In this episode of Passport to the Pros, we dive into the realities of playing professional basketball abroad. From navigating contracts and visas to adjusting to new cultures, styles of play, and expectations, this conversation breaks down what the overseas path really looks like.
Michael Shagoury is joined by Hozaifa “Zee” Almaleh and Chad Hendrick, two players who have lived the international basketball experience firsthand. Together, they discuss who playing abroad is actually for, how players find opportunities, what kind of money can realistically be made, and the biggest mistakes athletes make early in their overseas careers.
The episode also explores how international basketball can serve as a development pathway, not just a fallback, and why some players and coaches used overseas experience to reach the NBA. The conversation wraps with a fast-paced game challenging the hosts to guess which NBA players and coaches played or coached abroad before making it to the league.
This episode is essential listening for high school, college, and international players considering professional basketball beyond the NBA.