What does it take to be a student-athlete abroad? Here’s a US school official’s take

The Philippines has produced many homegrown athletes who go abroad—not only to further their studies, but also to develop their skills and talents while competing with some of the best in the world.

Take, for example, Kieffer Alas, who recently announced his return to the Philippines after more than a year in the United States, or Andy Gemao, who is carving his own path overseas.

But beyond the skills, a school official from a well-known college preparatory school shared there are several factors that contribute to a student-athlete’s success abroad.

Dr. David Rath, Associate Head of School and Dean of Enrollment Management at Montverde Academy in Florida, visited the Philippines in hopes of encouraging Filipino athletes—especially basketball players—to consider trying their luck overseas.

Montverde Academy is notable for producing several alumni who have went on to have success in the NBA, including recent No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, Detroit Pistons stars Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, and former NBA Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes, among others.

“It (Philippines) absolutely is a market and we've gotten students from here before who played soccer and golf, other sports like that, but not really basketball,” he said.

“I know there's a true market here with how basketball crazy the Philippines is.”

Rath believes there are specific qualities that Filipino players have that can set them apart in their basketball journey.

“Just from what I know and gather, if I'm coming to the Philippines, chances are I'm looking for a point guard or a wing guy who can shoot the lights out of the basketball. Because what boys, men from the Philippines would lack in height, they make up for in how they see the court, their vision, their toughness, their determination. Those are intangibles that could go a long way in propelling them further along.”

But what, according to Rath, does it take for a student-athlete to thrive abroad?

Good character

While talent is often a given, character is often what make the difference.

“We wouldn't take every five-star recruit. You have to have good character,” he told the media.

“You also have to be willing to do the work in the classroom because, again, we're a school first and everything else is secondary. If you're not willing to do the work, I don't care if you're a five-star recruit or not, you might as well go to a basketball school, not a school with good basketball because you won't make it at our school.”

He said that players like Flagg and Barnes were known to be driven not only in basketball but in all aspects.

“It's not only the talent level, but it's the competitiveness that each one has and their willingness to put the work in at all levels of school life, not just on the basketball court.”

All-in thinking

Making a move abroad is a major decision, especially when adjusting to a new environment.

If a student-athlete decides to pursue opportunities overseas, they must be ready to fully commit.

“You're a high school kid, so you're going to leave your family, move halfway around the world, live in a dorm with boys you don't know, be in a basketball program that's going to push you every single day harder than you've ever been pushed in your life. Are you mentally prepared for that,” Rath said.

“All those things have to be answered even before you begin that journey. You have to think about those things. And then when you do, once you get there, then you have to put the work in. So it's not just in the classroom, it’s on the basketball court, it’s everywhere to avoid a pitfall that maybe you made a mistake.”

“So if you're not going to be all in, it's the wrong decision.”

Supportive family

An athlete may have connections or a strong highlight reel, but at the end of the day, a solid support system is essential—and that’s where a supportive family comes in.

“If the family is toxic, a school doesn't want any part of it,” he said.

“So you could be a great player, but if you have toxic parents, need not apply because it won't work. If you came to our school and we suddenly realized we have toxic parents and they're not going to partner with us appropriately, that student will be right back here in the Philippines the next, you know, maybe even by Christmas time. So it's got to be a partnership.”

—JMB, GMA News