Hoops

Advantages of joining the COE (AIS)?

I think those are the real advantages anon^, along with the obvious levels of recognition and the contacts future basketball players can make, with Australian coaches who know people overseas or here.

There is also a big advantage in physical development due to convenience and availability of equipment for training for sure.

If a kid is gunning for a major or mid-major US college I think the exposure and resume of attending COE can't hurt, however so few get the chance and so many go over it is hardly a prerequisite these days.

Forgot to add, there are multiple weeklyy & daily training sessions, weights, recovery (plunge pools, etc), Medical, Physio, musculoskeletal analysis, Nutrition/Dietary guidance, individual game/skill analysis and tracking.

No travel - everything is at the AIS. So the time spent traveling (especially for Country kids) can be better used for more training and study. Maybe less cost for parents. This depends on where you live and if your child attends a Private School.

The COE is a very good program? Are there elements that could improve - like everything, yes. I would recommend it for motivated & MATURE (Sport & Education) individuals that have to understand what they are there for. BA will tell you they are grooming future Opals or Boomers and that is OK. For most that go, whilst that might be their dream, getting to US College is more at the forefront of their thinking.

Going there is not for everyone - some are only 14 or 15 when they go, so that can be tough, moving away from family & friends at such an early age.

For those offered the chance to go it is prestigious and they get a higher profile than if they weren't there.

Like all selections, we (the punters) don't know who gets offered and who declines - we only see the ones who accept.

Having been involved with basketball for some time, there is always conjecture over which kids get picked. Some may not, in some eyes, be "the best" now, but they may well be in 5-8 years time. So the key word "Potential" comes in to play here.

As we have all seen there are many other pathways available (SEABL, WNBL, NBL, US High School, US College) and for those that are prepared to REALLY work hard, they will get to where they want to get to with or without the COE. But if you get selected and you work hard it can be a very good experience.

It's like saying what are the advantages of going to Wharton V Box Hill Tafe. They both teach business don't they?

Some of the best kids, not all of them!

Just a statement of fact. That people aren't aware of this is purely a reflection of how poor BA are at marketing and communications - they run a word's best junior program and some punters think it is the same as getting a SEABL spot. Sad.

Fire up anon on previous post! you must be a coach there?

More uneducated drivel.

If you have the opportunity to go to the COE (not just men I hear) you are one of the most fortunate junior basketball players on the globe. The program, the resources, the passionate and highly skilled people involved come together to create the most unique opportunity you could have.

Only the best of the best are invited. And they are given the best possible environment to succeed.

Not every kid could handle the intensity, the discipline, being away from home at a very young age - but if you can it is THE opportunity of a life time.

There are no real advantages to play at COE in regards to playing as they play in the SEABL anyway.

I think the good about it is that they play against men instead of their own age.

Uneducated drivel

@Aussie the COE gives those few lucky and talented enough many great opportunities, however much depends on the kid and the desire of that kid.

Any kid wanting to take up such an opportunity will have to sacrifice certain things to gain access to other things, all in the name of possibly one day playing for Australia.

If the kid isn't that inspired to play for Australia, or isn't ready to leave home at High School age, no drama as plenty of kids just as talented can achieve just what they want elsewhere these days.

The COE does offer some advantages and of course couches there have US contacts and will keep a regular eye on these inductees, but it isn't as well financed as it once was and to be honest needs some more input by the government to become as prestigious as it once was.

Where do you start? The opportunity is amazing if you got it.

Assuming it's still the same, I imagine that at AIS you've got more specialised nutrition, fitness/weights support. Presumably free/subsidised accommodation, food, etc.

Now that all the big tournaments are over and we head into school holidays are nearing, the planning for next season has started. (ie Forestville advertising coaches and other clubs starting soon.)Any rumours of coaching movements or stays in the job ... Any clubs going after coaches ... Keep it clean but have heard some rotations of coaches already and also some coaches having a break ..... Trial dates for any clubs yet?