Do you think it's a good idea?

Who do you think should be in the 16? (Assuming players like Jacob, Darren Ng & Oscar won't be included)

Great, great idea!

Would be great to see the 6foot 7+ 18-23 yr olds get a shot. The guys that warm the benches of many an ABL team or dont even make it and are playing 2s or 3s. The ones that miss out on playing 1s / SASI in juniors because they grew late or just started late but have the potential to be descent ABL players but get passed over by players that have always been playing at a higher level. There are plenty of players out there that would fit this bill from Div 3 to Div 1.

Only problem is club politics getting in the way or perceived to be getting in the way of selections.

Ideally they would setup a selection panel of people that are virtually independent of individual district clubs.

Great idea!

NSW do a similar this over summer. They partly use it to run their U/20 State team but 16 guys from a close area would help. Perhaps Dean Kinsman could be involved as well as the State U/20 coach.

The only problem I see is that a lot of these guys usually play div 1 men for their clubs over sumer and for some clubs it could realy deplete their summer comp teams. I only hope that clubs don't knock it on the head for that reason.

Also it would mean evening trainings which would need to be tailored around the players schedule. Again clubs could get in the way.

Hope that BASA see it as an important step forward and assist it both with support and financially.

incognito,

If a player is playing Div3 and not ABA, do you think they would be concsidered? I'd say a Div3 player would be hard pressed to get a spot ahead of Ingles, Gerlach, Campbell, etc. Unless of course they were 6'10" or 6'11" and needed some serious individual training.

I'd say they're more likely to go with players who are already playing ABA, or sitting on the ABA bench, and are considered players who have NBL potential. Makes more sense, as too many questions would be raised if they selected a Div3 player (e.g., if that player is good enough to be selected, then why aren't they playing ABA?)

Deak,

I suppose it comes down to how old and how good they are.

I think the U/18 level would be a good starting point...to be revisited at U/20 level.

SASI would still feature in my equations...even if the cut off was 17?

Yes, definitely a great idea. It will come down to corporate backing to allow it all to run. From my dealings with those involved, it deserves to be a success both for their personal efforts and for the futures of players with potential.

I guess a case could me made for a Marcus Hakendorf type? Last season, he played div 3s for Sturt (he's now getting minutes and contributing somewhat solidly to their ABL side) yet I'd have always rated him ahead of a Gower, Will Foster etc etc.

I guess there are just some awkward cases out there as to why a player may not be playing ABL (Jarrod Younie is playing 3s at the moment, although I'm sure he'll find a team next season).

Two reasons why they could be picked. Height and natural athleticsm. Maybe they cant play ABL yet because they started late.

This is a development program. ABL programs are about development but moreso winning.

Maybe they arent playing ABL their clubs just cannot find room or have better established players ahead of them or have the time to develop these players. Some players that do well in ABL will never make an NBL side but maybe the selectors would see something in a 6foot7 to 6foot8 kid that started playing at 17 and give them a shot.

It would just be great to see these tall players that never get a chance get a shot in an elite type program.

THis program appears to be about development not winning. Basketball is physically descrimninating sport and developmental programs like this often pick the bigger, less talented kid over the shorter kid with greater talent.

If Scott gets a job then it is a win win for SA basketball

What about Rupert. Now hes coming back to town would he want to get involved?

It's a development program for the Sixers. For players who are good juniors, young ABL players trying to build the skills to make it at the NBL level.

Incognito for the development you're talking about you should talk to your club. That kind of thing should be done by all clubs in house.

It's a great idea, along the same lines as Jan set up about 5 years ago with the Lightning and hopefully can help develop some good solid NBLers in the future.

I'm sure there'll b some teething problems in it's initial stages but hopefully they'll endevour to uncover the potential talents hidden in the Div2s and Div3s, as well as those in U20s and U18s.

It reads like it will be looking at players after they complete SASI, so I don't interpret players having to chose between the two or try to do both.

small rumour that sapper will player coach the flames

Its a great idea we should call the group the Adelaide Buffalo's.

Hope they get the funding.

Give us 12 players that are capable to make this Academy.

Between 18-23yrs of age and playing in the Central ABL...reckon there's at least 15-20 that have the potential. Not to mention the 17yr old juniors who next year will be out of SASI and qualify for the sqaud.

My Players for a development squad:

Madgen Mavs
B Kies North
Mapunda North
Bungey Mavs
Benson Sturt
Lampshire Norwood
J Kies North
Erik Burdon North
Zorich North
Shepherd Sturt
Webber Norwood
Ingals (sorry about spelling) Southern
Both Ng's Woodville

These players seem to be the more able players in 20s and 80s right now.
Obviously, a few Rockets, but hey, the current U20 Div 1 Team have an amazing history.
Norwood, Eastern and Woodville have great talent also.
Hope this goes ahead, hope Scotty Ninnis does a good job.

Potentials:

Zorich, Burdon, Kies, Hambour from North
Bungey from Eastern
Sutton, Sullivan, Campbell, Hoban from Forestville
Ng, Graves, Parker, Fuller from Woodville
Benson, Sheppard from Sturt
Ingles, Gerlach, Clarke, Hoban from Southern
Blight, MacKenzie, Smith from South
Harrison, Atkins, Claussen from Centrals
Slowinski, Evans, Craddock from West
Webber, Thompson (if healthy) from Norwood

I think a large chunk of the 16 players will come from that list

informer

Good list Informer and some real talent in that group

If Sa is io start up a ball academy,do it right.It is a great idea, but make it a 3 year plan to build for the future. there is some serious talent in juniors at the moment who are yet to play some aba ball. This squad should come from the 18s and 20s. drill em and by the ages of 20-21 they will be quality nbl potential players and not just scrimmage meat.

