Hoops

Are we producing the right kind of player?

In a reality check you have to remember that our entire population is about the same as London alone. We punch well above our weight already. We can't be doing that much wrong at the junior level. Basic fundamentals are a great base to build from. Basketball IQ comes from playing the game and the mental attitude to succeed comes from within. If you read the history of a lot of great players they have missed out on teams or opportunities but have used that to give them the passion to go on and succeed.

we ( IE the NITC program) are producing the type of players who fit the mold of the "right" players - it is very similar to the approach that rowing and netball uses to identify its athletes.

The emphasis seems to be on those factors which can be measured ( eg the modified for basketball beep test).

For close to 9 years i attended most of the national u14 and u16 national championships.

At the u14 level I saw several examples of players who fitted the similar-age profile of players like Jenny Cheesman, Julie Nykiel/Michelle Brogan, Michelle Timms/Sandy Brondello ( both absolute legends offensively in the WNBA) type players in the girls ranks - who showed very hi basketball IQ , determination and skills - but not the athleticism of a Rachael Sporn or Jo Hill.

I saw none of those players earmarked for further attention by AIS coaches

Those players who did show that type of athleticism were actively and aggressively pursued by the AIS - players like Rebecca Duke ( great work ethic by the way and a top coachable player) and Renae Camino ( head case).

while players who did not fit the mold like Erin Philips ( wanted to be a scoring point Guard like Timmsy) and Angela Marino ( was also a scoring point guard who did not have good coaching until Tom Maher turned up)were discouraged from continuing.

Basically I think that the coaching "elite" are trying to keep their jobs safe by making safe choices - IE that old Proverb - "no one ever got fired for buying IBM" - that means that at the best they get the top performers of the middle ground (Foley, King etc) and few of the wild talent of the "odd person out"

Its good to remember that Penny Taylor missed selection in 2000 - and then went and played flat out in seabl for two consecutive seasons to hone the offensive and defensive game that she lacked in 1999-2000 - her international level basketball skill and talent was not developed to high standard at the AIS - although her fitness base was.

Just my opinion

The AIS is an amazing program. It is exceptional.

But I really think it does limit individual stars given the strict team play rules and principles of the team environment.

You look at the Breakers Academy in NZ, which isn't promoting athletes to become robots (In No way saying AIS players are robots, because they kicked my ass last time I played them, they're very good).

Up and coming players in NZ like Te Rangi, Fotu, Steven Adams, Tai Webster are given more freedom and it certainly helps them become efficient internationally.

Webster stepped right up at the QQT and pre tourny events.

Scoring 8 points in 12misn against Brazil,
Then he torched Macdeonia for 21 points, matched up against McCalebb.

Sometimes, I think the AIS just needs to give more freedom to individual players.

Right now they produce players who are very even in skill..
This is great in a team environment.
But when they go off to play in College programs, they are simply solid players.

Photos from tonights game at the dome are now available at www.damrob.com.au

or

Damrob Photos - 36ers vs Tigers @ Adelaide