The Osos de Guadalajara may have made an inauspicious start to their life in Mexico’s professional basketball league (1-6) but their American imports are feeling right at home, if somewhat frustrated by the poor results.

“The city is very westernized. I’m comfortable here,” said Larry Smith after a training session at the Code Dome last week.

The U.S. players live in local hotels and like to get out to visit malls and restaurants in their time off.  They say the city is not threatening in any way despite the negative reports of drug violence.

“The team bosses let us know if they’re burning buses in the streets and we stay in our hotel rooms,” laughed Marlyn Bryant , a 30-year-old in his third season in Mexico. “It’s no big deal.”

Staying fit is one of the big challenges for players like Smith and Bryant, who are entering the latter stages of their careers. Both placed large ice packs over their knees after the training session.  “This is the routine nowadays,” joked Smith, who was the Osos’ top scorer in their opening games but has been sidelined for the past two weeks.

While scoring points hasn’t been an issue for the fledgling Osos, the team’s defense has been a shambles, the coach and players admit. “We’re still gelling as team. But winning games is about having a solid defense,” said Smith “Just look at the (Miami) Heat this year. That’s how they won the championship.”

As for the crowds in Mexico, Bryant said they can be fickle.  “This is the only country I’ve played in where they boo their own team,” he said.  “Booing sucks.”

Smith disagrees. “Hey fans boo and talk trash everywhere. That’s basketball.”

The Osos de Guadalajara play their next home games at the Code Dome on Avenida Alcalde by La Normal Glorieta on Thursday, October 4 and Saturday, October 6, both at 8 p.m.  Tickets are 50 or 100 pesos.