Feb 10th, 2011

Yesterday I had the opportunity to guest blog for Freedarko.com which was a great opportunity. So far the response has been amazing and proves my writing was well received. I'm glad people out there could enjoy my story and writing style. Later I found out that ESPN writer Henry Abbott posted the freedarko link on True Hoop. Here's the link. I was already overwhelmed by posting on a great blog like FreeDarko then ESPN the worldwide leader in sports taking notice was just crazy. The response to the blog has definately motivated me even more and I plan on really taking things to another level.
 

With the EBA season winding down I've been trying to prepare for the "off-season" which is actually the most important season. The spring and summer are where jobs are found and players prove their worth. Everyday I'm on websites like usbasket.com checking for exposure camps, combines, try-outs, etc. The problem is filtering through the bs and finding the good events that are worth the money. These events are not cheap at all ranging from $150-$400, I think the NBA D-League National Try-out was $600 last year.  Then you can add travel and maybe even hotel costs. 

As a player, I'm investing in myself financially in hope of making or continuing a career. So by definition I'm also an entreprenuer. I can't afford to waste money or time by making bad business decisions. I recommend players do as much research as possible before comitting to a camp/tryout/combine. Sadly there are people out there that prey on guys in my situation because they know how hungry we are to play. Just yesterday I was offered and emailed a shady looking deal about some try-outs. The funny thing is they were asking for money and a copy of my passport BUT no where was the basic information like date or location. If it looks too good to be true then it is.

I do have a couple of legit events circled on my calendar and I'm trying to get my finances in order so I can attend. Playing in front of the right people is key. Networking is key. Unless you're a big-time college star nobody is going to knock at your door and offer you a job.  That's why I live by CYOD (Create Your Own Destiny). The basketball world has been hit by the recession too. The amount of players far outweighs the number of jobs so it's a very competitve market. I feel like I'm doing everything in my power to put myself in position to succeed.

I would say the main thing holding me back is my resume'. To be honest on paper I don't look impressive at all. Meaning I played division III and my stats are nothing to brag about. But on the other hand alot of players with nice resumes don't impress on the court and that's where it should matter. So I know I have to bring my A game every single time I step on the court. I have to convince a scout, coach, or GM that somebody missed the boat on Wayne Washington.