Development of basketball in Australia

[Unregistered]

You're correct that Redlands did have the toughest draw, playing the Top 3 twice. SW played 2 of the top 3 twice, that was the closest of other 5 - 10 placed teams. However, Ippy was the only Team above you on the ladder you were good enough to beat, so had you played some of the mid order teams twice instead of top order teams, you probably could have beaten Ippy and finished one place higher.

Also the top three teams also played each other twice, with Cab and RB1 playing SW twice too, yet they stayed on top. So I'd say Redlands finished pretty close to where they belong, one spot up at most with a friendlier draw.

An 18 game season with everyone playing each other twice would be good

Now I take it you mean a Maximum of 3 ABA players per team as a minimum would make it harder for you.

There is a rule that says only two Restricted ABA players can play in a D-League team. Restricted Players being those who played 12 mins or more per game the year before. The reason it is set at that is so players who are not quite at a true ABA standard can still play D-League (to develop) rather than withering away playing 2 mins a game in the ABA.

You got me on a few things but like i was saying basketball in australia is in trouble so if the nbl started drafting players each year or did something to keep pumping good aussie talent through, then the aba and development leagues would strenghten and would keep the flow going through from the young through to the aba, hence, still moving foward not leaving anyone to just as you put it "withering away playing 2 mins a game in the ABA" and too the bigger point keeping the game of basketball a growing and loved sport over here. PEACE

[Unregistered]

You got me on a few things but like i was saying basketball in australia is in trouble so if the nbl started drafting players each year or did something to keep pumping good aussie talent through, then the aba and development leagues would strenghten and would keep the flow going through from the young through to the aba, hence, still moving foward not leaving anyone to just as you put it "withering away playing 2 mins a game in the ABA" and too the bigger point keeping the game of basketball a growing and loved sport over here. PEACE
I think the real answer lies in the establishment of a new entity based on youth basketball, mens and womens (18-23 yr olds), administered and marketed properly, Nation wide. My feel is that there would be more Govt. and business support available if the league could retain amateur status (and NCAA elgibility) with inroads being explored into Tertiary institutions providing incentives for athletes.
Such a concept would provide credible pathways for young players to derive benefit from staying with and focusing on basketball as their sport through a Uni degree, chance for recruitment to US Colleges and/or recruitment to the professional systems overseas. At the very least it would strengthen the sport as a whole from the grass roots through ABA and even the NBL in time as players found their particular niche and settled in at whatever their appropriate level might be.

[Unregistered]

I think the real answer lies in the establishment of a new entity based on youth basketball, mens and womens (18-23 yr olds), administered and marketed properly, Nation wide. My feel is that there would be more Govt. and business support available if the league could retain amateur status (and NCAA elgibility) with inroads being explored into Tertiary institutions providing incentives for athletes.
Such a concept would provide credible pathways for young players to derive benefit from staying with and focusing on basketball as their sport through a Uni degree, chance for recruitment to US Colleges and/or recruitment to the professional systems overseas. At the very least it would strengthen the sport as a whole from the grass roots through ABA and even the NBL in time as players found their particular niche and settled in at whatever their appropriate level might be.

I see what your trying to say but the point that i am trying to make is that AUSTRALIA needs to fix basketball from AUSTRALIAN ideas, AUSTRALIAN players and AUSTRALIAN support we are not the USA's little brother we need to start some type of system that brings forward these guys in the aba that should be playing for a team instead of picking up some guy from overseas and start filtering through AUSTRALIAN PROUDUCTS and make proud the club and community in which he came from, which would if done correctly mean that from biddy ball right through the "DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE" and onto the aba each year or 2 a draft or something like the AFL has would move deserving and growing players on and give them the chance to move into a possible professional basketball life and then even one day become noticed and drafted into a more $$$$$ filled league like europe or even the NBA. lets start seeing some more aussies fly hey, lets fix our game before we realise its too bloody late.

[The Trailer]

:banghead:I think the problem with basketball is kids have to many options eg.school, club,school rep and club rep.They are expose to many avenues and they loose interest or get injured or even dropout all together.How many kids drop out after school and under 18's because there is no where to go?If school ball was only one game a week and no rep kids would go else in search of other avenues such as club ball.That would bolster club numbers and then they would get better exposer to better coaches, club environment and get a chance at aba.Clubs need a u20's comp because it is the next step before d-league.The better kids need d-league to be the next step to aba because they get a little taste of how physical the game can be. Also they need to be exposed to aba so they know what steps to take to get better.Clubs need juniors and clubs need to have different levels to keep juniors interested.Basketball has to many chiefs and not enough indians and will continue to let this slide until there is no basketball at all.

