Devon Dotson is still early in his basketball career, but the 25-year-old guard for Joventut Badalona is already looking up to the veterans around him. Playing alongside players like Ante Tomic and Pau Ribas, Dotson is learning what it takes to have a long-lasting career in professional basketball.
Dotson practices with seven players who are 30 years old or older, including Tomic and Ribas (both 37), Adam Hanga (35), Artem Pustovyi (32), Guillem Vives (31), and Kassius Robertson and Sam Dekker (both 30). Their dedication to the game serves as a constant reminder for Dotson of the potential longevity he can achieve in the sport.
“I talk about it with Kaiser Gates almost every day,” Dotson shared. “Seeing guys like Tomic and Ribas give 100% effort at 37 years old is motivating. If they can do it, we can push ourselves even harder.”
The Importance of Taking Care of Your Body
The key to these players’ longevity is how well they take care of their bodies. Dotson observes their routines closely, recognizing that maintaining physical health is essential for a long career.
“Watching them, you see how much they focus on recovery and fitness,” Dotson explained. “It’s a big part of why they’ve been able to play for so long. I try to soak in as much knowledge as I can from their experience.”
For Dotson, a guard like Pau Ribas, who has had an 18-year professional career, is a great example of how to prioritize health and performance.
“He’s had such a long career, and every player dreams of that longevity,” Dotson said. “Seeing him maintain that level of play for so many years is inspiring.”
Dotson’s Journey: From NBA to Spain
Dotson’s path to Joventut Badalona wasn’t a smooth one. After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft during the COVID-19-impacted season, he spent years bouncing between the NBA G League and the NBA. Dotson played in 11 NBA games for the Chicago Bulls in 2020-21 and 2021-22, and six games with the Washington Wizards in 2022-23.
“Every day was a fight to prove I belong on an NBA court,” said Dotson. “Sometimes things work out, and sometimes they don’t. But you have to stay confident and keep pushing forward.”
Even after posting impressive performances in the G League, such as recording 14 and 15 assists in his final two weeks of play last season, Dotson didn’t receive another NBA opportunity. He made the decision to move to Spain and continue his career with Obradoiro before joining Joventut Badalona.
Playing in Spain has allowed Dotson to face elite competition in teams like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Zaragoza, giving him invaluable experience and a fresh perspective on his game.
A Mindset of Faith and Fearlessness
Dotson draws inspiration not only from his veteran teammates but also from his personal beliefs. On his Instagram, he shares a verse from Galatians 6:9, which reads: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
“That verse is something I live by every day,” Dotson explained. “It’s a reminder that everybody has their own journey, their own trials. I just have to stay focused and trust that my time will come. I keep putting in the work every day, and it will pay off eventually.”
Dotson also embraces the motto #LFOF, which stands for “Live Free of Fear”. This mindset has helped him stay fearless in the face of challenges.
“You can’t be afraid to fail,” Dotson said. “If you want something in life, you have to go after it with everything you’ve got. I approach everything with that mentality. Don’t hold back—always give 100%.”
The Road Ahead
As Dotson continues to grow as a player and a person, his focus on body care, mindset, and faith will be key to his success. If he takes care of his body like Ante Tomic and Pau Ribas, Dotson could have a long and successful career ahead of him.
“Being around these veterans has been a huge motivation for me,” Dotson said. “I see their dedication, and it pushes me to work harder and smarter every day.”
With the right mindset and commitment, Dotson is set to make his mark in professional basketball for years to come.