hoopie
Years ago
Having read a few pieces on up-and-coming youngsters on both sides of the Tasman, it sounds like we could have some good matches if Oz played NZ at the junior levels.
Would it be a good idea for U23s or U21s to have a regular series, say every couple of years? Would enough people go to them? Would they really be competitive?
Tiger Watcher
Years ago
Pretty sure NZ send there national team to the U16/U18 & U20 Australian Championships.
HO
Years ago
Pretty sure they run FIBA Oceania Qualifiers for something or other basically on an annual basis.
NZ nationals teams for 16 18 and 20 often don't see the best kids playing
hoopie
Years ago
I know they sent their teams to the various age champs, and generally thought they underwhelmed us.
If there was a different kind of series which could get the best players turning out, would it be worth watching? A bit like the All-Star Rookies game, kind of thing, where there's a bit of prestige in playing.
anon
Years ago
Hoopie you get this everytime there is a World Championship as they always play a best of 3 in each age group to see who represents Oceania in the World Championships.
MACDUB
Years ago
I agree with Hoopie.
There needs to be an under 21/22 or 23 event.
There is very little for players who are too old for the Emus, but not quite good enough for the senior side.
Under 17s - Under 19s - World University Games (maybe an 'emerging Boomers' for a tour every now and then) - Boomers.
Australia play NZ in qualifiers for 17s and 19s every other year for the following years Worlds.
19s will play a 3 game series later this year against NZ to qualify for 2013 Worlds.
University games replaced the old 21 and Under Worlds (last one played in 2005?, Aussies finished 4th? Guy Molloy coached.)
It's hard to set up new events all the time when the schedule is as packed as it is.
You could do a 22 and Under Australian College vs. a 22 and Under Australian NBL/SEABL/State Leagues. Maybe that would work?
Mystro
Years ago
Kiwi's who are any good play for the Tall Blacks at 7 or 8 years old because of our lack of depth
boss
Years ago
big article on steven adams in the latest issue of slam.
pretty impressive, big wraps on him
vic anon
Years ago
NZ junior sides are generally stacked with NZ who play in Victorian Champ comps. Only way they can remain in the game..
hoopie
Years ago
so when was the last time that the NZ team won an age-group over here?
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