THE TRUTH ABOUT OVERSEAS BASKETBALL- Guest Kevin Owens

On this episode of the RU Strong Podcast, I’m excited to welcome a fellow South Jersey native whose journey through the game of basketball has taken him from local courts to the global stage, Kevin Owens.

Kevin was a standout at Monmouth University, where he was a four-year starter, team captain, and part of a team that made a run to the NCAA Tournament. After earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, he went on to play professionally in the NBA G League and then overseas from 2006 to 2010, experiencing the game on a global level.

But what really makes Kevin’s story powerful is what the game taught him along the way.

From battling through adversity, injuries, and uncertainty, to learning how to adapt in completely different countries and cultures, Kevin shares how basketball shaped his mindset, teaching him resilience, patience, and the ability to bet on himself even when no one else did. He talks about the discipline it takes to stay ready, the humility to keep growing, and the mental toughness required to navigate the highs and lows of a professional career.

He also opens up about the importance of identity beyond the game, how so many athletes struggle with transition, and why building something bigger than basketball became his mission.

Today, he’s the founder of Overseas Famous and Overseas X, an ecosystem built to support and connect athletes playing internationally. He’s also an author, podcast host, and a strong advocate for athlete mental health, bringing awareness to the challenges that come with playing overseas and transitioning into life after sports.

In this conversation, we dive into the realities of international basketball, the evolution of college sports in the NIL era, and the life lessons the game teaches that go far beyond the court.

This one is all about resilience, perspective, identity, and building a life beyond the game.