An Exploration of the Selection Processes of North American Male Basketball Players into European Professional Leagues.

摘要

Based on Norbert Elias' Figurational Theory, the purpose of this study is to explore the processes of import player selection; specifically of North American male basketball players into European professional leagues. Primary data was collected via semi-structured interviews, where openended questions were asked to coaches, players, and agents on their experiences within import player selection processes. Consistent with Baur & Ernst's (2011) four stage model for figurational studies, supplementary data was used to contextualize the primary data. Following the data collection, a latent content analysis was used to organize the data into meaningful illustrations. This data set was triangulated by supplementary sources including archival documents and the researcher's insiderperspective. Themes of status, legitimacy, and interdependent networks were found to most accurately describe the experiences of selection. Each theme represented distinct procedures within player selection, yet these procedures were found to function as interweaved and normalized processes.