Eat. Pray. Basketball: The Manifestation of a Pro-Athletes Journey
Hi, I'm Jamaar Johnson and the journey of my life from the US to living in Indonesia is one filled with adventure, self-reflection, growth, and a lot of basketball. To start, I’m from New Jersey and my dad is from Philadelphia. My mom is also from New Jersey, so I spent a lot of time going back and forth between the two cities. I graduated from college and got a job, and even though I was making good money...
…having a desk and living this corporate life was ok, But not for me; I just wasn't passionate about living the “American dream”!
I wanted to pursue basketball opportunities overseas, so I started playing semi-pro in the US. Then, I got the chance to go on a basketball tour with an organization called Athletes in Action, which travels all over the world using sports to spread the gospel. In 2012, I came to Indonesia with the team and the director of a university here wanted to start a basketball academy. He chose me to join, but communication was difficult, so I wasn't sure when I would be returning to Indonesia. I left my job, sold everything, and moved in with my dad while I waited for confirmation. Eventually, I gave up and started looking for other jobs, but the next day I got a call asking if I could fly to Indonesia. I came to Indonesia as a basketball coach and worked at a church as a youth pastor for two years. During those four years, I never returned to the US. I continued playing basketball and met a man who owned a club and a national team. He told me about the process of becoming naturalized and we became friends. I was naturalized and started playing for Indonesia in 2015. I was the first black player and the first American to be naturalized on the Indonesian basketball team. I've had a lot of success, competing in events like the Asian Games, Southeast Asian Games, and FIBA Asia. Now, I'm just enjoying playing the game and helping others.
I’ve been living in Indonesia for 10 years now. If I could summarize each year with one word, phrase, or Theme, the first year would be “amazing”…
…the second was “Culture Shock”, the third was “Purpose-driven”, the fourth was “Finding myself”, the fifth was “Reunited with my love for basketball”, the sixth was “Heartbroken”, the seventh was “Motivated”, the eighth was “Disappointment”, the ninth “Redemption”, and tenth year would be “Transition”.
To expound on those themes in more detail, during my first year in Indonesia, I was excited and passionate, wearing rose-colored glasses and feeling like a new person in a place where no one knew me. In my second year, I started learning about the culture and feeling homesick. In my third year, I felt like I was doing what I was meant to do as a youth pastor, inspiring and mentoring the youth. In my fourth year, I transitioned away from the church and started focusing on self-discovery and meditation. In my fifth year, I became a professional basketball player and was excited to be on the court again. In my sixth year, my team cut me in the middle of the season, which was heartbreaking. In my seventh year, I became very motivated, training hard and eating well. In my eighth year, I won a championship MVP but then tore my Achilles tendon in the semifinals. In my ninth year, I recovered from my injury and won another MVP with a new team. This year, I'm in a transition period, focusing on things outside of basketball like coaching and mentoring and starting a business.
my expectation before moving to Indonesia challenged my reality In comparison to the states.
Before coming to Indonesia, I expected to be a part of a high-level basketball program and be surrounded by Christians who were just as passionate about their faith as those back home in America. However, upon arriving in Indonesia, I discovered that the Christian community and basketball programs here were different than I anticipated. Rather than making a significant impact, I ended up developing and organizing the game while also embracing the similarities and differences of my fellow Christians while also exploring other religions and spiritual practices. Ultimately, I learned to prioritize the essential things in life and became minimalistic in a good way. I came to understand that I didn't need much to be content.
Life as a professional athlete in Indonesia is one filled with the good, the bad, and the ugly…but ultimately more good than bad!
My schedule typically includes practicing Monday through Friday, with Saturdays and Sundays off. However, some coaches may give a Saturday morning conditioning session during the off-season. My coach has us practicing once a day from Monday through Friday. My day starts at 6:30 am when I wake up and commute to the gym for a 7:30 am practice that lasts for 1.5 - 2 hours. After practice, I spend some time shooting and stretching, then go to the weight room. In the evening, I watch game film, relax, and sometimes go out to dinner. On a day-to-day basis, I practice once a day, hit the weight room once a day, and follow this schedule from Monday to Friday. The basketball community in Indonesia isn't very large, but those who love the sport here are very passionate about it. This has allowed me to meet many people with various connections and support systems. However, as the only American on my team, there are also a lot of expectations placed on me; this can be tough to deal with, especially when it starts to affect my performance negatively. Additionally, the league has changed the rules a few times, making it harder for me to play. Overall, while it has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, I am grateful for the opportunity to play professionally and follow my dreams.
Having the opportunity to spend a lot of time in both Jakarta and Bali, I found that the basketball community is strong and I was able to make friends through the game. Both places offer similar experiences for me, as I am involved in the basketball world in both places. However, Bali also offers the added benefits of the beach, events, and nightlife, as well as spiritual retreats. I enjoy the different energy and pace of life in Bali, as it allows me to relax and slow down at times, while also providing opportunities for me to be on my grind.
Although basketball is forever ingrained in my being, I know there is life after basketball in which my impact will be even greater!
After basketball, I plan to stay in Bali and work on building a business that will give back to the kids here through basketball and other means of health and wellness. I hope to create a one-stop-shop-type facility that will help the community and allow me to continue using my platform and experience to coach and work with the youth. I believe that basketball in Indonesia is growing and I want to be a part of that growth and make a positive impact on the youth in Bali, a place that I love to call home. It would be a dream come true for me to be able to combine my love for this place with my passion for basketball and making a difference in the lives of young people.
Community is important, especially when residing in a foreign land, that’s why the “black in Bali” community is so important.
One of the things that I really appreciate about the “Black in Bali” community is the warmth and love that everyone has for each other. I remember going to an event at Russell Simmons' place and being greeted with hugs and smiles; it made me feel at home. In Asia, when I meet women, I typically greet them with a handshake or double-cheek kiss, but getting hugged here is more informal. I appreciate the support and camaraderie that the community offers. As a black person in Asia, I don't see many of us, so it feels good to have a family and people that I can trust and turn to for support. It's a beautiful thing to be a part of this community, and I'm grateful to be here and thriving with everyone else.
So if I had to give anyone advice on making the move to bail, the first thing I’d advise against is getting a motorbike.
While they may be a common mode of transportation and seem fun, they can be dangerous. Instead, consider using a taxi service until you feel more comfortable navigating the area. It's also important to be aware that prices for foreigners can often be inflated compared to what locals pay, so be mindful of this when making financial decisions such as purchasing visas. I recommend asking locals or people with experience in the area for advice before making any plans. While the Indonesian people are generally friendly and welcoming, it's always wise to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Make sure to pace yourself and take care of your safety, as there is always something to do and enjoy in Bali. Don't forget to make time for yourself and be present in the moment. Take in all that Bali has to offer, but also make time to relax and reflect.
If I could give my past self any advice to prepare for my move to Indonesia, I would tell myself “to always know and be confident in who I am, no matter what. Don't play small or downplay my abilities just because those around me may not be at my level in terms of skill or mental aptitude”. It's important to challenge myself and not let others dictate my worth or value. This was a lesson I learned from my older brother, who never let me win and instead pushed me to be better. In any situation, it's important to remember to stay true to oneself and not discount one's own abilities.
Written by Black In Bali community member, B. C. Wright
We are all mirrors for each others. Thank you for sharing your story so we all can grow together!
