone you do. Whether it’s a college teammate or someone you played with in high school you can usually come across a common person that has crossed your paths. This can be a great advantage for every hooper in landing your next job or gaining information on a country or team. The vast network that connects us all is a powerful tool that should be harnessed by every player. It’s all about networking.

I try and help out any player that has crossed my path and gained my respect. If I hear of a job or my team needs a player, Ill do my best to track down someone. So far I have been able to get my college teammate Stephen Sir (195-G-82, college: N.Arizona) on my team in Germany (the best shooter I have ever played with or seen) and now my friend Nik Raivio(192-G-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Portland) on my current team, Kaposvari KK. We all need a shot, our chance, the big break. If you are in the position to help a hooper you respect, you should do so. Wouldn’t you want someone to do the same for you?

This year I am fortunate enough to play with two other Washingtonians. I myself played for Mark Morris High School in Longview, WA while Nik Raivio played for Mountain View in Vancouver, WA and Michael Fey (213-F/C-83, college: UCLA) played for Capital High School in Olympia, WA. Tell me when that has happened before? Three players from the same state all on the same team is crazy. Olympia is only an hour drive from Longview and Vancouver is only 30 minutes. Now we are all hooping in a little city in Hungary. Mike and Nik can ball too, check out their stats. Since my last post we won a tough overtime game where I had 33 point and 6 assists, Nik had 26 points and 5 rebounds, Mike 17 points and 10 rebounds. Not too shabby for the Great Northwest. The victory put us in position to move up to 5th but unfortunately we lost to Falco on the 28th. We are tied for 6th and ready to make a run the second half of the season. Heads Up: We are 6-2 since Mr. Fey showed up.

My immediate network is killing overseas right now; Ruben Boykin (201-F-85, college: N.Arizona) (Greece A1), Kyle Landry (207-C/F-86, college: N.Arizona) (Russia) and Stephen Sirall groomsmen in my wedding and putting in work. My other friends and former Lumberjacks Zarko Comagic (201-F-85, college: N.Arizona) (Poland), Kristian Kuhn (208-C-87, college:N.Arizona) (Germany), Cameron Jones (193-G-89, college: N.Arizona) (NBDL), and Mike Trinh. Omar Krayem (185-G-86, college: Cal.Baptist) (Sweden), Longview legend and LCC star in Sweden averaging 20 pts and 6 assists. Kurt Cunningham (205-C/F-87, college: Boise St.) (France) and Daniel Werner (203-F-87, college: Florida) (Italy) from last years team also moved up to great leagues and are showing they belong in the top leagues in Europe. All these players are in high places and know GMs, agents and coaches throughout each league. These are all people I have played with. I didn’t even mention any of the ones I have played against. Send your video out and have your friends put in a good word. What’s the worst that could happen?

This blog may seem random but there is a point; use your network to better yourself and help your friends. Not every agent can be trusted and not everyone will be honest about the quality and legitimacy of the team/country you’re going to. Before getting yourself in a bad position ask someone who has been there before if it’s a good idea. There are MANY things that you should take into account before making a decision on where you’re going, not just dollar signs. Veterans have seen most of Europe so don’t be afraid to ask. Facebook and other social media platforms are a great way to connect with players and agents. Use all the tools necessary to give you the best chance at a good job. Lastly, you should introduce yourself to as many agents and coaches as possible. You never know where your next job may come from.

If you want to know more about me you can watch my highlights on YouTube (http://youtu.be/ApGzS3h-csQ) or follow me on twitter @jdubball21. Check back in a few days for next the blog. Josh Wilson (188-PG-87, agency: Hightower Law Firm, college: N.Arizona)