My name is Paul Carter, I am 35 years old. I was born and raised in Los Angeles California and I play basketball. I’ve been playing organized basketball since the age of 10. I played for 3 different colleges, Missouri State West Plains ( Juco ), University of Minnesota, and University of Illinois Chicago. I’ve played in several countries all over the world, Cyprus, Israel, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Germany, New Zealand/Australia, Latvia, and Belgium.
Being an athlete to me means sacrifice, not just physically but in many other ways. An athlete often has to sacrifice their time, their outside interests and in some cases even relationships, but an athlete that can fall in love with the sacrifice can dwell in ongoing success. My father inspired me to play the game, my pops played in college and in the NBA for the Lakers and Pacers and worked in the Laker front office. He was always passionate about the game and that passion was passed on to me and my siblings. I’ve played professional ball for 11 years both over seas and NBA/G League. Being an athlete, there can be many different challenges, but I think the biggest challenge for me was the self criticism. At times I was very hard on myself, I would often over train or put too much stress on myself physically, mentally, and spiritually because I wanted to perform at my very best every second I was on the floor. It took me a while to develop a healthy balance of work and rest.
The best part of being an athlete is the places you go and the people you meet. Playing ball has taken me places I’ve only dreamed of going, and some of the people I have met on the way have become life long friends.
When playing abroad you seem to accumulate a variety of different experiences and stories, some good some bad lol. There’s so many stories I can tell but I’ll just say each story has helped mold me into the person I am today. If there’s anyone with dreams of becoming a professional athlete I would tell them out the gate don’t believe the nay sayers! People will project their own fears and short comings onto you, if you have a goal work hard to reach it and always believe in yourself regardless of what the world throws at you.
I’ve learned so many lessons in my career, and the most valuable one I learned is to be bold and brave and always true to yourself. In sports in general you will usually have someone telling you, you aren’t strong enough, or fast enough, or even smart enough but I’ve learned that all over the world you’ll face those same negative obstacles but every time you overcome one, you gain a new found strength and belief within yourself, and before you know it your experiences have turned you into someone that can endure anything!
Lastly to all my rookies heading into a pro situation whether it’s home or abroad, remember it’s a business. Don’t be afraid or apprehensive about letting your wants and needs known. Also don’t think because you’re chasing your dreams you should allow anyone to disrespect or mistreat you, remain professional and respectful but don’t think you have to tolerate volatile situations. Keep an open mind and enjoy the journey, as athletes we work hard to reach the destination and forget to enjoy the ride. Pro ball is a beautiful, nightmare-ish, wonderful, adventure and if you can bask in the beauty of that than no matter what your career will be a successful one.
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