BEYOND THE CONTRACT | Basketball, Overseas, Stories, Interview cover art

BEYOND THE CONTRACT | Basketball, Overseas, Stories, Interview

BEYOND THE CONTRACT | Basketball, Overseas, Stories, Interview

By: Ismael Diouf
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About this listen

Beyond the Contract is a podcast about the real journey of professional basketball. Beyond the highlights and the stats.

Hosted by Ismaël Diouf, a college basketball player who has also played in the CEBL and is pursuing a career overseas, this show features unfiltered conversations with professional players, coaches, and athletes chasing the same dream.

Each episode explores what life is really like after signing a contract. From adapting to new countries and understanding the differences between U.S. and overseas basketball, to facing challenges, making decisions, and growing through the process.

If you want honest insight into the reality of professional basketball and the path to getting there, this podcast is for you.

The real story starts after the contract.

Email: ismaeldiouf1123@gmail.com

Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
Basketball
Episodes
  • Inside the G League: Navigating the Levels of Pro Basketball | Micheal O’Connell
    Apr 22 2026

    In this episode of Beyond the Contract, I sit down with Micheal O’Connell, former Stanford and NC State guard who is now navigating the professional level between the G League with Golden State and playing in Puerto Rico.

    We talk about what the G League is really like, how competitive that environment is, and what it means to be constantly adapting between different levels of the game. Micheal shares his experience moving from college to the pros, the challenges that come with uncertainty, and what it takes to stay ready for every opportunity.

    This episode gives a real look at a path that isn’t always straightforward, and what it’s like building a career while figuring it out along the way.

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    48 mins
  • From NBA Summer League to Overseas: What Comes Next | Tytan Anderson
    Apr 8 2026

    In this episode of Beyond the Contract, I sit down with Tytan Anderson, former UNI player who had the opportunity to compete in the NBA Summer League with the New Orleans Pelicans and is now in his first professional season in Belgium.

    We talk about what that journey really looks like. From being close to the NBA level to starting a career overseas. Tytan shares his experience in Summer League, what he learned from that environment, and how it prepared him for the next step.

    We also get into the reality of going pro, the transition to playing in Europe, and the adjustments that come with building a career at the professional level.

    If you want to understand what happens after opportunities like Summer League and what it really takes to keep moving forward, this episode gives you a real perspective.

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    25 mins
  • First Year Overseas: The Reality of Going Pro | Ben Middlebrooks
    Apr 1 2026

    In this episode, I sit down with Ben Middlebrooks, former NC State player and one of my former teammates, who is now in his rookie season playing professionally in Sweden.

    We talk about what it’s really like to go from college basketball to your first year as a pro. From signing that first contract, to adjusting to a new country, and dealing with the challenges that come with playing overseas.

    Ben shares his experience, what surprised him the most, and what he’s learning during this transition.

    If you’re a college athlete thinking about going pro or just want to understand what that first year overseas really looks like, this episode gives you a real perspective.

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    42 mins
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