[Unregistered]

I see what your trying to say but the point that i am trying to make is that AUSTRALIA needs to fix basketball from AUSTRALIAN ideas, AUSTRALIAN players and AUSTRALIAN support we are not the USA's little brother we need to start some type of system that brings forward these guys in the aba that should be playing for a team instead of picking up some guy from overseas and start filtering through AUSTRALIAN PROUDUCTS and make proud the club and community in which he came from, which would if done correctly mean that from biddy ball right through the "DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE" and onto the aba each year or 2 a draft or something like the AFL has would move deserving and growing players on and give them the chance to move into a possible professional basketball life and then even one day become noticed and drafted into a more $$$$$ filled league like europe or even the NBA. lets start seeing some more aussies fly hey, lets fix our game before we realise its too bloody late.
Not sure you do see what I'm saying. Maybe your only seeing it from a localised view and mistakenly think the NBL is the epicentre of basketball. Trust me the really good Australian kids have far higher aspirations and are capable of attaining them, than settling for a future in the on again/off again, issue plagued NBL. The main problem in the NBL is fairly simple. It is however deeply entrenched and its unlikely those who have the advancement of the Australian professional game under their control will release their stranglehold anytime soon. Some positive signs from the new National administration however it's going to be a long process of attrition through market forces.
Were we to devote money and resources to a top class league for post adolescent youth that gave the eligible men and women 1. an Australian University degree courtesy of basketball and/or 2. a chance to develop their game to the point they could go to College in America if that is their desire and/or 3. to develop to the point of being picked up by Euro/Sth America or any of the numerous pro leagues around the world and/or 4. to elect to go semi-pro in the ABA and/or 5. elect to go semi-pro or pro in the NBL and/or 6. go pro in the Big Show in the US or Europe.
Water finds it level and the athletes will filter out to whatever level is commensurate with their ability and desire. But it's gotta start somewhere and a fully functional top line competition for post adolescent youth would provide far better incentive to stay with the game of basketball than exists at present.

[Unregistered]

Not sure you do see what I'm saying. Maybe your only seeing it from a localised view and mistakenly think the NBL is the epicentre of basketball. Trust me the really good Australian kids have far higher aspirations and are capable of attaining them, than settling for a future in the on again/off again, issue plagued NBL. The main problem in the NBL is fairly simple. It is however deeply entrenched and its unlikely those who have the advancement of the Australian professional game under their control will release their stranglehold anytime soon. Some positive signs from the new National administration however it's going to be a long process of attrition through market forces.
Were we to devote money and resources to a top class league for post adolescent youth that gave the eligible men and women 1. an Australian University degree courtesy of basketball and/or 2. a chance to develop their game to the point they could go to College in America if that is their desire and/or 3. to develop to the point of being picked up by Euro/Sth America or any of the numerous pro leagues around the world and/or 4. to elect to go semi-pro in the ABA and/or 5. elect to go semi-pro or pro in the NBL and/or 6. go pro in the Big Show in the US or Europe.
Water finds it level and the athletes will filter out to whatever level is commensurate with their ability and desire. But it's gotta start somewhere and a fully functional top line competition for post adolescent youth would provide far better incentive to stay with the game of basketball than exists at present.


Mate honestly you keep talking about this college thing, or some USA type set up for australia. My point simply is that AUSTRALIAN BASKETBALL needs to have a better set up from the kids to the X pros giving back to the game, and the system needs a massive overhaul its not something that i think can be fixed in 6months or a year, but if the collective ideas are there and the focus is to make AUSTRALIAN basketballers and coaches and fuck me the whole system "GREAT" then maybe one day australia could say hey we are one of the best countries in the world for developing players and have an A++++ league to show our players off to the fans of this game too. I LOVE MY GAME AND MY COUNTRY and i want to see AUSTRALIAN PLAYERS going at each other on the hard wood one day and be really really proud of the system like the afl fans are....... HINT HINT why don't the powers that be look at the afl and COPY WHAT THEY ARE DOING, and mate afl players don't need to go to america to get educated they do that hear. WE HAVE TO TAKE ACTION OURSELVES!!!!!

[Mr bEn]

Mate honestly you keep talking about this college thing, or some USA type set up for australia. My point simply is that AUSTRALIAN BASKETBALL needs to have a better set up from the kids to the X pros giving back to the game, and the system needs a massive overhaul its not something that i think can be fixed in 6months or a year, but if the collective ideas are there and the focus is to make AUSTRALIAN basketballers and coaches and fuck me the whole system "GREAT" then maybe one day australia could say hey we are one of the best countries in the world for developing players and have an A++++ league to show our players off to the fans of this game too. I LOVE MY GAME AND MY COUNTRY and i want to see AUSTRALIAN PLAYERS going at each other on the hard wood one day and be really really proud of the system like the afl fans are....... HINT HINT why don't the powers that be look at the afl and COPY WHAT THEY ARE DOING, and mate afl players don't need to go to america to get educated they do that hear. WE HAVE TO TAKE ACTION OURSELVES!!!!!

