AIS? When was this announced?

[bogut]

Noticed on the AIS website that there are some new scholarship holders for 2010.

Names like Creek, Aldridge etc.

Can someone please give me a brief run down on the new guys?

Thanks

[A Higher Authority]

The link to whom they are
http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/sports/basketball/athletes

[2sc945]

The link to whom they are
http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/sports/basketball/athletes

Dead link.

[blacklabel]

Dead link.

works fine for me

[Derek]

Also works for me.

DN

[RedbackVenom]

And fine for me too!

Mitch Creek is a talent...keep an eye on him.

[FRED JONES]

No question M. Creek he was virtually unguardable way back in Adelaide at U14s nationals, in a Horsham team that was very unlucky to not finish in the top 8. They also had a small guard Riley I believe in that team who was quite good and may have been played for Vic country in years later?

Actually come to think of it Horsham have developed quite a few players if Im correct and over a considerable amount of time. So question is how come a small town right out near the border of SA can develop some quality players but other clubs cant tie their laces without them coming undone?

Seriously why are some clubs so much better than others at developing players? Chicken and egg question, coaching, administration, strong hoops culture in the area?........ect.

[rondo]

This is just my opinion but I think some associations do a really great job of developing kids because:
1. They have a lot of kids turn up to rep trials and therefore have a greater variety of kids to select from.
2. A great relationship between age group coaches and the developmental officer of the association
3. Clear AIMS set out for the season; is the goal to win or improve fundamentals and prepare the athlete for future basketball. At junior ages u12s/u10s I think it is imperative to TEACH correct fundamentals, there is nothing more annoying for me then seeing a kid attempt a left handed layup and see them use their preferred right hand. So what the 2 points may count there and then but how does this benefit the athlete when they come to u14s and above when the defensive pressure is better. Developing players should involve reinforcing and teaching the correct techniques, I'd rather have lost the game knowing a player had missed a left handed layup with correct technique then win it knowing the footwork and technique was all wrong. There can be too much emphasis on winning as opposed to developing and I think those associations that do a great of developing teach the correct technique at an earlier age. This therefore means that as the athletes get older they already have a sound knowledge of fundamentals. Ulitmately if the kids have sound fundamentals they are generally going to win more games then they loose. So even though it maybe harder work and frustrating in the long term it benefits the players, the association and the team.

[Melb Wildcat]

i agree. This has been the case with soccer in australia in the past 15 years - we always have one of the best youth teams, but then we have not had much success (until recently) at senior level. Other soccer countries always practice the fundamentals (might mean more mistakes early on and therefore more losses), but in long run the players get much better skills when they are older.

I think basketball is very similar in that teams want all their teams to win at all age levels for the reputation of the association.

[RedbackVenom]

Totally agree. Sometimes the focus is placed too much on winning at the younger levels when the focus should be on development of the skills.

I would rather have a kid miss a wide open left-handed layup doing it properly rather than making it using their right-hand. Great example.