Jacob Salinero (185-PG-1997, college: Sonoma St.) is a 28 year old 185cm guard from Half Moon California playing his fourth pro season and first with at North Fox Reuler (Luxembourg-Nationale 2). He played his rookie season in Spain and the last 2 seasons in Germany with Kleene Trockenbau Baskets Fortuna Logabirum (Germany-2.Regionalliga) averaging 20.1ppg, 6.2rpg, 7.4apg, 2.6spg and with TV Lich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 13.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.9apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 68.7%. He began his basketball career at Half Moon Bay High School and then played 2 seasons at Skyline College (JUCO and then finished at Sonoma State University (NCAA2). He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

After playing your first 3 pro seasons overseas, you now have signed late in Luxemburg with second division team North Fox. Why did you sign so late? I´m sure you could of played somewhere in Europe? Were you more picky about offers then usual?

I signed late because the agent I was working with in Germany decided to move in a different direction so I had to utilize my own network in order to get signed. I did have some Regio 2 offers but after a solid Regio 1 season where I performed and we were a top 3 team it felt like a step in the opposite direction.

You had a solid season with Lich Basketball (Germany-Regionalliga) last season averaging 13.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.9apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 68.7%. I believe you saw how European basketball runs sometimes with that organization?

I forever have so much love and respect for the Lich basketball community. I made life long relationships with the people in that city. I think the issue was just communication at the end of the day. I was told that if I played my role that I would get to Pro B even if it meant my stats were lower. I put a lot of trust into the organization that by sacrificing individual accolades it would help the team win and for me to sign in a higher league, but unfortunately that was not the case. I learned that as an American import player you are judged on production and winning, and everything else is everything else. I did not get paid in full the last month I was in Lich so that was an unfortunate close to my time there. That year taught me so much about the business side of basketball.

Playing in lower leagues isn´t always easy for imports. Guys play for little money and little glory. How tough can it be at times for an American pursuing their dreams overseas?

At the beginning it is tough for sure, last year in Lich I was eating rice and avocados at the end of the month just to get by. Also a family in the community would make me dinner on Sundays so that was amazing. I really can’t speak highly enough on how special the fan base is in Lich. Fortunately now I am in a position in year 4 where I have some stability financially and it gives you breathing room in terms of decision making and career outlook. You have to really love basketball to start in the lower leagues, it will test you in every way.

What advice do you have for that American baller coming from a division 2 school and landing in the Spain Primera Nacional as a rookie?

I would say that your first years are really make or break if you don’t produce and win it will be extremely hard to get another opportunity especially at the guard position. Additionally networking is huge as the overseas community is smaller than you think so being a good person and reaching out to others goes a long way!

You kept busy at home in California this season. Talk about how you occupied your time? I believe you were a skills trainer?

I was a part time agent for the agency FullyFeared Sports and I helped two guys sign in Europe, and I became a sports performance coach helping youth improve athletically. I invested so much time in my body and mind this offseason I became a whole new player and person. I learned I want to help the next generation of hoopers reach their fullest potential as not only basketball players but people. It was also the longest I’ve been home in 3 years as I usually stay extra long to do tryouts, so it was amazing to see family and friends for an extended period of time.

Have you ever contemplated possibly playing in the States in semi pro leagues? That is also a lions den. What stories have you heard of guys playing there?

There is so much untapped talent in the states, the issue with the semi pro leagues is that overseas markets rarely respect it even if the talent level is high. I would prefer to stay in the overseas market or explore NBA/G league opportunities if I had the choice.

How did a normal work out day look like for you concerning working on your craft?

I would wake up and lift, then go get my on court work in, eat after, then come to family or train kids/network with Fullyfeared. I did that 6 days a week and it became routine for me. I want to be more than a basketball player and prepare myself and my life for life after hoops so building a network that supports that is key.

You decided to come overseas and joined Luxemburg second division team North Fox. Why did you join this team so late? Was the challenge of going to a losing team the big challenge?

I joined this team because one of my friend´s coaches in this league and knew this team needed a player. I was already in Ireland doing tryouts so I flew the next day to tryout and I made the team! It is a big challenge but I know I am prepared to help the team stay in the league. I worked so much this offseason and I became the player necessary for the task.

How has the experience been for you country wise? Luxemburg isn´t to far from Germany. How is the language barrier? Is it less americanized than Germany`

The experience has been amazing! It is my favorite situation I have been in overseas as everything is so close and Luxembourgish people speak generally 4 languages so there isn’t really a language barrier. I also have okay German skills hahaha so if my English doesn’t work I can get by in German

What have you enjoyed most about the North Fox organization so far?

The people! The community is small and close knit and my teammates have been sensational. Not all teams are open to import players but they welcomed me with open arms. I feel comfortable here.

You played one game losing to Black Frogs 80-56. How would you describe the level and players in the second league compared to the German Regionalliga?

The import players are better as each team can have two and there is more money in Luxembourg so teams can afford higher quality imports, but local player level in Germany is better. I think it is a hard comparison.

You scored 24 points in the loss. It seems like you’re the main go to guy. Do you enjoy it. Do you ever feel any pressure?

They signed me for the purpose to come and lead and this is the role that comes most naturally for me. I truly feel like I am being myself out there. The pressure is to keep the team in the league and lead from the front, but I can’t lie I live for moments like this and you have to as a guard overseas pressure makes diamonds!

Do you sense like the team sees you as a savior?

I wouldn’t say that but the year has been very tough for them with three coaching changes and players getting hurt so I think the team is excited to have someone that can help turn things around. It takes a team to win.

The team is young. Do you sense the young guys looked up to you right away?

The team age is mixed as here are players older than me and some younger. I think they have questions about basketball which I am happy to answer. I am the first import in the club’s history so it has been fun for both parties.

You were 0/10 from outside and had 6 turnovers. Do you credit that to competition rust?

Yeah I would say so but I bounced back quickly as last game I had 35p 12r 5a 1to and was 5/10 from 3pt so I think being able to adapt quickly is a common theme for successful imports production wise.

What do you want to achieve most with your game in the short time in Luxemburg now?

I want to keep the team in the league first and foremost because that is why I was signed, but individually I want to prove once again that I can dominate European competition as the focal point and show teams that I am able to lead and capable of winning games as a professional. I have always known that I am a player that can change a game around so it is important to prove that night in and night out. You have to prove yourself every year as a point guard and I am ready for the challenge.

North Fox is now in the playdowns. You will play 14 games. How excited are you for the challenge?

I was born for moments like this. It is all just preparation meeting opportunity.

How good are the chances that the team could remain in the league?

Very high the team is hitting its stride we get better every week.

Do you think like you may return to Germany one day or are new countries rather on your bucket list?

It all depends on situation for me. I am open to anywhere. I would love to play in Australia, Asia, the Nordic regions, and the US in either the G league or NBA.

Thanks Jake for the chat