American Basketball Paralympians Find Professional Homes Overseas

So the Americans leave home. According to several players, pay varies widely depending on the country and the caliber of the players. But top Paralympians in Europe might receive salaries in a range of 45,000 to 60,000 euros, or about $53,000 to $70,000, for about eight months of work, often with the team covering the cost of housing and perhaps even a car.

At the Paralympics, loyalties must be redrawn, at least temporarily.

In Tokyo last week, the U.S. and Germany met in the first round, with Bestwick on one side and Paye, who was a groomsman in Bestwick’s wedding, on the other. They have played together for Lahn-Dill under Nicolai Zeltinger, who is coaching the German Paralympic team.

“Probably half of their roster right now, I played with at some point in my career,” said Paye, who married a German woman and has no plans to live in the U.S. again.

Scott delivered 10 crucial assists in a tense 58-55 American victory, and at the final buzzer Andre Bienek of Germany sought him out to offer a pat on the back. The two were teammates at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, another college with a renowned wheelchair basketball program.

“Being a five-time Paralympian, I know all these guys,” Scott said. “Somebody is out on the floor, I’ve played against them. I know what they have for breakfast. I know who their cousins are.”

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/31/sports/olympics/paralympics-wheelchair-basketball.html