Professional Athlete Spotlight: Brandon Jefferson

Hello valued readers! Today we would like to share with you the interview we got to have with the point guard of the KTP Basket team that is based in Finland. Brandon Jefferson is a native of the United States of America and is going to enlighten us on his experience playing professional basketball in a foreign country. 

Enjoy!

The Great Change: What were your expectations and goals coming into this season playing in the Korisliiga Basketball League?

B. Jefferson: I always had high expectations. That is because I put in the work to get to this point. I was very excited and blessed to get this opportunity. Our goal as a team was to win the championship and improve each and everyday. Also, I wanted to learn the European style of play. 

The Great Change: How hard or easy was the adjustment to Finland?

B. Jefferson: It was a smooth transition, but like anything you do, there will be ups and downs. The players are more physical overseas than the United States. I was blessed to have players and a coaching staff that believed in me.

The Great Change: Describe your experience playing for KTP Basket?

B. Jefferson: I played for KTP Basket in Kotks, Finland, which is an hour away from Helsinki, Finland, the capital of Finland. The fans were amazing and really supported the club. I had great people around me that helped with my transition. Almost everyone spoke English. I am very blessed to have played with a well known club in Finland.

The Great Change: How is the European game play different than the game play here in the states?

B. Jefferson: The game play is more physical overseas. There are not a lot of isolation moments or one on one situations in the game play overseas. The game is more fluid and everyone is skilled. The fans are crazy as well.

The Great Change: What advice would you give to a young athlete looking to reach the professional level?

B. Jefferson: Keep God first and continue to work hard day in and day out. Do not let anyone tell you what you cannot do. Keep people around you that have the same goals as you and want to see you succeed.

Thank you all for taking the time to stop by The Great Change, don't forget our book The American Alien is available for pre-order to the right!