Ok I can read a lot of huff and puff gibberish (which would go close to the crappiest post I've read this year), but no actual suggestions that add any intellect whatsoever to this point of discussion. Put the glue pot down and come back later hey ....

ps: good luck to all teams competing in the semis this weekend

[Unregistered]

And while we continue to concentrate solely on the top level, Australian Rules Football will continue to destroy our player and supporter base by providing a better product to families.

"Elite" players make up a fraction of a fraction of a percent of basketball players, yet we seem to pour all our efforts, all our money and focus all our attention upon them. Meanwhile, the AFL develops strong, grassroots programs through schools and communities, creates opportunities to just play the game and fosters communities around clubs that value their weakest links in football ability simply because they come along.

As a result, Australian Rules Football completely and utterly dominates our sport in their attraction and retention of -all- players, not just the elite athletes.

Yes, there is an elite competition, but an even cursory glance at the experience in Queensland shows that it's not the elite competition that attracts players. AusKick is the reason we're losing.

We do not need a functional top level competition now. What we need is a functional community that all players can feel a part of and that all players can benefit from - not just those at the top level.

We don't have one. Because we spend far too much time blathering on about what we're doing for the very important "elite" players. Sorry if it hurts our sensibilities, but elite players can take care of themselves. What the @#$ are we doing spending our money developing the one or two when we should be developing the thousands?

We need a basketball version of AusKick that caters to -all- players, not yet another elite competion backed by vapour and that naive notion that somehow elite basketball players just magically appear, ready-,made at age 12 and if they haven't made it by then they never will - we've already tried that thanks very much.

Basketball needs to be in schools and in regular clinics. Top level coaches and referees need to pay attention to the lowest grades and to the least of our players. And if we do that, then those kids will stay and watch the elite games.. and stay and become referees and coaches and administrators and, yes, even some players. And our game will develop at -all- levels.

But we've got it bum about face. We're trying to run before we can walk. We should be taking care of the pence. The pounds will take care of themselves.

Here's a few questions that there should be good answers to but aren't:
1) My child has just started school. Assuming the family has always played tennis (for example) when will he/she first see or hear about basketball in an environment where he or she can participate?
AFL can say that almost every Australian child will see an Auskick display in their first winter at school. Basketball says ???? we hope that some of their friends might play it?

2) My child has heard about basketball (amazingly). Where can he or she go to experience an introductory clinic or two before signing up to a club?
AFL can say that there will be a clinic within 20km of any metropolitan residence every fortnight at least in the winter months and regular clinics all year around. Basketball has nothing of this sort at all.

3) My child has just joined a team and likes the sport (of course they do). Where can he/she go to get extra training appropriate to their level, from an experienced coach? AFL points to their clinics again. Basketball sits there and shrugs - perhaps there might be a clinic coming up.. some time... oh.. and we're just going to pay attention to the elite players...

4) MY child has been playing for a while, but is not at representative level... etc.. see 3.

5) My child like his/her basketball but accepts they they are not an elite athlete. How can they keep involved in other ways? AFL has active recruitment programs for junior referees and their clinics provide an avenue for young coaches to help out. To referee at basketball, you have to go up and ask. AFL = proactive. Basketball = reactive.

Product FAIL. But hey, we're all concentrating on the elite parents' children.

[Unregistered]

And while we continue to concentrate solely on the top level, Australian Rules Football will continue to destroy our player and supporter base by providing a better product to families.

"Elite" players make up a fraction of a fraction of a percent of basketball players, yet we seem to pour all our efforts, all our money and focus all our attention upon them. Meanwhile, the AFL develops strong, grassroots programs through schools and communities, creates opportunities to just play the game and fosters communities around clubs that value their weakest links in football ability simply because they come along.

As a result, Australian Rules Football completely and utterly dominates our sport in their attraction and retention of -all- players, not just the elite athletes.

Yes, there is an elite competition, but an even cursory glance at the experience in Queensland shows that it's not the elite competition that attracts players. AusKick is the reason we're losing.

We do not need a functional top level competition now. What we need is a functional community that all players can feel a part of and that all players can benefit from - not just those at the top level.

We don't have one. Because we spend far too much time blathering on about what we're doing for the very important "elite" players. Sorry if it hurts our sensibilities, but elite players can take care of themselves. What the @#$ are we doing spending our money developing the one or two when we should be developing the thousands?

We need a basketball version of AusKick that caters to -all- players, not yet another elite competion backed by vapour and that naive notion that somehow elite basketball players just magically appear, ready-,made at age 12 and if they haven't made it by then they never will - we've already tried that thanks very much.

Basketball needs to be in schools and in regular clinics. Top level coaches and referees need to pay attention to the lowest grades and to the least of our players. And if we do that, then those kids will stay and watch the elite games.. and stay and become referees and coaches and administrators and, yes, even some players. And our game will develop at -all- levels.

But we've got it bum about face. We're trying to run before we can walk. We should be taking care of the pence. The pounds will take care of themselves.

