5 Ways Aspiring Pros Can Set Themselves Apart At TBL and BSL Combine Drafts
You've paid your registration fee. The trip is booked. The opportunity awaits. But if guys are going to standout, it's going to take much more on and off of the court.
For anyone following The Basketball League for the past six-plus years, this year is set to be a bit different. Not only is TBL bracing for another entertaining, competitive, and hopefully historic season, the new era was ushered in with the formation and announcement of the Basketball Super League tipping-off in late December. Before, guys who were not playing overseas, in the NBA G-League, or NBA, were left waiting and wondering what opportunities were out there for them to attempt to make it as a pro.
But now?
Now, thanks to professional leagues like TBL and BSL, the options and openings across the United States and parts of Canada to either begin or continue a basketball career are at an all-time high in the game. The first stop for many of the guys looking to make a name for themselves in TBL and BSL begins with their respective Combines and Drafts. If the 2023 TBL Combine last February in Indianapolis, Indiana was any indication of how future Combine and Draft events will be conducted by the TBL and BSL, then expect more big moments, more key signings, and more unforgettable experiences with potential pros eager to make a good impression.
In turn, guys can also make a bad first impression. Sadly enough it happens, especially in packed gyms with a lot of eyes and decision-makers watching. It’s even more reason to identify some easy ways — 5 Ways for the purpose of this article — guys can standout from the crowd, both on and off of the court, heading into TBL and BSL Combine Drafts.
Do Your Homework
The Basketball League and the Basketball Super League pride themselves on being strong professional developmental and exposure leagues that serve as stepping-stones for international leagues, the NBA G-League, and the NBA. It’s best to approach each with a little know-how about how the leagues are constructed, which teams make-up each league, and/or the front offices and coaching staffs for each. In 2023 and with all of the teams on social media or providing in-depth websites, there’s no reason not to be brushed up on the TBL and BSL. A number of the head coaches around the league (you know who you are) are very active, accessible, and informative on social media, particularly Twitter/X where some coaches will even alert free agents of openings going on around the world. Clearly, coaches and teams will do extensive homework on a player before giving them a shot so it’s time to do yours.
Listen More, Talk Less
One of the many things TBL did exceptionally well at their 2023 Combine Draft was offer a speed-dating interview process the night prior to their two-day Combine sessions. It provided the forum sway from the court for players to get a feel for teams, and for teams to get a feel for players. The guys who received positive reviews from teams about their “interview process”, were ones who tended to listen more and soak up timely information versus dominating the conversation and trying to hard sell teams. That approach should be carried over to the court. Guys should be all ears. Sponges. Soak up the moment but do it in a way where you are teachable, as coaches, scouts, and team personnel are simply offering insight and feedback to help you grow. Listen up: it’s a trait that will serve you well.
Build Relationships
While this point goes hand-in-hand with “listen more, talk less”, it can’t be emphasized enough — both TBL and BSL are made up of knowledgable, experienced, and thoughtful ownership, management, and teams that include NBA alumni members, NBA and G-League officials, D1 and D2 icons, NAIA and Juco mainstays, and people with deep rooted international league ties. So while you don’t have to go around collecting business cards the whole time, it is worth the time to begin forming relationships around the game that could help open the door to a new opportunity in basketball and life. At the end of the day, the basketball business world is a small world.
Go Easy On Yourself
It happens at every Showcase, Summer League, or Combine. Guys get on the court and simply have an off game. Some have off games. And some guys are merely overwhelmed by the entire process and perhaps have bitten off more than they can chew to start their pro careers. And that’s ok. Timing is everything. In those situations on the floor where you feel like the game or a play is getting away from you, remember to go easy on yourself. Don’t hang your head. Don’t place the blame. Be aware of how you carry yourself as a professional, and get back to work doing what you do best: playing the game of basketball.
Soak Up The Sun
Lights always shine brightest on the biggest stage. While the mantra is “Go Easy on Yourself”, there’s the equal philosophy that TBL and BSL Combines and Drafts also offer the chance for aspiring pros to soak up the sun. These moments to showcase your abilities in front of your peers and pro teams elevates guys to a different level. You can see it the moment they step in the gym and on the court. Play smart. Play together. Play to compete for a job opening, because at the end of the day that’s the reality that awaits on the table for some guys.
One day, it’s about proudly holding a signed pro contract in the air.
The next, it’s about collectively raising a championship trophy above your head.
For those who are traveling to Detroit to take part in the first BSL Combine Draft on Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19, and for those guys circling the next TBL Combine on their calendar, keep these 5 Ways in mind before, during, and after getting on the court with the TBL and BSL.
Wendell Maxey is the author of Around The Basketball League and has written about professional basketball and sports for 20 years. He’s been featured on NBA.com, ESPN.com, USA Today, FOX Sports, and SLAM Magazine among other publications and media outlets. You can connect with him on Twitter and LinkedIn or read through his archive on Linktree. This 2024 season, Wendell will also be a featured writer with the Basketball Super League.