Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers (see below)! If you need additional help, do not hesitate to CONTACT US! If you have not yet applied for one of our UPCOMING TOURS, be sure to fill out our PLAYER PROFILE as soon as possible. For help with fundraising, go directly to our FUNDRAISING page.
PhD Hoops USA is a unique organization comprised of outstanding basketball coaches of all levels (youth, middle school, high school, college and professional). Each year, our staff recruits and selects talented players across the United States to represent the USA internationally in tournaments across Europe and the Caribbean.
Our tours are led by outstanding leaders and coaches with many years of experience. These opportunities give young players the ability to compete in high-level overseas basketball and gain a cultural education that lasts a lifetime.
PhD Hoops USA was founded by Richie Schueler, a former college basketball player, 10-year college basketball coach and current college basketball analyst for ESPN.
The benefits of traveling overseas, wearing a USA uniform, playing FIBA rules in high-level competition and traveling abroad are immense! Our 7-10 trips combine the thrill of playing internationally while gaining a broader perspective of the world outside the United States. Our selected players continue to represent the USA in the highest regard while further enhancing their basketball talent and maturity level as a young man or woman.
That is a difficult question to answer as our staff members are constantly searching for talented players of high character to represent PhD Hoops USA! Some of the ways we find good players are through camps, college coaches, social media, basketball showcases, nominations and our PLAYER PROFILE.
For detailed information on all of our upcoming tours, check out our UPCOMING TOURS page.
Oh yea! We begin preparing for each tour over a year in advance. Most itineraries are jam-packed with basketball, sightseeing, excursions, travel and even free time. We want to get the most out of our short time together!
In addition to the Trip Leader, our coaches ALWAYS serve as chaperones on our trips. At the same time, we always have a partner company on the ground assisting us throughout the duration of our tour.
Yep! You are not able to travel overseas without a passport book. We will give you the government passport link to apply for one, but ultimately it is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that he/she has a passport book in hand for every international flight during the tour. No traveler will not be allowed to board the plane without it.
We have never had an issue with one of our tours affecting a player’s NCAA eligibility. Our staff has been a part of several tours with players from all college levels and have never had a problem, especially with the ever-changing college athletics landscape. However, if you are currently on a college roster, you can certainly play it safe by double-checking with your athletic department’s compliance officer. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to stay within compliance of all rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA.
If interested in coaching on one of our tours, contact our staff ASAP at travel@phdhoops.com.
We know it sounds too good to be true, but this is a full-time job for us! We take great pride in building international tours that combine both overseas basketball and a cultural education to last a lifetime.
Roster spots are EXTREMELY limited, but our selection process is simple. To begin, fill out the PLAYER PROFILE with as much detail as possible! Our staff will review and contact you ASAP. If selected for a phone call, we will set up a day/time to speak with you (and a parent if under 18 years old). Preference will be given to those applicants who take the time to carefully complete as much information as possible. Players can also be nominated by a coach for one of our teams.
On some occasions, we can conduct physical tryouts. However, most of us are spread out across the country, so your combined Player Profile, the personal research we do on you and our phone call serve as your personal “tryout” for one of our teams. Because our players come from all across the United States (and sometimes other parts of the world), it is often too expensive to host a traditional tryout. The PLAYER PROFILE is the first step in being selected for a tour and will play a major factor in advancing to the next step in the process.
All of our players possess the following 3 qualities:
- Talented Player
- Great Person
- Willingness to Fundraise
We are searching for talented players with high character who will appreciate the opportunity to represent the USA in high-level overseas competition. If this describes you, please use our PLAYER PROFILE to apply ASAP.
We recruit players from anywhere and everywhere across the United States! On unique occasions, we have even coached international players on our tours as well. Our staff is constantly searching for talented players of high character who fit the mold of a PhD Hoops USA player.
Some of the ways we find good players are through camps, college coaches, social media, basketball showcases, nominations and our PLAYER PROFILE.
All of our tours are different (see our UPCOMING TOURS page for specific details), but most trip costs pay for the round-trip flight overseas from our departure airport, transportation on the ground, hotel stays, sightseeing activities, excursions, food (two meals per full day at our destination in most cases) and uniform!
Not all, but most… the trip costs pay for the round-trip flight overseas from our departure airport, transportation on the ground, hotel stays, sightseeing activities, excursions, food (two meals per full day at our destination in most cases) and uniform!
However, you are responsible to pay for your passport/visa fees and round trip transportation costs to our departure airport, one meal per full day, individual health insurance, recommended travel insurance, customary tipping for guides and drivers, and any souvenirs, snacks, drinks, etc. you want to purchase.
Of course! We actually love it when parents, family members, friends, etc. are able to join the fun with us. You can bring as many guests as you want, but keep in mind that the pricing is nearly the same for a guest as it is for a player.
