We had the opportunity to speak with Devin Gilligan about his professional basketball career so far. Devin currently plays for T71 Dudelange in the Luxembourg top league where he is averaging 16 PPG, 10 RPG, and 4 APG. Devin's 5 years and counting of professional basketball have landed him on 5 different continents and also seen him win a league MVP in the Norwegian top league. Before playing pro, Devin graduated from D2 Southern New Hampshire University where he was named a first team all American his senior year. Devin has outstanding perspectives from his unique basketball journey that any aspiring pro player can learn a lot from. Big thanks to Devin for taking the time to share his story with us!
1) You’ve had playing opportunities in the G-League, North & South America, Asia, Europe, and Australia, how much does the play style and overall experience depend on where you’re playing?
Play style and lifestyle can be very different throughout the world and should be something that players look at closely before signing a contract to play somewhere. Climate, language, culture, food, facilities and everything else are different depending on where you are, but at the end of the day it is still basketball. I've been lucky that I have enjoyed many things on and off the court everywhere that I have played. As an American, the best advice that I can give is to be open to experiencing different cultures, get to know your teammates off the court, always be professional, work hard and enjoy the experience.
2) You’ve been represented by major agencies, smaller agencies, and have chosen to self-represent, why did you choose each of these routes and how have your experiences differed with each?
After 5 years I have had many experiences with agents, most good but some pretty frustrating. After not getting a job this summer working with a smaller agency, I changed course and was lucky to be put in touch with a bigger agent who was able to get me this opportunity in Luxembourg very quickly. My experience working with her has been great, very honest, helpful and trustworthy. I think the key is to have an agent who has strong connections but also one that values you as a client. Before you sign with an agent I would look into who they have worked with that has a similar resume to what you have and see how their career has gone.
3) Throughout your journey, how many combines/showcases have you participated in? What were your experiences?
I have not participated in any.
4) Overall, how was the process of trying to secure a pro contract and what advice would you give someone about to begin this journey?
Trying to secure your first opportunity can be very tough. There are millions of people who would love to play professional basketball and not a lot of jobs to go around. The best advice I can give is to be proactive looking for the first opportunity, talk to everyone you know that has played and learn as much as you can about the process. Also, always be ready and in great shape, my first job I got a call on a tuesday and had to leave that Thursday which happened to be Thanksgiving day.
5) You’ve been playing professionally since 2017, what advice would you give to current rookies looking to move to higher leagues and extend their basketball careers?
The advice that I would give is to always be a pro. Worry about being the best version of yourself where you are currently at before worrying about what the future holds.