Anyone could be a National Basketball Association player (NBA), in theory. The truth is that you need to meet a lot of criteria, there has to be a spot open for you, and you have to be noticed. It's not easy.

If you want to play basketball professionally, you have to play on a college team. You have to know the game extremely well and you have to train hard. Your diet, exercise and sleeping habits have to be top notch and you have to practice all the time to keep you skills up and growing. Height gives you an advantage, but if you aren't tall you need to be quick and accurate with your shots and passes. You maneuvering ability has to be top notch in order to be considered.

You have to know who to contact. Find out how to get in touch with scouts, or find yourself an agent who can help you. Exceptional talent in control of the ball, dodging, blocking, shooting and passing is crucial, but if you aren't playing on a college team, the only other option you have is play in Europe. Playing overseas is one way to get your foot in the door, perhaps.

Besides the complicated manner in which your skills can get the attention or publicity needed to make the draft, there has to be a spot open for you. The NBA has drafts that you have to make yourself aware of and make sure that you are playing, in shape, and ready when they come to observe you.

If you want to be a part of the NBA you have to be willing to make basketball your life. Everything you eat, drink and do is related. You have to put in long hours of training and practice. If you aren't focused, it could mess up your game. If you want it to be your career, it has to be a full time, and sometimes overtime, commitment to play hard.

For this reason, the life is not for everyone. If you have other aspirations that you are hoping to reach, do those things. The NBA are for those who want nothing else but to play the game. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that they don't believe in other things, but if your desire is to give yourself to other goals, this career may not be for you.

Many people feel that it's their only way to make it in this world, and they try with all of their might to make it in, but either never get drafted or never get picked. The other downside is that you could get injured. You should have another skill and backup plan in case a serious injury prevents you from playing ever again. If you want to go for it, you are certainly welcome to, but you should have a plan, and a few years to make the cut.