To former Penn State basketball player Travis Parker, there is no such thing as NBA-or-bust.

Parker is just ecstatic that he is getting a chance to play basketball professionally in the Netherlands at the Dutch Basketball League.

"I get to play in a different country. It's just another opportunity to play basketball," Parker said.

After starting the last two years at Penn State, most notably as a forward, Parker will play overseas for Landstede.

Parker does have some worries, however, as he gets ready to go overseas to live and play basketball there for the first time.

"The food, I have to get used to it," Parker said. "It's a quicker-paced game. Once I get used to it, I'll be OK."

The Dutch Basketball League is at the C-level, meaning it is in the third class of the professional leagues in Europe. Some of the A-level leagues include the ones in Greece and Spain.

Playing in the Netherlands will give him a chance to get used to the European culture more than other countries, since many Dutch citizens can speak English. Parker's coach, Herman van den Belt, can also speak English.

Playing in the Dutch Basketball League is also a good way for Parker to get used to playing against tough competition before possibly moving up to the higher professional ranks.

But playing in the competitive Big Ten should also help Parker's transition.

"The competition, it's one of the top leagues. Top; night in, night out," Penn State assistant coach Hilliary Scott said about the conference.

And the Big Ten isn't the only thing helping his chances to succeed overseas. Parker is also very versatile and very composed, as he knocked down the game-winning jump shot to beat nationally ranked Illinois on the road last season.

"He can do a bit of everything. Shoot, pass, post, defend, handle it," Scott said.

Parker hopes his well-rounded abilities will make it easier for him to get used to the European style of play. In Europe, the game is a more fast-paced style, filled with quick passes and cutting. Parker does worry a little bit about how this will affect his game, however.

"I'm not really sure. It's a West Virginia-type offense. I have to get used to it. I hope to not change my game," he said.

Luckily for Parker, he will not be the only American on Landstede's roster. In the Dutch league, every team has three Americans on its roster. One of the Americans joining Parker will be Patrick Beilein, who starred at West Virginia University. Parker acknowledged the importance of playing alongside fellow Americans.

"We can relate, help each other out. The Americans will help," he said.

And while the Dutch league will get to see yet another talented college player take the court next season, Penn State will miss one of its best players next season.

"He was a great leader for us. He took the young kids under his wing," Scott said. "We were able to use him as our leader. He was a coach on the court."

If Parker is able to bring all of these qualities with him over to the Netherlands, he should have no trouble making an immediate impact in the league.