Broncos Balling Overseas

Jerry Brown

 Where are you planning on playing next year? I’m planning on playing somewhere in Europe. I haven’t decided yet, but I have a couple of different options.What went into the decision to play there?I’m going there to keep on pursuing my dream of playing professionally. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do with my life. I came to college wanting to get my degree and I wanted to put myself in position to be a professional basketball player, so I’m going to pursue my dream.What are you doing to prepare for this opportunity overseas?Working hard in terms of strength and conditioning in the gym and also I have a different situation. I also plan on getting my master’s (degree)so that’s something I’m going to have to do online while I’m there but that’s something I really want to do. So I’ve just been working hard to get as much schooling out of the way as I can and learn as much as possible.How has Santa Clara prepared you for this next step?Santa Clara is a great place to prepare you for the next level. It’s been a cultural difference for me, from what I’m used to, so this year has definitely helped me transcend coaches and that’s something I need to know how to do. I’ll play in other different countries and adapt to different coaches and cultural differences, so Santa Clara has prepared me for that.Do you know how Europe’s basketball scene is different than it is here in the U.S.?Yeah, definitely. European basketball is really fundamental and the players out there are skilled and they know how to play the game. That’s something I’m going to have to pick up and watch a lot of film and use all the tools and knowledge I’ve gained over the years to help me make that transition.How did you organize or set up this opportunity?First thing I had to do was get an agent and from there, talked to some people that I know that have played over there and they gave me the inside and some feedback. 

Raymond Cowels III

Where are you playing now and how is your team doing?

I am currently playing in Den Helder, Netherlands. The team I’m playing for is, of course, called the Den Helder Kings. The team is doing well. We are currently third place in the league. We start the playoffs (today).What do you like most about playing overseas?What I like most about playing overseas is the fact that I’m in another country and the fact that I get to do what I love and do it in another country. Just having the ability to be able to travel and see different cultures as well as play basketball has been amazing.What are some of the biggest differences between American and European basketball?I think one of the biggest differences between American basketball and playing in Europe or overseas is the fans. They are allowed to bring drums, air horns, confetti, microphones. You name it, they can bring it. This makes for a great atmosphere that you really can’t find in the states. Also, another big difference is the ball and player movement in (or on )offense. The game is also influenced by soccer culture out here. This means there’s flopping, talking to the (referees), not as physical of play.How does Santa Clara compare to where you are now? (Santa Clara) is a much different atmosphere than Den Helder, Netherlands, or I would say any other country for that matter. It’s definitely not a college town like Santa Clara. It rains and snows in the winter season unlike Santa Clara. You could almost call Santa Clara an unreal experience and that is definitely not a bad thing.Was it difficult to get used to the Netherlands?The transition to the Netherlands has been fairly easy. The people are very welcoming, they speak English and they are accepting of people coming in with American culture or background. The tough part has been missing my family and friends, especially my beautiful girlfriend Patricia Salazar. She has been nothing but supportive through this first season.How did Santa Clara prepare you for competitive basketball overseas?Santa Clara did a great job preparing me for playing basketball overseas. The tough, long practices at Santa Clara have helped me to adjust to play basketball every day, twice a day, at a high level of intensity. 

Marc Trasolini

Where are you playing now and how is your team doing?I play for VL Pesaro in Italy. Unfortunately, our team is not doing well this year. We have had lots of injuries and our budget is low relative to the league. The coach is Sandro Dell’Agnello.How is the first season overseas going so far for you personally?Personally, I have had a great year. I am a starter averaging 30 minutes per game, 10.7 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game right now. I have been happy with how much I have learned and adapted to the overseas game.What do you like most about playing overseas?I love being in Italy because it is a great place to live and has lots of cool things to do and see. The lifestyle is great, kind of like college but with no school.What are some of the biggest differences between American and European basketball?The game over here is very team-based with lots of very good shooters and passers. Teams usually have a couple great scorers and a lot of very good role players. Lots of “pick and roll,” “pick and pop” and then exploiting what the defense does.What went into the decision to play overseas and why did you ultimately choose Italy?I really wanted to play in Italy because that is where my family is from and it is a great league. I knew that I would have the opportunity to play a lot on this team and that I could establish myself in the league.What do you miss the most about home?Two things. First, my family and friends — without a doubt, the hardest thing about this job. Second, the food is amazing but I miss some American spots like Asian, Greek and Mexican foodHow has your game improved since you’ve been playing there?I think my game has really improved. I am very efficient on offense, but my defense and understanding of the game have improved the most.How did Santa Clara prepare you for competitive basketball overseas?The grind of playing college basketball really prepared me for this job. Without it, it would be a much steeper learning curve. But the tough physical and mental part of going through (Santa Clara) basketball as well as playing under a great coaching staff helped the most.