DeMarcus Cousins on what playing overseas is like: "These MFs hooping out there. They don't give a f**k who you are"

When hoop fans discuss the NBA's most prominent what-if players, the conversation often includes the likes of Grant Hill, Penny Hardaway, and Brandon Roy. But there's one name that usually goes unmentioned: versatile big man DeMarcus Cousins .

The fifth overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, the former Kentucky Wildcat was a unique talent. Standing 6-foot-10 and weighing in at over 270 pounds, Cousins possessed a rare combination of size, strength, and skill that made him seem like a wrecking ball on the hardcourt. The fiery big man could do it all: impose his will in the shaded lane, step out and knock down a three, or handle the ball like a guard.

His skill set led him to become a four-time All-Star and a two-time All-NBA selection. However, his basketball career, which was on a trajectory of greatness, took a different turn on January 26, 2018, when he tore his left Achilles. Although DeMarcus returned, it was clear that the player on the floor was only a shell of his former self.

Not long after suffering an ACL injury, Boogie bounced around several teams and played in the NBA for the last time in 2022 before embarking on an international career that opened his eyes to the realities of basketball outside of the United States.

Tough-as-nails basketball

In 2023, the native of Mobile, Alabama, signed to play for the Guaynabo Mets in Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional league. While the league may not ring a bell amongst conventional basketball fans, DMC said it doesn't mean the competition isn't cutthroat.

"These motherf*****s hooping out there. They not backing down. They don't give a f**k who you are, and the refs don't either. The game actually becomes a lot harder because you start to see the amount of privilege you have playing in the NBA," DMC noted on "Forgotten Seasons."

Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic once said it was easier to score in the NBA than in Europe. While his comments caused a fuss, DeMarcus' experience playing overseas hoops suggests that perhaps there was some truth to the Dallas Mavericks ace's sentiments.

"The contact is different; the way you play in America is different. You almost want to say the game is softer in the NBA because it really is. Overseas, you have to get to it. You can't warm up for three quarters and then decide to turn up in the third or the fourth," Cousins continued.

Former NBA player Jelani McCoy, a co-host of the show, echoed DeMarcus' statements, sharing that, at times, the players in Puerto Rico weren't just full-time basketball players but also held day jobs.

"When I played in the Puerto Rican League, I saw it firsthand. These dudes are in shape, they take their bodies seriously, and they might have jobs too. That's crazy. Sometimes practice might get called off because everyone is at work," the former eight-year veteran said.

Related: "The seriousness of it made it less fun" - Julius Erving explains why the ABA is more fun than the NBA

Lots of talent around the world

While the NBA is undoubtedly the sport's most popular league, DMC said that doesn't mean the players who aren't in the league lack talent. After playing in Taiwan, the big man has gained a newfound appreciation for basketball's global reach.

"Think about it—how many guys are in the NBA on average? Let's say 300. Out of all the billions of people playing basketball worldwide, those 300 are the most elite of the elite. Just because someone is ranked 303rd doesn't mean they are trash. It just means they are outside the top 300, which is still incredibly impressive," Cousins asserted.

Ever since the Dream Team stormed Barcelona in 1992, the sport has grown immensely, opening doors for many international players to make their mark in the Association. Unfortunately, there are only so many spots on an NBA squad, and not everyone can make the cut.

However, this realization has made Cousins even more appreciative of his opportunity as an NBA player. As he continues to play in different countries and interact with basketball fans from all over the world, he has come to understand that basketball truly is a global sport. And with each country he visits, he gains a new perspective on the game and its impact on people's lives.

Related: DeMarcus Cousins says he’s given up on the NBA: “I know I’ve had my time there”