Hoops

Aus Country Cup - Is it as good as it once was?

Pathetic attack on SAC anon 391 , the uniform error was the suppliers stuff up and perhaps you should get some facts before you comment . I would love to hear what else you think is wrong with SAC because I think it is heading in a really positive direction with new structure and staff

Correct me if not right on the girls at under 18 Nationals, but I believe VICC were 2nd and SAC girls also placed very high, I am just not sure if it was 3rd or maybe 4th?

Once again, results only, I am not in a position to compare other conditions or going ons at the events, but the results speak for themselves...

On the point made in reference to standard or quality, as has already been posted, between NSWC, VICC and SAC in the under 18 men's Nationals they placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th, so this challenges the notion that the Country Cup is an inferior event to anything Metro has going, just based on results alone!

I appreciate the comments that compare the country and metro events, however I wonder how many people have actually been to both and can make an objective view point about these major junior basketball tournaments?

I have not been to the Metro events, so I cannot judge them, I can only comment on the Country Cup, which has remained the same in every aspect except the fact that some states have dropped away, oh and of course the Victorian Country teams do not go to Port Mac any longer for the Pacific Slam...

I believe that was a cost saving consideration, not sure but it was enjoyable the year we went, shame Vic kids don' get that chance any longer...

Cup is great went for many years as a coach and mentor with CV.
Always sent the best kids and dont see why they wouldnt still do so.
Agree that it can get expensive for somebody that makes state and cup in same year, over and over but they find a way to do it.

Some great players and rivalries have been through cup as I am sure some of you can name.
Who cares who wins its about playing representing and having fun is it not?

I am not defending the organisers or the states here as I don't know the figures, but does anyone actually have facts or a breakdown of costs, because unless you have these I assume you are just having a whinge without factual evidence to proove otherwise?

What would be the cost per kid for the following do you guys think: (Country Cup or ECC)

Uniform = playing top, polo, shorts?

Travel = cost of vehicle hire and fuel to and from stadium, accomodation and feeding venues etc..?

Accomodation = some stay at far more expensive hostels than others?

Food = Sometimes the kids are taken out for a treat of fast food, others will make a feed or go to the local all you can eat facility?

Game costs = The venue, officials and associated costs of running a tournament are not cheap?

Just saying, these things should be considered before we totally bag out these things as cash cows! I am pretty confident that most states are subsidised to a point, but these costs would be quite substantial...

I also heard they were 20 min games and thats from metro players im not country but have been to albury cup once and will admit it left ecc for dead.
ecc kids are the scorers absolutely no atmosphere at all its just 3 days of scrimmage really.

They do tend to make friends over the years, it's one of the great things about the Country Cup, isn't it? That and the disco, so I hear...

Yup, have had for quite a few years now, but last one this time around. Long journey, but a memorable one.

Yup, me too, very enjoyable week for sure..

Anon#541, are you going next January? It would be great for parents of other states to catch up? Maybe not for golf, but a beer or three is always on the cards...

It depends which State you come from or if you have the additional cost from NZ. Victoria kids pay $880.00 which includes everything, uniform, food, accommodation and transport to and from games.

No they dont ECC they play round robin 20 min games AJCC they play 4x10 min quarters fully time with shot clock....huge difference

Agree, with anon^, VC and NSWC send their best as a tune up and selection for Nationals. I suspect SAC do the same, however it is a shame that TAS and other states do not go now (18's anyhow)...

Speaking to some of the NZ parents in the past, it is a financial burden on them, they send the best kids they can who are also able to afford it, so usually a surprise as to their standard at the Cup.

Also agree with anon about the games played and training in 40+ degree heat, you can't expect the kids to play too many games in one day up there!

Baller you obviously havent been to country cup. It does not go for ten days it runs monday to saturday always has. Most teams arrive sunday. They play at least 8 games in often 40 degree heat. Thats more than one game a day. They have training sessions too plus activities for social interaction.how much more do you want KIDS to be doing.and tell me what "other tournaments are on at this time specifically for country kids that have opening ceremonies coaches clinics and overseas teams.
Southern cross challenge was brought in to give the younger country kids and metro kids a chance to play before nationals exposure.and replacing port maquaries pacific slam as the cost of travel etc was becoming ridiculous especially for the standard they got up their.
Keeping your younger development kids in the mix which is what port did is vital for the future of the sport as kids all develop at different rates. Many of those stronger players that get to southern cross wont make the final cut by the time they hit un18s which is really where it counts.
Albury country cup is and always has been about developing these young players so they do get to that higher level and it DOES cost money to do that from both parents and state associations.if people are not prepared to pay then perhaps take up walking

have a look at who is at the end of "the cash cow"