Here's a few questions that there should be good answers to but aren't:
1) My child has just started school. Assuming the family has always played tennis (for example) when will he/she first see or hear about basketball in an environment where he or she can participate?
AFL can say that almost every Australian child will see an Auskick display in their first winter at school. Basketball says ???? we hope that some of their friends might play it?

2) My child has heard about basketball (amazingly). Where can he or she go to experience an introductory clinic or two before signing up to a club?
AFL can say that there will be a clinic within 20km of any metropolitan residence every fortnight at least in the winter months and regular clinics all year around. Basketball has nothing of this sort at all.

3) My child has just joined a team and likes the sport (of course they do). Where can he/she go to get extra training appropriate to their level, from an experienced coach? AFL points to their clinics again. Basketball sits there and shrugs - perhaps there might be a clinic coming up.. some time... oh.. and we're just going to pay attention to the elite players...

4) MY child has been playing for a while, but is not at representative level... etc.. see 3.

5) My child like his/her basketball but accepts they they are not an elite athlete. How can they keep involved in other ways? AFL has active recruitment programs for junior referees and their clinics provide an avenue for young coaches to help out. To referee at basketball, you have to go up and ask. AFL = proactive. Basketball = reactive.

Product FAIL. But hey, we're all concentrating on the elite parents' children.


WOW...yawn..long winded...

however...noted but im pretty sure this is a D-League discussion....not a grassroots thread...if you wanna make your point about tit ask Ben to make a thread for you..


now to the SENIOR D-LEAGUE games predictions.

SUns vs Mdoore at Caloundra - suns up by 2 on the buzzer. look for their big to play this weekend he was noted miss last week in the middle. Izzy and zeke will be tough to guard but should be a cracky as usual.

RB vs Northside - RB by 3 in OT. - look for reys and richards to have a big game. not sure if NS have the defensive strategies to stop em...should be a great final next week who ever makes it.

my prediction for the final

RB vs Coastal - could go either way. they went 1 and 1 against each other suns were only team to beat RB. they did it in the semi final last season too. cant wait...

[Unregistered]

I've read alot of different view points on what Basketball needs to do to fix itself. most taking ideas from either the AFL or the US system, but overlooking some big holes.

Firstly, when comparing to the US system, you need to remember that Basketball is a Big 3 sport over there. The attention the sport brings to Universities and the $$$ that come with it are not comparable here in Australia. US Colleges put money into athletics because they get money out of athletics. Having been an Assistant Coach in US Colleges I speak with a clear understanding of the Financial System underpinning their programs.

What incentive do Australian Universities have to give free rides to our top Basketballers, where is the money coming back through the door. As Channel 9 and 10 and not banging down the door to show the best players Australia can offer, I do not believe Money from Television rights will be the income stream for watching young players play (If you disagree, please tell me when I missed the u19 World Champs on TV, when they were played right next door in NZ). It also will not be from prestige to the school from having their team do well, because the greater Australian public don't care enough about our sport. It is not up to Universities to care and change this, it's up to our sport. You would be more likely to see a Rugby Leagu/Union or AFL comp take off in Unis before Basketball. There is more public interest/Prestifge already and their under age comps get tv coverage already.

On a more local front AFL and Basketball are also coming from very different places. After attending a Sports Marketing conference with Andre Demitreiu (AFL Chief Exec) we discussed how AFL is funded from the top down. The AFL make large amounts of money from Television Rights, Commercials, Ticket Sales etc... (even though some of their clubs struggle) and they use parts of this money to fund programs like Auskick. One of the key factors in choosing to put that money into Auskick was financial return. Children and their families exposed to AFL through Auskick were more likely to warch the games live or on tv, thus contributing back to the pot of money. The concern was not continuing participation in the sport. Basketball actually has a better participation rate in the older Junior Years and through to Senior competition than AFL, League or Union. Basketball however is a Grassroots funded sport, with most money coming in at the bottom levels, which pays for the top competition to survive. It is still a symbiotic relationship like the AFL, but we need the top level to attract kids to the bottom level. This is actually the case for most sportsin Australia. Hockey, Baseball, Netball, Athletics etc... the money isn't pouring in from elite level competitions to fund the future of the sport, but it's kids seeing our National teams doing well that gets them off the couch to give it a go, the dreams of a young kid to be great.

The options Australian athletes have at the moment as they progress are quite good. They can play D-League, ABA, AIS, Colleges, NBL if they are good enough and like water, players can find their own level. Looking at the best players in the 18 - 22 yr age group from QLD, firstly there is the 5 boys in the Aust u19 team, not playing D-League, then there's Todd Blanchfield, Brendan Teys, Anthony Olah, Isiah Tueta, Aaron Howard and several others all playing quality QBL minutes and putting up good numbers. They are not relient on D-League either. The best kids do not need D-League, but it is extremely important for the late bloomers, the role players, the kids that could go on and play 10+ years in the QBL. Players that may never dominate in the QBL but are needed to bring depth and experience to their collective clubs. It also makes the QBL stronger because our players are being properly prepared for the change in speed, size and phyicality that comes with elite senior sport.

