This episode is supported by Foot Locker, find out what they are doing for grassroots hoops in Europe at the Foot Locker Basketball Hub.
The 6’11” centre is in his sixth year as a pro after a successful college career at Iowa, and has played at the highest levels in Europe, having signed what was reported as one of the biggest rookie contracts in Europe with Euroleague side Bamberg straight out of college, and along with Germany has played in France, Italy, Spain and now Turkey.
Olaseni had a rough start to his pro career; he likes to joke he was fired from his first two pro jobs, but has used the lessons to bounce back and carve himself out a place in the highest tiers of European competition.
In this 90 minutes episode hear from Gabe on:
When he first realised COVID-19 was going to be a serious thing
Staying in Turkey for two months believing the postponed season would get started again
Coming back to London for the summer and working out outside
How COVID-19 has affected the European basketball market
Making the decision to sign back in Turkey for a second year
How COVID-19 has impacted Turkish basketball this season
His first exposure to basketball and why he started playing
First playing club basketball with the Eastside Eagles
Making the decision to not joined a stacked Westminster Warriors U18 squad who would go on to win the title
Travelling from East to West London to play for Uxbridge Emperors
The top players of his generation that he was keeping an eye on
Getting turned down by Barking Abbey
How the move to the US to Sunrise Christian Academy first came about
The transition to the US both on and off the court
How Iowa came across him by accident whilst recruiting his teammate
His work ethic and the time he was putting in whilst at college
The standout memories from his time at college
Dealing with doubts after not playing a lot in his first two years at Iowa
Learning to embrace a role on a team
His mentality on turning professional
NBA draft workouts and NBA summer league
Why he chose to sign in Europe instead of play in the G-League and pursue the NBA
His rookie contract and the rumours of him being one of the highest paid rookies in Europe
Financial management
His rookie season with Bamberg in the Euroleague and the difficulties
Playing for Great Britain Senior Men and receiving his first call up
His breakout tournament at EuroBasket 2017
How he feels about the current GB group and their chances of qualifying for EuroBasket 2021
Whether he stays in touch with other GB guys through the season
Balancing personal production and team performance
Playing in Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and Turkey and comparing the leagues
His thoughts on the levels of the BBL
What the London Lions are doing this season
Highlights of his career so far
Toughest moment of his career so far
Best coach he’s played for
Toughest player he’s had to play against
Best British player he’s played against
Favourite British teammate
Goals for the next 5 years of his career
And much, much more!
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