The great thing these days is there are plenty outlets besides the NBA and overseas, plus they offer money–some better than others of course, but hey, if you can get a check off something you love doing, why not? On the flip, there are some ballplayers who like to bring attention to the fact that they are so-called “pros.” Take it easy. Just because you make money off basketball, doesn’t put you in the professional category yet. If you make a lot of money–or even a little–off basketball, more power to you. You should feel good about yourself. But unless you play overseas, NBA, or NBDL, don’t try to make it out to be more than it is. I always believe it’s important to stay humble on and off the court. Don’t confuse confidence with cockiness.
Here’s my Top Ten Reasons You Know You’re A Pro (in no order) . . .
1) When you Google your name, something else comes up other than your Myspace page.
2) You don’t have a part-time job at Gold’s Gym.
3) Every time you make a shot, you don’t need to announce that you are in fact a pro.
4) You play in countries that have running water.
5) You don’t jump on other people’s meat if they happen to be playing professional somewhere else or doing well in college or high school.
6) You stay humble instead of talking about yourself in every conversation or at least attempt to make a good segway so it’s not so obvious.
7) You get paid more than Jamba Juice employees.
8) You don’t wear the full uniform while playing pick-up just to let people know which tournaments you’ve played in.
9) You don’t take public transportation to your games or practices.
10) And finally, you receive more than a free faded T-shirt.
February 21st, 2008 at 12:25 am
Bakar says:
Not sure about number 7 yo. A lotta players in overseas leagues get cheated of their cheddar by shady owners, so although technically you’ll earn more than Jamba Juice cats, there’s no guarantee you’ll actually get the paper..
February 21st, 2008 at 1:58 am
Sean Couch says:
Joe, number 9 is straight wack. I know several overseas and NBA players who hit the train or subway to play at Nike Pro-City in the summer. Bobbito got a metro card.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:28 am
Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love says:
sean–i also ride my bike to games!!! headache always makes fun of me for it cuz one time it was a snowstorm and there i was heading to a basketball city run on my red mountain bike! haha
February 21st, 2008 at 11:33 am
Derrick Canada says:
Yeah Sean, I agree. When I was playing, we trained all over the city because it was normally the quickest way to get anywhere between traffic and parking. How about this as a replacement: “People actually ask you to play on their team instead of you asking them”
Just my two cents
DC
February 21st, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Josephvecsey says:
Derrick:
You right. I mean, the public transportation is meant to be funny, but sometimes people take things literally. I like yours. That’s perfect for a replacement.
February 28th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Kevin Heller says:
Joe ,
think you been eating in too many health violated chinese restaurants
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Joseph Vecsey says:
Hey, Kevin, I’m laughing out loud. I was thinking about that the other day. We should talk, I lost your numbers. It’s sort of a shame what happened down in Florida cuz’ I really liked it down there and I apreciated what you did for me while I was down there, but you chose to take the wrong side in that whole “situation” with my coach. Hope all is well with you, Neal, and your daughter. How’s the run and has Larry the Lawyer got sick of shooting the ball everytime yet?
March 5th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Kevin Heller says:
Joe ,call me@ triple crown 561 939 6445 . Sides were not taken . Bruce # talias has your cookies
March 14th, 2008 at 6:07 am
Seldom Seen says:
This list sounds as if it was concocted in a pizza shop-Italian restaurant. With so many different leagues and tournaments played in gyms across the globe it’s no wonder balla’s consider themselves pro’s. I mean if you get even one guy who has so much as put on a practice jersey for a pro or semi-pro team and he plays in a league then depending on who’s running that league it could very well be called a Pro-Am right? I’m unclear about what the official bball edict is on this or how that works but there should be some more specific guidelines or parameter’s than simply this. I know that player’s with a real passion for the game never give up that dream of hopefully playing at a professional level at some point but perception and reality are two different worlds and that’s why it’s always best to take a real close look in the mirror every now and then. I agree that being confident is a big plus and also agree that being cocky will eventually lead to your ultimate demise and failure. It is always wise to remain humble and not applaud yourself to much because when you don’t make it to that next level for whatever reason remember those you threw under the bus, back stabbed or stepped on will be the one’s you may be serving that Jamba Juice to after your time on the court is up. Remember time waits for no one so if you’re truly a pro you should not have to announce it as your play should speak louder than your words. If your simply another really good player who didn’t get to shoot the money ball then take a number and understand you can still have fun playing the game you supposedly love without all the hype and self promotion. Take it or leave but that’s the real!
March 14th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Joseph Vecsey says:
Thank you, Sean Kennedy for your words. They’re real!
June 24th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Coach Jackson says:
JV,
This was a pretty good article. You made me recall the time at five-star basketball camp, when you kept us up all night cracking jokes on the boys from South Dakota. Yeah, not to mention calling me “over seas”, the rest of camp. You still have that weak-ass jump-shot?.
Take care and I’ll see you some time.
Coach Jackson
June 26th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
JosephVecsey says:
Wow, that’s crazy. I forgot about that, but now that you jogged my memory, I remember clearly. That was a funny night. We were all up to about four am making jokes. I can’t believe you remembered that. How you doing? Where r u coaching? Leave me your e-mail…Good to hear from you.
I still got my weak ass jumper, and making jokes. Make sure you leave me your email, over seas