Hoops

SA players at U17/19 camps?

BMF - always up for a chat - unfortunately, not on the Albury radar any more - moved states!

258 - if I may venture an opinion from somebody down the road with a tall girl too. Yes the State ITC coaches will put forward any kid who they see has the potential to be an 'international' player at Open level (the current emphasis I believe - and a shift from the previous regime of 'win now' for all National Junior Teams). The basketball network is very thorough and if there is a good kid (particularly a tall one!) then the selectors will know about her and she will be on the radar.

Many of these players have been identified prior to National Championships through State-based talent ID etc. The earlier the better because as with most groups, its harder to get in than get out.

Having said that, unless there is a real issue with the non-selection then its unlikely that a player who doesn't appear at Nationals will get an invite to a National Camp and that's simply a function of numbers. 20 players at a final selection camp this time around doesn't allow much room for a 'project' player.

I would also say that this is a remarkable age group in terms of talented and capable 'talls' as opposed to any age group I have seen come through before. At Nationals this year there were at least 10 'talls' (6'1 or bigger) of good quality who could play (3-4 Vic Metro, 2 Qld Sth, 1-2 NSWC, 1 Tas, 3 SAC, 2 ACT, 1 WA, 1 NQ) off the top of my head.

9 of those girls were in the National Squad so that's a tough group to break into. Two of them are 'generational' talents and a number of the rest would have been the dominant tall in the age group in any of a number of recent years.

While that may seem all doom and gloom its not. I'm a firm believer in talent and effort winning out and over time those things show themselves. That's not to say that the process isn't without some heartache - my daughter missed out on a team as a bottom-aged U16 and it broke her heart - but she kept working and she has surpassed everybody that was picked in that team - mind you, there are still plenty ahead of her.

The most important thing for any player, in my humble opinion, is to still want to play the game by the time you are able to fully realise your talent. Early-ripe, early-rotten may be an old cliche but is as appropriate as ever when it comes to players career paths - help them maintain a passion to improve and never mind where they start, they'll finish ahead of most.

Many a player struggled to make junior state teams but went on to have successful and fulfilling basketball careers while their precocious peers peaked and stalled, ever to rest on the laurels of their U16 State team selection.

Think you will find that most state coach's are satelite coaches that assist with national squad selection.So you are correct that umless you are in favor with them or come from their rep club you have absolutely no hope.If anyone watched recent 18 nationals you would shake your head at selected team