FIBA Break Explained
By Malia Fisher
Now that I’ve shared some of the challenges of playing basketball overseas in my last commentary, let’s explore the positives. During a typical European season, there are FIBA (Federation International de Basketball Amateur) breaks. These breaks allow national team players to return home and compete in events like the Olympics, Eurobasket, and other national competitions. All other international basketball organizations pause during this time to accommodate these players.
While national team players have limited rest, those who don’t have an opportunity to relax, travel, and explore. Depending on the team, players without national team duties can have anywhere between two and ten days off. My teammates and I were fortunate enough to have four days off to do whatever we wanted.
Without hesitation, I decided to explore the enchanting city of London, England. Why London? Well, it’s always been a dream city for me. From watching movies and reading books to hearing about its mysterious and bustling atmosphere, I knew it was the first place I wanted to visit.
Four days wasn’t enough time to explore everything London had to offer. Just an hour and a half plane ride away, stepping into a new city where the sights had only been imagined in my mind was an exhilarating experience. There was a flutter in my stomach, knowing that if it weren’t for basketball, I wouldn’t have this opportunity. A wave of immense gratitude washed over me.
From the iconic London Eye to the historic Big Ben, from the vibrant Borough Market to every charming coffee shop bursting with personality, London has so much to offer.
As I have long since returned from a dream vacation, I return to reality where I am still nursing an ankle injury back to normal. Exactly, five weeks ago, I partially tore a lateral ligament in my left ankle. After weeks of physical therapy, intense modified workouts, and a fluctuating mindset, I am able to return to practice in the coming week. Since my absence on the court, the Rutronik Stars Keltern have finished Eurocup group play undefeated and are currently 7-1 in the German DBBL, ranking second under the Saarlouis Royals.
Until next 2026, check out the Rutronik Stars Keltern as they continue their run in the Eurocup and strive to take the number one seed in the German DBBL!
