GERMANY
Traditionally a strong, competitive, well run league, the German Bundelsiga features established history and basketball culture. German powers ALBA Berlin, Frankfurt Opel Skyliners, Bamberg, and Cologne lead the way in a league respected around the world. New arenas in small places such as Trier, Quackenbruck (Artland Dragons) and Tubingen help keep small market teams competitive. Professionally organized, the Bundesliga is a quality league and Germany is an enjoyable country. 16 teams comprise the German top division. Several teams participate in European competition ranging from Euroleague (Frankfurt) to ULEB CUP. Two American imports are allowed per team and this season the Bundesliga accepted one Contonou player per roster. The 2.Bundesliga, 32 teams split into two divisons, has 16 teams in the north and 16 in the south and is well respected as a proving ground for players. As in many European sports, teams play for promotion and relegation between the Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga. Each season 2 teams are relegated from the Bundesliga while the winner of the 2.Bundesliga South and 2.Bundesliga North move up to the best league in German basketball. Germany can be a great country for a professional career overseas.
FRANCE
An excellent country to play in, but hard country to break into, France Pro A is a physical, competitive and quality basketball league. Teams are committed to developing the game and basketball culture of the country and much progress has resulted from the emphasis on youth basketball. Pro A attracts NBA caliber pros to their 18 tremendously competitive teams. Pro B, also a proving ground for players, also fields 18 teams. Lower levels of Nationale 1 and Nationale 2 are often semi professional situations --- both allow 1 import player. In an effort to emphasize young french players, lower levels have made it more difficult for import players to sign in France. The country is also known for difficult coaching lisences for foreigners as to develop home grown French coaches.
BELGIUM
A highely underrated league, Belgium plays 10 teams in a 36 game competition between extremely competitive clubs with big budgets. Perennial powers in Division 1 include Charleroi, Antwerp and Oostende. Six teams make the post season playoffs. 2 American import players, usually high caliber guys, can be found on Belgian teams. Although the clubs are strong, the league organization is not as strong as other leagues in Europe. Teams from Belgium play in the ULEB Cup and FIBA Europe competitions.
AUSTRIA
Austria, a league dominated by the Kapfenburg Bulls in recent seasons, is a solid mid-level league often overshadowed by bigger name countries. 2 American and 3 total imports are allowed on rosters in Austria. Basketball is not as engrained in the culture like Germany or France, but the country is beautiful and comfortable for players and coaches. Overall, the league is not as deep or competitive as the high level European countries, but Austria can be a great place to begin a career.
LUXEMBURG
Although Luxemburg is often overlooked on world maps, the small central European country has a lot to offer the basketball world. Due to the small size of the country itself, travel to road games is easy as all teams are located within close proximity. The league features rosters with one import player, usually a do-it-all American. Recent seasons Etzella Etelbruck has dominated Luxemburg's basketball. Since teams look for a specific type of player, import players with versatile skills and size often stick. Luxemburg can be a super springboard for these type of players.
