The Overseas Basketball Journey with RaiQuan Gray & Frank Bartley | HER SIDE OF THE GAME

HER SIDE OF THE GAME: AT THE FINAL FOUR A special 4-part series recorded live from Athens, Greece during the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four. EPISODE 2: RaiQuan Gray & Frank Bartley For many athletes, the dream of playing professional basketball begins long before they ever step on a plane. But for those who choose the overseas route, that dream often comes with uncertainty, sacrifice, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. In Episode 2 of Her Side of the Game: At the Final Four, Gianna and Jess sit down with AEK Athens teammates RaiQuan Gray and Frank Bartley for an honest conversation about the realities of building a career overseas and the experiences that shape them far beyond basketball. Recorded during the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four in Athens, this conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities that come with leaving home, adapting to new countries and cultures, and finding purpose through every stop along the journey. Together, RaiQuan and Frank share stories from their first overseas experiences, the lessons they've learned navigating life abroad, and the unexpected moments that helped shape who they are today. From culture shock and language barriers to funny travel stories and life lessons learned on the road, this episode offers a candid look at what life overseas is really like. But beyond basketball, this conversation explores something even deeper. Both athletes reflect on their faith, the importance of family, the sacrifices made throughout a professional career, and how they stay grounded through the highs and lows of the game. They discuss what life looks like on their days away from basketball, the importance of maintaining their identity outside of the sport, and why they believe basketball is simply a platform to create a greater impact. We also talk about: 🏀 The uncertainty of taking the overseas leap 🏀 Their first experiences living and playing abroad 🏀 The realities of adapting to new cultures and environments 🏀 Funny and unforgettable stories from life overseas 🏀 The grind of a professional season and the sacrifices it requires 🏀 Family support and staying connected to home 🏀 Faith, purpose, and perspective beyond basketball 🏀 Using their platforms to give back and impact their communities 🏀 Building a life and identity outside of the game 🏀 What they enjoy doing when they're not in the gym What stood out most is that these are two athletes who understand that basketball is what they do, not who they are. Through every challenge, transition, and opportunity, both RaiQuan and Frank have remained committed to using their experiences to grow, serve others, and create a legacy that extends far beyond the court. Two teammates. Two unique journeys. One powerful conversation. WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS The overseas basketball journey is often misunderstood. Behind every game are years of sacrifice, countless transitions, time away from family, and the courage to step into unfamiliar situations again and again. This episode provides an authentic look at the realities of that journey while highlighting the resilience, perspective, and purpose that can be found along the way. 🎧 Episode 2 is live now. 📍 Athens, Greece 🏀 AEK Athens 📲 CONNECT WITH US Website: www.simplicitybasketball.com Instagram: @simplicitybasketball TikTok: @simplicity.basket ⭐ Like, Comment, Subscribe & Share Help us continue telling the stories behind the game.