All guests receive the exact same experience (same flights, hotels, excursions, meals, etc.) as the players. The only difference is that while the players are playing, the guests are in the stands cheering them on! Their cost is slightly discounted (minus $100).
It’s actually easier than you think! Most players are surprised to find the process to be much simpler than anticipated. The list of fundraising possibilities is never-ending and we encourage you to use your creativity in finding fundraising efforts that work best for you. Fundraising is CRITICAL in making your overseas experience a reality. Check out our FUNDRAISING page for many tips and strategies!
We can give you as much fundraising guidance as possible, but it is ultimately up to you to make it happen! See our FUNDRAISING page to get your juices flowing with ideas and strategies to help you raise all the funds you need to go on tour with us!
We are not able to give scholarship assistance, but encourage all players to fundraise using the various strategies at your disposal. See our FUNDRAISING page to better understand!
If you elect to make a One-Time Full Payment, you can rest easy knowing that your roster spot is secure and you are an official member of the selected PhD Hoops USA team!
If you choose the Payment Plan, you can spread your payments out over a period of time. This option allows you more time to raise the funds that the tour requires. It requires a minimum $500 down payment and all deadlines being met: 50% due by February 5th, 75% due by March 5th, and 100% due by April 5th.
Of course! Our online portal allows for credit, debit and ACH (bank) payments. If you would prefer to pay via Zelle or a check in the mail, you have that option as well!
We have an online portal system that allows for both electronic payments and donations (credit, debit and ACH/Bank payments). However, payment via Zelle or a check in the mail are options as well.
Communication with our staff is the key. Payment deadlines that are not met are subject to a $100 late fee and forfeiture of the trip. It is best to communicate with us as much as possible so we know that you still plan to be a part of the tour!
All checks should be made payable to ‘PhD Hoops Travel Tours’. Our office address can be found in various places, including the signed paperwork agreement form. Contact a member of our staff if you are unable to locate it.
Unfortunately, donations are not tax deductible because we are not a non-profit organization.
All of our travelers are able to log in to their account in our online portal system to see their remaining balance and due dates. Our staff is always available to help if more assistance is needed.
In the rare circumstance that we actually cancel a trip, our travelers will be fully refunded as long they have met the payment deadlines and/or are paid in full. Often times, we can attempt to move a player onto another tour if logistically possible.
Once we have selected a player for a team, we hope they never have to cancel! But, because there is always a possibility of this, we HIGHLY ENCOURAGE all travelers purchase travel insurance! This will help travelers recoup any lost payments or fees as a result of having to cancel. Our tours are only refundable before January 1 (the year of departure), minus fees. After January 1, it is nonrefundable as we use all incurred funds toward the expenses in making the tour possible.
It is not required, but it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Travel insurance often reimburses you in case of an unexpected change of plans and/or you are not able to go on the tour after all. This may be because of a last minute cancellation, sudden injury, sickness, etc.
It is not required, but it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! International health insurance helps to cover your medical expenses while abroad. Before doing the research and purchasing a plan, however, check with your current health insurance plan to see if you are covered outside the United States (you may be able to save some money this way). If you are sick or injured in any way during the tour, most medical facilities and hospitals abroad will require full payment to be made before you leave. If you have an international health insurance plan that covers you in the country we are in, it will make your experience much more pleasant!
Our tours are generally in locations where shots or vaccinations are not required. However, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor or physician to be on the safe side.
Yes, it is possible to extend your stay after the tour is over, but it will cause your seat on our group flight to be removed. We will adjust your price accordingly, but requests do so must be made in writing by March 1!
We will send your uniform, gear, and flight information to the address and email address we have on file for you in the coming weeks before the tour. This is always an exciting moment as the trip suddenly becomes a reality!
Unfortunately, practicing before the tour begins is logistically impossible. However, leading up to the tour, we will have virtual meetings and connect everyone onto the same app. All travelers will meet in-person for the first time on Departure Day at our Departure Airport. Once we finally reach out destination, we will have opportunities to practice together!
We will provide a slew of details as Departure Day nears, but all travelers will definitely need to pack enough comfortable clothing, footwear (including basketball shoes), extra socks, extra underwear, toiletries, cash/card, and anything else you need!
All travelers absolutely need their passport, an additional form of identification (e.g., driver’s license) and their uniform too! We encourage everyone to pack everything into the smallest amount of luggage possible as trips are less enjoyable when having to constantly move multiple bags through the different airports and hotels!
All travelers are required to meet the group at our selected Departure Airport, which varies from year-to-year depending on the tour. All of our tours begin and end from the Departure Airport. We typically announce all of this information in the Spring.
