Jarra
Years ago

Imports from Europe

Interested to understand why NBL clubs don't pursue (or have success) in recruiting imports from Europe? We've seen the dramatic increase in Euros playing in the NBA and I'm surprised this hasn't been replicated in Australia.

While the top-end money offered in Europe would far exceed the bankroll of the NBL teams, I would imagine the NBL would be an attractive destination for many quality Euro players, nice lifestyle, warm and a quality league and a potential stepping-stone.

The only player that comes to mind is JP Tokoto, who is referred to as being French, however he's American.

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Anonymous
Years ago

$$$ ?

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Smith
Years ago

The Euroleague have the luxury of taking players who show promise in the Euro Cup and the NBL can't compete with that kind of money. They also can't compete with the top Euro Cup teams for that matter.

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Anonymous
Years ago

euro pays more than G-league. Also Id say Euro players possess similar attributes to Australian players, just better.

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D2
Years ago

The reason we can compete for "decent" American players is that most of them aren't quite good enough to hold down an import spot in a decent Euro league and/or don't have access to a Euro passport. A native European can. (Its why most of our guys that go to Europe have a Euro passport.)

Plus our lifestyle can tip the balance. We speak English, which for your average American is huge issue, and lets be honest we are culturally very similar. Guys who would otherwise be playing in one of the lessor Euro leagues will take a slight pay-cut for the comfort of living and playing in a place that reminds them of home. And if they have been to California/Texas/ etc, then the weather here isn't too bad.
Whilst there has always been significant European migration to Australia, it is mostly poor people in search of a better life.

Of course if the UK was a massive BBL powerhouse, it might be different. :)

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Anonymous
Years ago

How can the OP not mention Rimas Kurtinaitis in his post. LOL at the weird Tokoto example.

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Train
Years ago

Tokoto...French? Cmon, everyone knows he is Japanese.

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UseTaHoop
Years ago

Props to anon above.

Rimas Kurtinaitis.

Now there's a name I haven’t heard in a long time. Great shot. Great bball brain.

Coaching in Europe now.

Much respect for the name drop anon.

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Anonymous
Years ago

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Anonymous
Years ago

Why would nbl players quit that to come play premier league, same thing. Less money and less chance of moving forward in career. Local players here wish they can get Euro contract for quick cash, why would Euro player want to do that in reverse???

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