Now looking at how our grassroots $$$ are spent, the state body receives about $70 per player each year, half of which goes to Insurance (shitty but necessary) leaving them about $35 per player to spend on development, admin, contribute to BA, elite teams etc... I do not believe this money is spent as well as it could be, in some cases it seems very poor, but each and every association would make alot more than $35 per player each year. How are we spending the money coming in at association level to develop the sport. Are we offering things to attract people to the sport.

We need to recognise that our High Level Competitions cannot exist without grassroots ball, therefore Players and Coaches need to give back to the development of the sport. So NBL players need to affiliate with clubs and help them when events are run, ABA Players and Coaches should be involved with Club or Rep Junior teams and be seen at club events, as should D-League players and Coaches. But the clubs need to run events for potential players to come to, and not just camps costing hundreds of $$$. Make them free or low cost so people can try before they buy, our sport will sell itself if they get a good taste, involve the higher level players/coaches in these events as drawcards, then we can strengthen the sport from the bottom with help from the top.

Sorry the post was so long and in a D-League Forum but from past posts it seems some people in here have strong feelings on the topic so I wanted to shre mine too.

[Unregistered]

And while we continue to concentrate solely on the top level, Australian Rules Football will continue to destroy our player and supporter base by providing a better product to families.

"Elite" players make up a fraction of a fraction of a percent of basketball players, yet we seem to pour all our efforts, all our money and focus all our attention upon them. Meanwhile, the AFL develops strong, grassroots programs through schools and communities, creates opportunities to just play the game and fosters communities around clubs that value their weakest links in football ability simply because they come along.

As a result, Australian Rules Football completely and utterly dominates our sport in their attraction and retention of -all- players, not just the elite athletes.

Yes, there is an elite competition, but an even cursory glance at the experience in Queensland shows that it's not the elite competition that attracts players. AusKick is the reason we're losing.

We do not need a functional top level competition now. What we need is a functional community that all players can feel a part of and that all players can benefit from - not just those at the top level.

We don't have one. Because we spend far too much time blathering on about what we're doing for the very important "elite" players. Sorry if it hurts our sensibilities, but elite players can take care of themselves. What the @#$ are we doing spending our money developing the one or two when we should be developing the thousands?

We need a basketball version of AusKick that caters to -all- players, not yet another elite competion backed by vapour and that naive notion that somehow elite basketball players just magically appear, ready-,made at age 12 and if they haven't made it by then they never will - we've already tried that thanks very much.

Basketball needs to be in schools and in regular clinics. Top level coaches and referees need to pay attention to the lowest grades and to the least of our players. And if we do that, then those kids will stay and watch the elite games.. and stay and become referees and coaches and administrators and, yes, even some players. And our game will develop at -all- levels.

But we've got it bum about face. We're trying to run before we can walk. We should be taking care of the pence. The pounds will take care of themselves.

Here's a few questions that there should be good answers to but aren't:
1) My child has just started school. Assuming the family has always played tennis (for example) when will he/she first see or hear about basketball in an environment where he or she can participate?
AFL can say that almost every Australian child will see an Auskick display in their first winter at school. Basketball says ???? we hope that some of their friends might play it?

2) My child has heard about basketball (amazingly). Where can he or she go to experience an introductory clinic or two before signing up to a club?
AFL can say that there will be a clinic within 20km of any metropolitan residence every fortnight at least in the winter months and regular clinics all year around. Basketball has nothing of this sort at all.

3) My child has just joined a team and likes the sport (of course they do). Where can he/she go to get extra training appropriate to their level, from an experienced coach? AFL points to their clinics again. Basketball sits there and shrugs - perhaps there might be a clinic coming up.. some time... oh.. and we're just going to pay attention to the elite players...

4) MY child has been playing for a while, but is not at representative level... etc.. see 3.

5) My child like his/her basketball but accepts they they are not an elite athlete. How can they keep involved in other ways? AFL has active recruitment programs for junior referees and their clinics provide an avenue for young coaches to help out. To referee at basketball, you have to go up and ask. AFL = proactive. Basketball = reactive.

Product FAIL. But hey, we're all concentrating on the elite parents' children.

Bed can uou please make a thread so we can discuss the above about development as this development thread doesn't seem the place to talk about it.
How that

[Reality]

Now looking at how our grassroots $$$ are spent, the state body receives about $70 per player each year, half of which goes to Insurance (shitty but necessary) leaving them about $35 per player to spend on development, admin, contribute to BA, elite teams etc... I do not believe this money is spent as well as it could be, in some cases it seems very poor, but each and every association would make alot more than $35 per player each year. How are we spending the money coming in at association level to develop the sport. Are we offering things to attract people to the sport.

