ISTANBUL (Türkiye) - The players at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2024 received important tips about the transition to professionalism from former Turkish star Kerem Tunceri and ex-Italian international Andrea Pecile as part of the Players' Workshop.
The former players discussed how the youngsters should look for mentors to help them early in their career with basketball and life advice; how to deal with the challenges of social media; and ways to make their transition from a youth player to a professional easier.
The players interacted with Pecile, who is also a FIBA Players' Mentor, and answered questions about various life scenarios, while 2024 U17 World Cup ambassador Tunceri talked about his career highlights and how the players should enjoy the moment.
Players' Workshops take place at all FIBA U17 and FIBA U19 Basketball World Cups, both men's and women's, and are included in the FIBA Players' Commission strategy to educate young players about issues they will face on and off the court. Former stars give the youngsters varying life lessons and talk about past experiences they went through.
"We always need to respect our opponent. That is the most important thing as a player," Lithuania big man Arturas Butajevas said about what he learned most from the workshop.
"You should respect everybody and just have fun. Being here is great. There are only 12 players from your country who can be here," Germany's Fynn Lastring added.
"We should enjoy the experience and not put too much pressure on ourselves. Also definitely keep working hard and have pride representing your country," Australian Henry Sewell said.
The Australian center also appreciated that FIBA provides this opportunity to learn from players who have been where they want to be.
"I think it's great for guys who have already been through the national team system to come and share their experiences and how they learned from it," he said.
Pecile said he hopes the players remember to focus on their careers, the current moment, and the things they can actually control and not be distracted by all the other things that are outside their control.
"With this new technology and this rhythm of life and going out and chasing everything I think if somebody is able to stay calm and live with serenity and control the things they can control and do their best, this is something that will drive you to success," said Pecile, who played at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2006.
Pecile said he wishes he had the opportunity of such a Players' Workshop when he was younger, and he hopes to have reached at least one player.
"It's very difficult to plant a seed. It’s like Inception. I love the movie, so I love the idea of putting an idea or seed inside and letting the flower grow. I'm sure that somebody picked up the seed. Maybe some didn’t as they may not be ready yet, but for sure, somebody picked it," he said.
FIBA