Sterling Brown reflects on brother Shannon's influence, lessons from Luka / News - Basketnews.com

Sterling Brown talks about adjustments in his rookie overseas season, shares insights on playing alongside NBA superstars, and eyes the EuroLeague experience as a stepping stone to basketball's pinnacle.

Credit: D. Lukšta, AFP Credit D. Lukšta, AFP

ALBA Berlin wing Sterling Brown is one of numerous former NBA players who chose to come to Europe last offseason and explore the EuroLeague experience.

Free throws this season

77%12,1Points made:12,1Accuracy:77,4%Place in standings:14Record max:19Record min:4Most made FTs:Johannes ThiemannTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Despite ALBA's challenging season with only three wins in 19 games, Brown has been a bright spot for his team, averaging 11.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 9.3 PIR in his rookie year overseas.

Like everyone else, even a 6-year NBA veteran finds himself navigating the learning curve of European basketball, but his commitment to improving his game is as infectious as the energy he brings every time he graces the hardwood.

"It's just a different game. A different mindset, a different quality, and a different style of play, so I'm just adjusting to that," Brown told BasketNews about his learning pains. "But I'm having fun and enjoying myself. You know, just gotta keep getting better."

While many may not be aware, Sterling is the younger brother of former high-flying Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard and two-time NBA champion Shannon Brown.

The latter spent three seasons in LA from 2008 to 2011 and was a member of the Lakers' back-to-back championship victories in 2009 and 2010 under the leadership of the late Kobe Bryant.

"Just supportive, telling me to go at what I gotta do -- work hard, handle business," Sterling shared insight into his brother's reaction to his move to Berlin.

Growing up alongside a 9-season NBA vet, one might assume that Sterling followed in his brother's footsteps, seeking guidance for his career and life.

"He's had a huge impact and influence [on my career]. I watched him since I was a little kid," Sterling said of his brother. "He's nine-plus years older than me, so I always watched him, loved how he worked hard and how he played -- his tenacity and intensity for the game.

ALBA Berlin / Schedule

Zalgiris Kaunas ALBA Berlin77-71 ALBA Berlin Virtus Segafredo Bologna68-83 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan ALBA BerlinTue19:30 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne ALBA BerlinFri20:00

"I always carry that with me," he pointed out. "Like I said, watching him from a little boy to his last few games, and I've been able to play with him in the G League [Wisconsin Herd]. It's been great."

Sterling, meanwhile, went 46th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft and has played for four teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks (2017-20), Houston Rockets (2020-21), Dallas Mavericks (2021-22), and Lakers (2023).

He has league career averages of 5.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game on 41.9% shooting through 268 regular-season games. In 24 career playoff appearances, Sterling has averaged 2.6 points, 1.7 boards, and 0.9 assists on 38.9% shooting from the field.

The 28-year-old had the privilege of sharing the court with some of the brightest NBA stars in each team he has been a part of. The list includes Giannis Antetokoumnpo, James Harden, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James.

While their superstardom and talent certainly impacted Sterling's knowledge and his play, Brown withheld from singling out one superstar as the most influential.

"That's tough to say. I've been with Giannis longer than any of them," he observed. "But I played with some great guys who know the game. Luka and the whole coaching staff over there with the Mavs, they definitely have a high IQ for the game.

"During my years in Milwaukee, we had a lot of vets around -- George Hill, Khris Middleton, who knew the game a lot, and Jason Terry. So, I can't really put nobody over the other. I definitely grabbed bits and pieces from each one of the teams and each one of the guys," he added.

One of the current NBA faces Sterling played with -- Luka Doncic -- left the EuroLeague as the league MVP and champion at 19.

Asked what Doncic's lessons he could apply in his rookie EuroLeague season, Brown mentioned the control of tempo.

"He's going at his pace, really, and that's it. And that's something that I definitely see more of, especially playing over here. Shoutout to Luka and how he's able to impact the game on a night-to-night basis," he said.

Lastly, addressing the inevitable question of an NBA return, Brown expanded the topic to a broader picture.

"I feel like everybody in the EuroLeague wanna get back or get to the NBA at some point and play at the highest level of basketball," Brown noted.

This statement comes after recent Chima Moneke's comments that "EuroLeague is the best league basketball-wise in the world," which suggests that players are inclined to remain in the Old Continent league due to the competitive nature of the tournament, high-stake games, elite strategy, historic rivalries, and passionate fans.

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