We had the opportunity to talk with Marcus Wallace about his professional basketball journey so far. Marcus was a 20 PPG scorer and all conference selection at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. While the covid-19 pandemic served as an obstacle in his pro basketball journey he has continued to stay the course and do all of the right things to extend his basketball career at the pro level. Any aspiring pro basketball player can learn a lot from his advice. Big thanks to Marcus for taking the time to share his experiences with us!
1) How do you feel being a D3 player impacted your journey to playing pro?
Being a D3 player definitely had an impact on my pro journey, especially during covid when pro teams are only signing 2 Americans per team and they will look at a D1 or D2 player over a D3. Even if you average 20 points per game, or your team won a conference championship, or you were player of the year, sometimes none of that matters because teams will think you didn’t play any good competition. But at the end of the day, if you can play, then you can play and you have to be patient and wait for your time.
2) What factors went into selecting an agent?
When choosing an agent to sign with, I just wanted someone who would represent me in the best way possible and not look down on me and my talent because I played D3. My agent knows I can play at the highest level and the confidence and respect is the biggest thing for me. My agent is also from California too so it makes it easier for us to meet up.
3) How exactly has your agent helped you navigate the pro basketball process?
My agent reaches out to pro teams and just promotes and represents me. He has my resume, film, and highlights and he sends them directly to GMs and team owners from various pro teams. Through covid I learned a lot about the process and he has helped me learn that I have to be a professional, hold myself accountable, and understand that the journey isn’t easy. He also makes sure that I know at the end of the day this is a business.
4) How many combines/showcases have you participated in? What were your experiences?
I played in 4 combines/showcases. Las Vegas, a tour in Spain, Mexico, and a combine within the agency. It was a good experience through all of them, but the main thing I learned is that you just have to stand out and be a pro at whatever it is you're good at. Also, opportunities don’t come easy, and you have to take advantage of them.
5) Overall, how was the process of trying to secure a pro contract and what advice would you give someone about how to begin this journey?
The process is a grind. That’s the best way I can put it. I love the game and this is what I want to do, for however long I can do it and I know I can play at the highest level. I have confidence in myself and my agent that I will be playing somewhere very soon. I’ve been to multiple showcases and combines and stood out, but it’s part of the business to understand that sometimes you’re just not what teams are looking for. My advice to someone who wants to begin this journey would be to be the best version of yourself and keep the utmost confidence in yourself. Be a professional and just enjoy the game. Learn to navigate through this basketball world and open opportunities for yourself where you can get in situations to be the best player you can be and open doors for your pro journey.