I’m not going to lie, before going to visit Trevor and Jenny (Belsito) Mbakwe in Tel Aviv in March, I thought playing overseas was a cake walk. You make more money that you would at any job out of school, you only “work” a few months out of the year, and you get to do what you love. Well, the “you get to do what you love” part was true, but it is grueling work. Many overseas players are gone from their friends and families for 10 months out of the year. If you’re like Trevor, on a premiere team, with high expectations, you spend the other 2 months working out with trainers every day.
For those that followed Trevor in college, you know that he has a very strong work ethic, and passion for basketball. Along with talent, I thought that would keep any player growing their career and successful overseas, but what I observed for my two weeks in Israel was much different, his family plays a huge role in supporting him and keeping him successful. Trevor has been fortunate to play in Rome, Bamberg, and now Tel Aviv for Maccabi and has had his son Makhi, and wife Jenny with him for every step of the way.
It really makes a huge difference having your family with you, or it can be a pretty lonely journey. Jenny really is the backbone of this family. She supports her husband, and is the one making him food before practice, making sure he gets enough rest, taking care of him after a minor knee surgery he had when I was there, making sure Makhi gets the best education he can overseas, and pretty much just running the household like a boss. For every fan that stopped us to get a photo or autograph of Trevor’s, should know that she’s the unsung hero in his success.