Dominique Franks: “You are not going to be able to cheat the system and get what you want from the academy!”

An amazing life story and interview with our player Dominique Franks, former 5 years NFL player that started recently playing professional basketball in Europe after completing our pro placement program.

Where you started to play basketball and if you may explain your basketball background?
Started at a very young age back home in Oklahoma. My father started me when I was probably 2 years old dribbling.. I played AAU basketball with RedHawks & athletes. First both well known programs around the country finished 3rd every year in nationals and 1 year finished 2. Stop playing AAU my junior year of high school because I wanted to focus on football because I knew I was going to college to play football. I continued to play next 2 years in high school but my basketball career came to a stop after I graduated high school. Went on to play 4 years of college football and after 5 years in the NFL.

Why did you decide to join Europe Basketball Academy?
For me it was not having the college basketball background it was tough for me to get anyone to give me a shot to play because they were not able to see me play any real meaningful games.

How did you hear about our academy? Who recommended it to you?
Decided to try out the Academy because was my only way to be able to get in front of coaches and to show them I really can play. Heard about the Academy through one of my good friends so I said all it can do is help me so why not give it a shot!!!

Did you attend some camps and if you did can you explain the difference between those camps and Europe Basketball Academy?
Yes, I attend several camps in USA and the difference in USA was more of just a combine for players to just go out there and prove what they can do on there own. Academy more about the players becoming a team and learning how to play with different players and positions they not used to play. And also at the same time learning the rules of overseas play.

What is the difference between playing in Europe and where you played before coming to Europe?
All I was doing prior to Europe was pick up and men’s league where u don’t really have any structure and you are free to do whatever you want.  Europe is more team concept and a lot more structure.

How did the days look for you at Europe Basketball Academy? Describe the regular day you were going through? Describe what new you learned about European basketball in Europe Basketball Academy?
Regular Day for me was waking up at 6 in the morning going to fitness center to get a little work before practice, then going to first practice getting shots up, then walking home so I can get  a quick nap hour, waking up getting a lunch, walking back home resting for hour or so and then walking to gym to get ready for our 2nd practice. After 2nd practice go back to the fitness center to sit in sauna and hot tub, then to end the day off go eat dinner and relax. The biggest thing for me that I learn was that you can’t really use the direct step in Europe like we do in the States, so taking the time out to get used to and comfortable in using the crossover step was huge for me.

Your advice to players that are considering joining Europe Basketball Academy? What are values that we share? What kind of player should enter academy?
My advice I would give is that you have to be serious about the grind, you are not going to be able to cheat the system and get what you want from the academy. Values academy share are leadership, accountability, determination, and Respect. Only players who are ready to work should attend the academy, someone who understand what’s the real purpose you are there for, and someone that have it in their minds that they are not leaving without a contract no matter how long it takes.

Share some interesting situations that you experienced in the academy that you will remember and that made a strong impression on you.
My biggest thing I would say would be just adapting to the culture.. for my first time ever living outside the United States just learning some of the language, seeing the holidays they celebrate and when they also celebrate them, and also the friendships I made at the academy will stick with me forever. People from countries I never thought I would meet people from and be able to pick there brains about what their country is like.

Where you ended up after you attended Europe Basketball Academy?
Currently playing 2nd Division in Montenegro.

Here you may write some finishing comments what you find important to share.
Whoever reading this just want to share if you are serious about trying to get a job this is the best place to go. Great people there and they will do whatever it takes to find you a job all you have to do is work and listen to what they have to say.. hope this will help you make a decision on attending.. have any other questions for me, my Instagram & Twitter is Dfranks24 I want to help any way I can...it worked for me, can definitely work for you. God Bless.