Parris Hill, 28 years old, hometown — Stockton, professional basketball player
About career choice
I have played basketball since childhood. My father introduced me to this sport because he was a basketball player. If you are from New Jersey basketball is in your blood because New Jersey is the state of basketball. Children and adults play this game every day. At home, we often watched games on TV.
I moved to California where people are also in love with this game. And since the weather here is warm, people can stay on the court all day. Basketball courts in California at almost every step and it is convenient you can play almost anywhere.
The first year I played in Barletta, Italy for ASD Nuevocestica Barletta from League C, I had a chance to play with a great group of teammates and they accepted me as a brother.
About basketball in the US
Basketball is one of the biggest and most popular sports in the United States. Everyone can improve playing skills on their own, many trains at home and achieve good results. This sport is popular due to the fact that in the US many basketball fans who go to the matches of their favourite teams or watch games on TV. For Americans, basketball is a culture.
Basketball is one of the biggest and most popular sports in the United States
Before a player has aspirations to become a professional NBA player or abroad, most of them go to college. Many companies provide a great basketball program and give the opportunity for athletes to pursue higher education.
I studied at Oregon CC. There were good conditions, qualitative education and a lot of basketball fans. My second college was Mitchell College in New London. It also had excellent facilities and an excellent education system. In the same educational institution, I received a degree in communications.
At that time the basketball team was everything for me, and I met real friends, won the championship and it has been one of the best basketball periods in my life.
About working conditions
An average player is required to use the gym once a day. If you want to achieve results and move forward, you need to give yourself to training. However, do not forget that the training should be effective, and fatigue is not good.
I try to train more often and import 100% of my strength in it because I want to improve and practice my skills. I spend many hours repeating techniques, and it helps me to be ready for the game season and show good results.
Beginners can start their history in basketball in different ways. Many people find an agent who helps to find a good team, someone does without help.
My first agent was a smart man, thanks to him I was able to find a job after a month and a half. This is a typical term for a professional player, everyone goes through it. Professional teams need players of a particular type, who will be harmonising with the team, will be able to increase its power.
I have played basketball since childhood. You can earn $1,000 a month or $10,000.
About plans
I came back to California and waiting for a response to my resume from a team that searching for players. I will keep myself in shape to show good results until I am accepted.
John Merchant III, 29 years old, hometown — New York, professional basketball player
About career choice
I started playing basketball when I was ten. I am from New York and here everywhere an atmosphere of this game, so I wanted to become a professional basketball player.
I have played in several countries as a universal defender.
About basketball in the US
Basketball in the USA is unique. Here grew up the great players, a crazy competition. American basketball is great because if you want to be great, you have to understand it's hard work. That's what you have to invest in.
Competition in American basketball is caused by general love for this game, everyone wants to play and become an idol of millions.
Competition in American basketball is caused by general love
USA has two major leagues NBA and NBA g. If you want to be a player of these leagues, you need to be the best on the continent.
About working conditions
I can't speak for other players, but I train several times a day. The one who will be faster and stronger will be the winner in the US.
Now there is a good opportunity to play in several positions at once not to limit yourself. You should be versatile and as attractive as possible for coaches.
For beginners difficult it is difficult to find a good team at once. Millions of people are trying to do the same thing as you.
A salary depends on the level of the game and your skills.
About plans
Basketball is a great sport because it opens up a lot of opportunities. Eventually, I would like to become a coach when I will be ready.
Ronnie Childs, 35 years old, hometown — Manchester, Georgia, professional basketball player
About career choice
I started playing basketball when I was six. I was a good athlete and therefore decided to become a professional.
About basketball in the US
Basketball in the US can be characterised with two words — high tempo and strong athletes. A good basketball player is not distinguished by special skills but whether you can be faster or stronger than your opponent.
The five most popular teams in the USA are Golden State, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, OKC Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks.
About working conditions
Training usually takes two or three hours a day. At this time, the players work out their skills and prepare for the games of the season.
I played in six different countries, and all the teams were different from each other. But my position has always been the same — I'm a shooter, a striker who brings points to the team. European teams invite players from the United States on this position.
If the agent got a good contract and you are a good player then salary will be appropriate
A salary depends on your agent and game level. If the agent got a good contract and you are a good player then salary will be appropriate.
About plans
I want to get to the EuroLeague in the near future but maybe things will change.
Hikeem Pruitt, 26 years old, hometown — Bridgeton, professional basketball player
About career choice
I fell in love with basketball when I was 14 and still continue to play two or three times a day.
I was one of those kids who thought they'd probably get into the NBA. I fell in love with basketball when I was 14 and still continue to play two or three times a day. I was the centre of attention and respected by many, I planned to enter a high-level college. But I entered the community college and realized that I had to work every day and be more responsible. I had no playing time and wasn't interested as a basketball player. But I found the inspiration and motivation to try to become a true professional.
About basketball in the US
This is a popular game that captures millions of people in the USA. NBA games become the whole event. People live this game, no matter who you are a professional player or a loyal fan.
People live this game, no matter who you are a professional player or a loyal fan
About working conditions
For beginners, it will be difficult to become a professional, as it is a huge work physical and moral. In the US high competition and difficult to get into the team.
I earn $16,000 a month now.
About plans
My plans for the future are to have my own gym where basketball players can train and where I can hold tournaments for middle school, high school and college players.