The State body insures you for about $6 a person. BA take another $6 per person. They collect approx $48 per person and then another $15 person from Government. That leaves $50 a person with 20,000 members in Queensland. You do the maths.
We need on the floor development not administrators.
We also need to start accepting there are different ways to get to where we all want our sport to be.

[Unregistered]

I've read alot of different view points on what Basketball needs to do to fix itself. most taking ideas from either the AFL or the US system, but overlooking some big holes.

<snip>



Note for continuity: I was he who made the original AusKick post.

I hear what you are saying, and it's heartening to hear that there are some who are cogniscent of the need to concentrate on our grass-roots. I nod my head, very much, in reading what you've written and take your points, where you disagree with mine, on board.

Perhaps one thing we need to look at is a product that can be marketed to television.
Are we working as well as we might to develop our game to allow this? Could we, perhaps, also look at other variations on basketball to get our foot in the door of television, so to speak??

Some ideas:
1) No more 2 free throws after 5 team fouls. Instead have 1 FT and possession??
2) 15 second break after each foul signalled to the bench. Ad break.
3) Enforced 1 min time out at first break after 5 minutes into quarter??

And what about 3-on-3?? Celebrity ball??

A reality show?? lol. Not as ridiculous as it first seems.

All hail the mods for splitting this off btw. Good work that man.

[Old style carnivals]

We need more old style acrnis so people can learn to have fun again.

[Unregistered]

http://www.aflsummerskillsclinic.org/

This would be a great benchmark. Its run out of UQ basketball gym of all places!! Kids from 8 - 17, often mixed in. Aimed purely to develop skills (opposite hand/foot etc). No sponsorship - just a weekly fee.

If anyone from the basketball fraternity interested in setting up a skills session - this place would be well worth a look

[Development Program]

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

The Southern Districts Basketball Association will be offering the following programs for our members starting in October. These programs will be available by application through our website or from forms placed in the canteen after the 23rd September.

Players will be selected from the applications for some programs with the other programs being allotted according to a time and date schedule. Membership of SDBAL will receive priority of service but we encourage athletes from all schools and other Associations to apply.

Under 20
We will not be competing in the BQ under 20 competition but will be doing an elite training program that will have players selected to compete in two different programs (focus on youth) we will be competing in throughout the 2010 year. One team from the two squads will also compete in the proposed SEABL “D” League Challenge in 2010 in Melbourne.
Both teams will compete in competitions that we are currently negotiating. They will be true feeder programs to our SEABL program from 2010.

Shooters program
We will be operating three sessions every Sunday where the best shooting coaching staff we can locate will work with no more then 10 athletes in a session. The session that a person is placed into depending on age and standard. This will be an ongoing program running over 5 week blocks.

BIG Man
Every team needs them and they will be restricted to no more then eight players in any one session. These sessions will most likely be after school and again players will be placed into sessions depending on standard and age.


All three programs will be conducted under strict guidelines that should allow an athlete to develop skills required to play at the highest level should that be their personal desire. Athletes not willing to do additional work away from the training sessions should not consider applying.

Allan Ladewig
General Manager
SDBAL

[Unregistered]

http://www.aflsummerskillsclinic.org/

This would be a great benchmark. Its run out of UQ basketball gym of all places!! Kids from 8 - 17, often mixed in. Aimed purely to develop skills (opposite hand/foot etc). No sponsorship - just a weekly fee.

If anyone from the basketball fraternity interested in setting up a skills session - this place would be well worth a look

The problem we have is finding people to teach more than just basic skills. What our kids are being taught is very basic hence why our NBL is quite boring compared to NBA. We need Coaches from America or Europe to come over here to teach our coaches or our kids what they are learning overseas but we won't do that because we don't see that that as our problem. And the kids that are being taught that in Australia very few are going overseas because that is what they are looking for over there. And they can grow even more over there.

[Unregistered]

The problem we have is finding people to teach more than just basic skills. What our kids are being taught is very basic hence why our NBL is quite boring compared to NBA. We need Coaches from America or Europe to come over here to teach our coaches or our kids what they are learning overseas but we won't do that because we don't see that that as our problem. And the kids that are being taught that in Australia very few are going overseas because that is what they are looking for over there. And they can grow even more over there.

You really sound like you don't have a clue what you're talking about.

The skills being taught in the USA are very similar to the skills taught here in Australia. Fundamentals are Fundamentals, x's and o's are x's and o's, there are no big secrets.

The difference is firstly time spent on skills. High School or College teams train 1.5 to 2 hrs 5+ days a week, compared to a Junior Rep Team that trains twice. Top players then spend an hour or so a day working on their own skills as well. And players also spend an hour or so in the gym every day to build strength.

The second difference is numbers. The sheer numbers of people playing Ball over there are ridiculous compared to Australia. So the top 1000 players in America would be less than 1/2 % of all those playing the sport at a competitive level. In Australia it would be more than 10% of all people playing.