5
jordon Dodman Sturt
Brad Bungey Eastern
4
chris Molitor West
hoban Fville
3
Bronson Kies North
Chris Clausen Centrals
2
joe Ingles Southern
Eric Burdon North
Brad Hill eastern AIS
Rory Craddock West
1`
Ryan Kersten North AIS
Jordan Kies North SA country

No disrespect to the quality young players (21-25 yr olds) currently playing aba but the next generation is knocking on your heels.

Geez, you guys are going all the young guns, what about the quality in the ABL between 20-23 like Campbell, Gerlach, Thompson, Graves?

The young uns time will come.

Libertine,

Check my list and I think you'll find the names you are looking for.

I think the quality ABA guys will get a look in before any U18 or U20 who isn't playing ABA.

informer

Great job informer/baby 6ers academy.

Kersten and Clausen are welcome additions to the squad.

Love your list Informer. Wonder how many guys currently playing ABL have never made a State team, nor have ever been offered a spot at SASI despite playing at Div 1 or 2 their whole playing careers from Under 10s to seniors? These are the guys who may have the untapped talent, yet because of politics, perceived lack of ability due to height,whatever, never were quite 'there' It would be great to see them picked for this academy, now that they have proved they have what it takes, along with some up and coming players, who as Baby 6ers academy says are " knocking (think you may mean barking) at their heels"
I'd like to see that!

one name that would have to be on that list, would be Bronsan Kies. I saw the game, 23 points and a half court dunk that was super impressive. I think this kid might have some game.

Sutton, Campbell from the Eags. 20 & 21 respectively. Proven at ABA playing against best here in SA. Guys like this and of the same ilk should be shoe-ins! They can/will only get better given opportunity. Best part is they just play, and don't carry on like pork chops on the floor. I think personality and attitude will be a major component of this team, and rightly so. No head-cases!!!

WELL judging form the reactions, I guess when some players don't get picked who people think should these people will cry POLITICS or some other uninformed reason!

Anybody in the know have any idea where they are trying to get the funding for this?

sorry to inform but kies had his tryout with sixers last year with no results.

I think the 16 will be:
1. Bungey (Eastern)
2. Burden (North)
3. Zorich (North)
4. Gerlach (Sothern)
5. Ingles (Sothern)
6. M NG (Woodville)
7. Graves (Woodville)
8. Benson (Sturt)
9. Shephard (Sturt)
10. Hoban (Forrestville)
11. Gange (Forrestville)
12. Mackenzie (South)
13. Webber (Norwood)
14. Clausen (Centrals)
15. Sutton (Forrestville)
16. Dodman (Sturt)

The reason for this is that these guys all play well in the age groups. They are young these guys i see have potential to play NBL etc... The Bronsen Kies and Mapunda and also the westies boys, they just simply wouldn't play NBL. Bronsen can't play point if his life depended on it, Mapunda can't play D in the post and is not physical enough to play NBL. There is no potential at west.

Hansel Campbell is the same age-group as Graves is there a reason you have not picked him.

hansel how often have you seen Kies play point guard. NEVER. Thats because he's too busy outrebounding everyone and DUNKING on peoples heads ie SAT NITE . Not a true point guard in your squad. Too many of your guards would be DESTROYED in the post at NBL level. They wouldnt get an open shot as they are too small.
The best point guard this state has produced is at the AIS and already been approached by div 1 usa colleges for next year.

Todd Matthews has already finished college and is clearly the best point guard of recent times

I disagree. Ryan Kersten (while probably 'just' a good ABL player, as opposed to true NBL talent) is better than Todd Matthews.

strongly disagree. Matthews can do everything Kersten can. Plus is the best on ball defender i have seen and his ball skills are second to none - try and press him. kersten is a good player no doubt however not yet at Matthews level.

Last time I saw Todd Matthews play was when he was here over Summer, I think Ryan is/will be better. guess we can agree to disagree :-).

Regardless, Joe Ingles and possibly Brad Hill are probably our best shots at producing NBL level players from the 86/87 group.

I think the rest of the players mentioned are all good ABL players and could maybe squeeze into a 10th man role of an NBL side.

Brenton Campbell would be in my list of 16. Matt Gange is an interesting selection. I like him, he was Vic Country captain in U18s (2003, Newcastle) when they got suck by a Leif Burdon 3. I think he's better than the Dan Wilsons etc. Not sure he'll be NBL level, but solid ABL maybe.

my 16 would be....
in no order...
campbell (f)
dodman (st)
bungey (e)
ingles (sn)
gerlach (sn)
burdon (nh)
sutton (f)
clausen (c)
sullivan (f)
hoban (f)
ng (w)
kies (nh)

AIS
kersten (nh)
hill (e)

outsiders.....
graves, shephard, clarke
hoban, zorich.... and any 6 foot 8 guys under 22 out there

Gerlach wouldnt be in mine he is pretty useless just got height i watched him play against mavs and their big man was alot better

Josh Wood is at the AIS too...why is Clausens in there people? He was third or fourth off the bench at U18 nationals.

what kies is that jordan or bronsan?

There is one thing i disagree with is with that team charmaine picked. Be serious do you really think campell, burden, kies, clausens and ng will play nbl???? no way. kies will never be an inside player in the nbl, rebounding and dunking yeah good but he cannot make a move briniging the ball up, hia lateral movement is terrible and he cannot defend. and the rest are to thin and are definately not physical enough for nbl level. thats where shepard, graves, benson and even Mark paget(plays sturt u/20's, 6'7/8 can throw it down and shoot also athletic. he is also playing div 2)

Jordan Dodman rules!