Several months before the tour, you will be notified as to which Departure Airport we will be using. The trip starts and ends at that Departure Airport. You are responsible for getting to the airport before the tour and also getting back home after the tour ends. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND arriving at the departure airport AT MINIMUM 5 hours before our group flight is scheduled for takeoff. This is important in case your connecting flight(s) is delayed or cancelled. You do not want to miss our flight overseas as rebooking it could cost you a substantial amount of money.
Either cash or card is totally up to you. However, it is highly recommended to have some cash at your disposal to pay for things when debit/credit card machines are not available (e.g., ice cream stand, concession stands, street vendors, etc.). You will need to have some form of money to pay for 1-2 meals per day, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and anything else you want to spend money on.
The amount of money you need to bring on the trip is really up to you. It is always good to have a little bit of cash at your disposal, but keep in mind that most major debit/credit cards can be used worldwide. Be sure you have enough money to pay for 1-2 meals per day, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and anything else you want to spend money on. If you are not a big spender, then $200-$300 will likely be plenty.
Every airline has its own set of rules regarding the number of bags you can check. For information regarding your tour, please refer to the specific airline website. Our staff is always in touch with these details as the tour nears.
Unfortunately, because all of our seats are booked in a group reservation, we are unable to upgrade your seat on the plane. However, every airline operates differently so you are welcome to contact the airline on your own directly to see they will allow you to pay extra for an upgrade.
You can exchange money in most every airport that we come across on the tour. However, in lieu of time and to save yourself money on exchange rates, it would be wise to make an exchange at your local bank if possible before the tour begins.
The competition overseas is usually much better than our players expect! Each country seems to have its own unique style of play, which takes a little time to adjust to. Your team will be compiled of players you have likely never met from across the United States (and, on unique occasions, an international player). Sometimes, our teams are more talented, but our disadvantage is that we will have a limited number of practices together while our opponents have usually been playing together for years.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has a number of rule differences than what players in the USA are used to. Some of the most notable differences we have found are below:
- FIBA plays 4 quarters with a 24-second shot clock.
- The 3-point line is deeper (22.15 feet at the top of the key), which is the same distance as NCAA College Basketball.
- Two bonus free throws begin on the 5th foul of each quarter (no 1 and 1 free throws when in the bonus, just like high school rules).
- The offense only has 8 seconds to cross the half court line or it is a backcourt violation.
- Once the ball crosses half court, it is a violation/turnover to throw the ball back into the backcourt when inbounding the ball from the sideline or baseline.
- Once the ball touches the rim on offense or defense, it is a live ball. It is NOT goaltending if you touch the ball after it has already hit the rim.
- Live ball timeouts are not allowed at any point during the game. Only coaches can call timeouts and must do so during a dead ball at the scorer’s table. In the last minute of the game, the ball can be advanced to the 3-point line on timeouts.
- Traveling violations are called frequently, which is a source of frustration for most American players. International referees specifically look for players to pick up their pivot foot when making a quick first step movement. This rule is called differently and we demonstrate this when together in person.
Our teams typically have 8-10 players apiece.
We strive for all players to get as much playing time as possible. It is important to us that everyone on the team has an outstanding experience, so we work hard at balancing playing time to the best of our abilities.
Depending on the tournament, the range is 4-7 games per team.
Prior to the tour, it is recommended that you contact your phone service provider to find out your international phone and data plan options. Additionally, internet is available in most hotels we stay at for the use of texts, email, social media, FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp, etc.
The short answer is: NOT SURE. Every hotel is unique in its own way. Some will offer laundry services, but most will give you directions to a local laundromat. Usually, our schedule is so jam-packed on our tours that you will not have time to do laundry. It is best to plan ahead in having enough clothes to get you through the trip. Most players wash their uniforms at night in their bathroom sinks.
Most likely, we will not travel with an athletic trainer on the trip. As the tour nears departure day, our players should make all necessary preparations to ensure they can safely play. In other countries, sport injuries are handled differently than what we are used to here in the USA. Although it is possible that an athletic trainer will be on-site, most injuries are handled at their local medical facility or hospital.
It is rare for serious injuries to occur (“knock on wood”), but it is certainly possible. If you are hurt or injured on the trip, you will likely be transported to the local medical facility or hospital to be treated. In most cases, after treatment, they will require full payment to be made before you leave. If you have an international health insurance plan that covers you in the country we are in, your experience will be much more pleasant!
As a byproduct of being selected for such an incredible honor, college coaches do pay more attention when they see this your basketball resume! Our trips have helped players get recruited by college coaches in the past, but they are not specifically designed for recruiting. Fortunately, most of our coaches are current or former college coaches and have successfully helped dozens of our young men and women with their recruiting efforts.
Although the intent of our tours is to represent the USA at the highest level possible, this has certainly helped players land professional opportunities in the past.