So when High School or College Coaches are working with a team of athletes they have a generally higher calibre of athlete doing more work and has more time with them than any Australian Coach. They are teaching the same skills, just refining them to a finer point.

Our NBL is 'boring' compared to the NBA because of Rule differences and athletic differences. The larger numbers playing mean those that make it to the very elite level are better. There are rules like Defensive 3 seconds to entice drives to the Basket for more exciting plays with the absense of help defence, something American Basketball purists dislike and stick to watching college ball. Many people actually involved with Basketball in the US (coaches in HS or College rather than regular NBA fans) find the NBA quite boring as the players often go through the motions for 3 quarters and really compete in the fourth, due to the different rules and the physical demands of an 82 game season.

Try running the numbers on what the NBA player base comes from too. You have over 900 Div 1 schools (with 12 players each, usually graduating at least 3 -4) plus Div 2 schools, NAIA, Jucos and anyone straight from highschool over 19 because they did a year of prep. Plus the rest of the worlds elite as well. That is why there players are better.

I've worked as an Assistant for some Highly Respected College Coaches, with players who are now in the NBA and the skills and drills we did with them are the same we teach to players here in Australia, just more refined because the players are ready to be taught the finer points, not because the coaches know something Australians don't.

So don't throwstupid comments out there that have no factual basis behind them. When you've been able to learn from being around a Sweet 16 Div 1 program, NBL programs, ABA programs and Junior programs like I have, you then may have some authority to talk, but you'll then also realise your point is off the mark.

We do need to lift the game in Australia, but the biggest flaw is not a lack of knowledge of our coaches (some are poor but some are brilliant) but the amount of time our Coaches get to spend with Athletes, due to facility shortages, Coaches being Part time, athletes involved in multiple sports and prohibitive costs.

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;20133]You really sound like you don't have a clue what you're talking about.

We do need to lift the game in Australia, but the biggest flaw is not a lack of knowledge of our coaches (some are poor but some are brilliant)

After all that, you just what I said (some are poor.)

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;20133]You really sound like you don't have a clue what you're talking about.

We do need to lift the game in Australia, but the biggest flaw is not a lack of knowledge of our coaches (some are poor but some are brilliant)

After all that, you just what I said (some are poor.)

Just to clarify I was talking about junior development coaches Ages 10 to 16 years only I should of put that in.

[Who is running BQ]

We all know Larry is now in charge of BA and doing a great job but can anyone tell me who is running BQ. Rumours are rife that we now only have three elected Board members left. Also appears that a certain staff member is about to jump ship.

[Unregistered]

We all know Larry is now in charge of BA and doing a great job but can anyone tell me who is running BQ. Rumours are rife that we now only have three elected Board members left. Also appears that a certain staff member is about to jump ship.

There was only 4 Board Menebrs to start with, the Financial Director stood down at the last meeting and a replacement was voted in.

Is losing any of the current staff members a big deal. Who there is irreplacable? The regular workers (DO's/Office staff etc..)put in alot of effort, but the management seem to just play politics.

[Really]

There was only 4 Board Menebrs to start with, the Financial Director stood down at the last meeting and a replacement was voted in.

Is losing any of the current staff members a big deal. Who there is irreplacable? The regular workers (DO's/Office staff etc..)put in alot of effort, but the management seem to just play politics.

Please do not tell me that those in charge are not focused on what is best? hahahahahahha

Word is the big fella is Gold Coast bound which makes sense. Not sure how new pres and CEO will hit it off. Maybe times are a changing. hahahahahhahaha

My money is on same old same old....................................

Back to my corner. Just feeling the love at present NOT. hahahahah

[Unregistered]

There was only 4 Board Menebrs to start with, the Financial Director stood down at the last meeting and a replacement was voted in.

Is losing any of the current staff members a big deal. Who there is irreplacable? The regular workers (DO's/Office staff etc..)put in alot of effort, but the management seem to just play politics.

Politics seems to play a major part in sports no matter what code just more outstanding in basketball. On the other hand it would not last in any sucessful company and the bad apples would be tossed in the garbage. I'm not having a go at anyone in particular as I wouldn't know who was who in BQ.

For basketball to grow and develop in QLD, BQ need all the clubs to work together and not have their own individual agendas. This would require a miracle, however not impossible. A new blue print for basketball in QLD needs to be developed & implemented. I might suggest that a business development officer could be used in this role, maybe someone outside of basketball to introduce new idea's.

I have heard of some outlandish rumours of BQ staff having free food from associations canteens? Tell me if I'm wrong. Most awards allow meals if you have to travel more than 50km's away from your usual place of employment or are staying away from home. I don't like seeing money that should be used on developing our game misappropriated.

The refs need to be paid more! It is almost slave labour! I am sure everyone would be more than willing to pay a little more game fees to encourage the better refs to stay and even encourage new refs.

