Hoops

SASI

YOu guys have any idea?

it must b u who has no idea!

anon - you make me laugh.

anonymous - precisely. Looks at guys today at Woodville who were cut form SASI early now going to be starting in the ABL this year. Ultimately, SASI is a good breeding ground for successful players - but at the same time, hard work won't go unrewarded.

So, the recent graduation of record numbers of SA players from SASI into the AIS over the past 5 or so years, including the production of 3 NBL players, is just pathetic and old school?

I went through the SASI system, didn't graduate because I was lazy and didn't work on my game and got overtaken by players who will go far in ball - but I don't hold any grudges, and I recognise the quality coaching that goes on there.

There's a lot of sour grapes on this forum.

They need 2 b fair and rotate players in and out of their teams every year altho if a certain player they think is vital 2 the team shud b kept then keep them. I think the real problem is people hav with sasi is Neil Gliddon!

*sighs*

i agree, sasi need 2 hav a larger selection of players but some of the players they do pick train themselves up for the sasi team! But I have noticed that some players do lose the love of the game and bcum weak in their game bcoz they think they're the best there is..........and they're not, they r equal 2 who ever plays wif both heart n soul! That's wat annoys me!

(Joey Jo Jo Jr - he was/is in the program though, isn't he?)

I think the message to the kids should be that you don't have to have a SASI singlet in your wardrobe to have a successful SENIOR career - SASI is all about the development of potential demonstrated in juniors! It's up to the players to determine how they utilise their own potential and work their arses off to get somewhere where it really counts in their club's senior program - SASI will obviously give you a good base (etc) to develop the skills needed, but it's not the be-all and end-all.

For me, it's just highlighted in SA because of our low playing numbers - how big are the ITC squads in Victoria comparatively with the numbers of kids they have playing in the Championship and Division 1 levels who could realistically play state ball? In SA, U16 SASI squads are what, 16-20 players? How many players in a league of 60ish could play state successfully? Realistically 30ish?

There's too many examples in all sports of 'late bloomers' who go on - look at Andrew Bogut - didn't make state till U20s, made the AIS on a wildcard. Your game hasn't stopped getting better until you decide it has!

2000 SA Metro 16 Boys - Jason Clarke (Sturt) wasn't in SASI (though he was added the next year?) nor was Aaron Pilkington (Centrals/Norwood), nor were two of the Reserves (Matt Barker - Norwood, Alex ? - West).

2002 SA Metro 18 Boys - Ng Pini Webber Eze Clint Leroy Benson McKenzie Smith Newley - all SASI boys.

2004 SA Metro 16 Boys - a couple weren't in the program, one I believe got added to the program before they went away.

Chris Clausen from Centrals made the under 18 state team this year, and is now involved in the Acadamy Team. He was not a SASI player.