Women's Basketball Showcase

The Women's Basketball Showcase was a truly life-changing experience for me. Everybody at the showcase, staff and players alike, were very friendly and supportive. The staff was knowledgeable and willing to help in any way possible. This showcase was great because the informational sessions allowed me to ask questions and hear about experiences of current or former professional players and coaches. Additionally, Temekia and the WBB Showcase staff gave me a chance to be a part of the USA Elite team. We traveled to Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia for 10 days, in which we played 10 games against professional teams. It was an amazing experience to see other countries and to see how basketball was played overseas. Turns out that I liked it enough to sign with an agent...And that's how I ended up here in Germany! I play for a second league team here in Ludwigsburg. My teammates are between 17-31 years old and they all speak english. Our schedule was different than it is in the states. We practice 4 times per week and play only once. It's been hard being away from home - not having my best friend close by, having difficulties communicating since I'm unable to speak the language, etc. However, I wouldn't change the experience for the world. Everyday I wake up and walk outside I still can't believe that I am living in Germany. Even though my team has its challenges, I've learned a lot about basketball. I've also learned a lot about myself and my family, other cultures, and LIFE in general. The experiences and opportunities that basketball have given me are irreplaceable. Temekia and the WBB Showcase staff inspire me to help others just like they have helped me. I wouldn't be where I am now if I hadn't attended the showcase. I encourage you to follow your basketball dreams because they can give you a lot more than you ever expected.

Just over two years after my collegiate eligibility had expired, one of my former coaches and great friend persuaded me to attend the Showcase (formerly the Women's International Basketball Review) in Greensboro, NC.  Six months later, I was arriving in Alexandria, Romania to fulfill a childhood dream of playing professional basketball.  This experience has been a tremendous success story so far.  I've had to adjust to the food, the language, and a totally different style of play.  My advice to anyone desiring to play professional basketball at any level would be to keep your priorities in order:  faith, focus, practice, and patience.  Never give up regardless of how long it may take you!

Ernesia Wideman
Former Player - Augusta (GA) State University
All Star team - 2 years (Romania) 

"Making the transition from playing basketball at a smaller university to going to another country was not a very easy transition. It required me to learn a whole new way of playing basketball. One of the major adjustments, being a 'paint player,' was playing with a different ball. Having to make this adjustment required me to work harder so that I could succeed on the court. Overall, I have enjoyed the experience and I feel that playing overseas has helped me improve my game so that one day I may reach my ultimate goal - playing in the WNBA."

"The Women's Basketball Showcase is an excellent opportunity for basketball players to utilize their talents in the presence of professional coaches.  As women’s basketball continues to gain popularity, the best players will be associated with the Women's Basketball Showcase."