Former Lenape High star moves to Germany to follow dream of playing pro basketball
MOUNT LAUREL - Growing up, Jermane Carter had a dream of playing professional basketball and was willing to go any length to fulfil that desire.
The Lenape High School basketball star reached his goal by traveling almost 4,000 miles to Germany, where he plays for the Hessing Kangaroos.
Carter played college basketball at Midwestern State University in Texas, earning MVP honors in each of his three seasons before graduation.
That experience helped prepare him for his major move, Carter said.
From dreaming of the life, to making it happen
"Leaving Mount Laurel was not the easiest thing to do," said Carter, who scored more than 1,000 points at the Wichita Falls school.
"While I was away at college in Texas, I grew to understand that I have to take care of my business and my education."
Carter had the full support of his family and friends when he made the move to Germany. While the different culture and language were challenges at first, Carter's teammates helped him feel more at home.
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"They have been really supportive creating a fun and family-like environment on and off the court," he said.
"While I've known my teammates for a handful of months, I would have their backs as they would have mine." he added.
The Kangaroos' roster lists Carter, 24, as a point-forward who's 198 centimeters tall - about 6-foot-5.
The team plays before up to 1,100 fans on its home court, with an online audience of about 3,000 viewers, its website says.
Carter is the only American on the team, which plays in the Professional B level of the Bundesliga in Leitershofen, a village about 40 miles from Munich.
Its location in Bavaria allowed Carter to take part in one of Germany's more famous celebrations, Oktoberfest.
He called the Munich festival "probably the biggest culture shock I've experienced."
"I was fully invested. I even ended up wearing the lederhosen (leather breeches) that typical festival goers wear. It was amazing to be surrounded by so many different people and to see Oktoberfest as it was meant to be celebrated."
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Carter isn't South Jersey's first athlete to go overseas
Two other Lenape graduates also have played overseas.
Brothers Jason and Ryan Thompson both began their pro careers in the United States.
Jason, a 12th overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft, played with the Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors. His younger brother played in the NBA's Development League in 2010.
Jason played for teams in China and Turkey before retiring in 2019.
Ryan, who left the NBA Development League in 2011, played in Italy, Belgium, Germany and Israel.
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Ryan won multiple championships overseas and is back home as an assistant basketball coach at Rowan University.
Jason holds the same position at his alma mater, Rider University.
How did Carter get signed overseas?
Carter said his journey started after he graduated from college and obtained an agent. They created a highlight tape to send to teams all over the world.
While there are workouts and tryouts that players could attend to get noticed and potentially signed, Carter said his route was more for him to fast track the process.
Carter wants to work his way up through and get into the top leagues in the world. For now, he isn't going to rush this chapter and enjoy the ride as it comes.
Nick Butler is an impact reporter for the Courier Post, the Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times covering community news in South Jersey. Have any tips or stories? Reach out to NButler@Gannett.com. Subscribe to stay in the loop.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Burlington County resident is now playing for the Hessing Kangaroos
