The social media revolution is an example. Do players still need basketball agents in an era where everybody can connect with everybody else? An era where players can visit websites like this to make direct connections in a more efficient and structured way?
The answer is yes; basketball agents still have value. It starts with experience. To agents, a team is not just a name. They often know the individuals connected to that team. Agents also know the coach’s philosophy, preferred playing style, and which types of players fit that system. Basketball agents know whether a team has a good track record of respecting contracts and payment schedules. Agents also know how to put together contracts, and, if they are FIBA-certified, they can involve the “Basketball Arbitration Tribunal” in resolving contractual disputes. In other words, basketball agents are experts in the business as well as essential advisors, confidants, and career planners.
Bear in mind, however, that agents also need to make a living. They are looking for a positive return on investment, just like players. Basketball agents take a risk on every player they represent. Why? Because agents operate on commission. They only get paid if they find their player a job and if the agent fee is high enough to justify the time and money invested in promoting said player.
If a player does not have a strong basketball resume, and if a significant investment in time and money is required on the part of the agent to find him a job — while the chances of finding a job are slim — the agent may not be able to justify taking that player on as a client. This explains why it is so difficult to find an agent, even for talented players. Actually, agents apply the same filters as clubs, which is why overseas teams ignore players without proof.
In cases where agents are reluctant to represent a player, that player can consider representing himself. The player can invest his own time and money in promoting himself to try and find a job. This website provides a good opportunity to do just that.