BA is not happy with so many players being enticed overseas, they did a song and dance at the last U18 champs about scouts filming games...why?

I think it is great that these players are going over seas to play college ball, BA is a joke and should not be taken seriously by anyone in the basketball community. The more experience these players get whether its here in the ABL or in the US in college ball is great for the future of our national team. That is if the coach will actualy play them and not his own kings...hehe...couldnt reist that one... I will only start to take BA seriously when they appoint a new national mens coach....now thats a whole new topic!

Lets remember its more than just a basketball odessy for these boys. Its also an opportunity to live abroad for four years, experience a different culture, and with any luck never have to experience the joy of HECS!!!!!

Sam and Max are two stand up characters so expect them to carry on a proud and long tradition of Norwood players doing well in the states.

Well done!

Part of the problem with College is you only hear the good stories generally.

Kid who played for Albury called Shane McDonald had one year there, basically hated it from what I understand, and his game went backward as a result. College did little good for Wade Helliwell compared to if he had stayed here and honed his game.

Its just not all gold and glory. And its a worry in particular for our girls. Very few of our girls have gone to College and come home "four years better" in terms of their development - Hibbert is one who did but very few others.

That is because the conferences in women have such sporadic quality teams. the depth in women's college basketball is really questionable.

And College is really affecting our competitions here - the SEABL teams are no where as deep as they used to be partly because of so many kids not being able to play when they come back on break.

I think that's the point - a free education. Being realistic, only a select few will make a career out of ball anyway, and fringe NBL does not amount to a career. better off pursuing a 9-5, like Jason Dix.

It's probably not a basketball decision as much as a life choice. I for one would not hesitate to go to college in another country - for free - live away from home for 4 years, make lifelong friends, etc etc and as a bonus travel around and play ball on weekends.

NAIA between 20s & div 2???
NAIA is the equivalent of NCAA div2 - Worthington, Kendall etc.
Sam's College - Carroll - finished fourth in the nation. They would smash any ABA team here. Austyn Smylie played Div2 NCAA, Jason Smith Div 3. How would they go in under 20s or Div2 here - ya wally!

Point taken there are bad examples, these programs are not. You gotta do your homework.

Spot on Sap...those who can't/don't will always find fauilt with those who do/can..

dont you also have to do better in your SATs or watever it is to get a scholorship in div 2 or 3 schools? compared to div 1 schools

Ricey...No

91296 spot on good on you Sap for putting these kids ahead of your plans for Norwood.
And good luck to Sam and Max, I for one am very envious of the position you have found yourselves in. Enjoy yourselves

So thats a team of 18-22 yr olds just beat an ABA team of "what", it may have also contained imports and NBL players.

I would also think that the touring team would not have had its finishing seniors and would have given as much time as possible to Freshmen and Sophmores.

The top NAIA teams are equally as tough as the top NCAA teams.

Bugger...


Read About another Aussie who came through the NAIA system and seems to have prospered

Anon 91321 you also forgot Luke Walton, that makes 3 that went on to NBA.

you also forget that arizona had Gardner, possibly the best guard that year in NCAA, as featured in SLAM. they had 5 players who could easily have then been dominate players in NBL. and the guy who dunked on oscar was Bynum, also NBA. that team went onto final four.
back to the main subject, NAIA is still awesome talent there, if i recall Pistol Pete's kid played in it, and was still an awesome player. its not where you are, its what you put in to it, if the boys work hard like they have been, im sure we will be seeing them continue into professional basketball somewhere.

http://www.carroll.edu/athletics/newsitemview.php?id=4727
thats link to lil write up bout sam they did.
http://www.lcsc.edu/athletics/pressreleases/06-07/Mens_bball_signs_four.htm
and another for max. looks like they are getting a bit of hype aswell, good to hear.

Scottie Pippen played in the NAIA... He seemed to be of alrite standard??