STOCKHOLM (EuroBasket Women) - Binta Drammeh didn't have to wait very long to realize one of her dreams by playing professional basketball in foreign lands.
A star in last Sweden's youth teams, including last year's side that finished sixth at the U20 European Championship for Women in Debrecen, Hungary, the former Telge player ventured abroad this season and had a spell in France with USO Mondeville.
After gaining experience not only in the domestic league but also the EuroLeague Women, the 1.80m guard/forward in January moved to Germany to compete for Bamberg.
"The best thing about being an overseas professional is that I get to do something that I have long dreamed of doing, to see how basketball is in different countries and meet new people," Drammeh said to the Swedish Basketball Federation website.
"It's almost a must to get to know other people, otherwise I would otherwise sit alone in my apartment and do nothing."
Drammeh, who turns 21 in May, says one of the negatives to playing in other countries this season is that was not able to use public transport.
"In France and in Germany, we drive a car everywhere," she said.
Drammeh's club season just came to an end in Germany, with Bamberg falling in two hard-fought play-off clashes to Wasserburg.
She drilled four three-balls and had 17 points in Game 1, a 71-68 Bamberg defeat on the road, and then poured in 25 points at home in Game 2 but Wasserburg prevailed, 88-77.
Bamberg had been in real trouble back in mid-January when Drammeh joined, battling against relegation, so even though the team had a short life in the post-season, on balance the year ended on a positive note.
"I think, despite the disappointment of the elimination from the play-offs, it should be outweighed by pride when you consider where we were in mid-February and where we are today," Bamberg coach Steffen Dauer said.
Drammeh was good for Bamberg, and the club was definitely good for Drammeh.
One who usually slots in at the wing position, she also played some point guard.
The move was good for another reason.
"Germany helped me to regain my confidence," she said.
"When I played in France, I almost lost all my confidence.
"When I came to Germany, that feeling left..."
While Drammeh liked the physicality of the French league, she says that missed shots or mistakes often led to her immediate removal from games.
"It doesn't matter how good you are," she said. “Without confidence, you're going nowhere. Having confidence and believing in yourself can take you far."
Drammeh will need to show that self-belief if she is to earn a spot on the Sweden national team roster this summer.
In June, the Swedes will compete at the EuroBasket Women in France against Spain, Italy and Russia.
That tournament will be a qualifying event for the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women.
FIBA