State teams need to be picked on current performance in positions, not the same in same out every year. We might actually be in with a chance. I might go as far as a coaching selection panel with their votes made public but their identity kept secret. If you are not capable of gelling the best players together you should not be coaching at this level.

I believe that a full financial report should be made from BQ to the basketball community. I know that the annual financial report comes through, however it is a smallover view that shows no real information. I once recieved a financial report similar to this from one of my managers,lets just say I no longer recieve financial reports like this anymore.

BQ need to step in and get logan back on track, it would be a shame to see the club fall over and leave a gaping hole. I have heard that they haven't had an AGM in quite a while & you have to register as an associate member to vote & that your nomination has to accepted by the committe. Is that normal? Do other associations make everyone be associate members before they have voting rights? I know that an association has to have an AGM annually so what has happened logan?

Has anyone else got any constructive idea's and thoughts?

Mr Ben! You need to put spell check on here! For the sake of anyone reading this.

From: Nobody from no where.

[Unregistered]

You are in dream land. You need to work with other sports and understand process. All sports are polictical to a point. To say there are some BQ staff getting free food. What a hot dog! Gee whizz hope they don't get a coke aswell. To make public selectors decisions on personal picks. Why? Is there someone you would like to see in a team? By the way to say refs require more money then how many kids can afford to play. At the moment it is costing our family $50 per week for rep and club. Approx $2000 per year and thats not uniforms, rep trips and school selection. Maybe you need to have something to do with Queensland Netball then you will know what political sports are really about.

[darkjedi]

Mr Ben! You need to put spell check on here! For the sake of anyone reading this.


Or just use Firefox's spellcheck with the Australian Dictionary installed.

[Well said]

Politics seems to play a major part in sports no matter what code just more outstanding in basketball. On the other hand it would not last in any sucessful company and the bad apples would be tossed in the garbage. I'm not having a go at anyone in particular as I wouldn't know who was who in BQ.

For basketball to grow and develop in QLD, BQ need all the clubs to work together and not have their own individual agendas. This would require a miracle, however not impossible. A new blue print for basketball in QLD needs to be developed & implemented. I might suggest that a business development officer could be used in this role, maybe someone outside of basketball to introduce new idea's.

I have heard of some outlandish rumours of BQ staff having free food from associations canteens? Tell me if I'm wrong. Most awards allow meals if you have to travel more than 50km's away from your usual place of employment or are staying away from home. I don't like seeing money that should be used on developing our game misappropriated.

The refs need to be paid more! It is almost slave labour! I am sure everyone would be more than willing to pay a little more game fees to encourage the better refs to stay and even encourage new refs.

State teams need to be picked on current performance in positions, not the same in same out every year. We might actually be in with a chance. I might go as far as a coaching selection panel with their votes made public but their identity kept secret. If you are not capable of gelling the best players together you should not be coaching at this level.

I believe that a full financial report should be made from BQ to the basketball community. I know that the annual financial report comes through, however it is a smallover view that shows no real information. I once recieved a financial report similar to this from one of my managers,lets just say I no longer recieve financial reports like this anymore.

BQ need to step in and get logan back on track, it would be a shame to see the club fall over and leave a gaping hole. I have heard that they haven't had an AGM in quite a while & you have to register as an associate member to vote & that your nomination has to accepted by the committe. Is that normal? Do other associations make everyone be associate members before they have voting rights? I know that an association has to have an AGM annually so what has happened logan?

Has anyone else got any constructive idea's and thoughts?

Mr Ben! You need to put spell check on here! For the sake of anyone reading this.

From: Nobody from no where.

Most points you raise are very relevant. You will always have the negative people bagging you but in the main what you are saying is right.
We need new leaders and we need them yesterday.
The issue of free food is relevant as is shows "noses in troughs" mentality so the next writer is wrong.
Yes all sports have politics but the trouble is today those in power are still trying to avenge a perception from the past.
Each one of us needs to ask ourselves. What has changed in my club in last 12 months that will make it better in the next 12 months. If the answer is nothing then time to change those in control at your club. We are failing as a sport for our future and we very successful at failure. We pat ourselves on the back for success at AIS level but forget the very process that got us there is now gone. We changed it to make those not willing to change happy. Actually I believe we changed things so some could get elected. In all process of getting elected to often we choose to elect those that do nothing so we do not have to change.
Guys we all need to accept change or in time we will become the change.

[New Chair]

BQ has a new chair with Neil Fitz being replaced by old BA CEO Scott Derwin.

[King of Hearts]

BQ has a new chair with Neil Fitz being replaced by old BA CEO Scott Derwin.

Word out is that senior BQ staff members Chris Riches and Steve Brook have tendered their resignations. Riches has been trying for quite sometime to leave, I know Chris has secured a job at JPC. Not sure where Steve is headed, but good luck to both gentlemen.

Things are looking up at BQ, one more big fish to join Fitzpatrick in exille and Basketball might be heading in the right direction once more in this state. Fingers crossed!!!!!