12 get taken to cover for injuries. They really only need 10. Which one of these or any kids, if asked, wouldn't have gone if they were told they might not get any/many minutes? I'm sure all the kids & parents know that court time at this level is not guaranteed.
IMHO I don't think it is fair that Gak hasn't got on the court or Akintola, White, Hodgson haven't had much court time and McMullen even less. Akintola in particualr has done an exceptional job with the limited minutes he's received. There's a very strong argument that he's be more effective than Noi considering his minutes played. For a coach that is a dream to have a bench player come on and contribute like he has. I also don't think the coaches instill a lot of confidence in these kids. Unfortunately, it is the same at Nationals, some kids obviously have the green light from the coaches and for a player, that is a massive benefit as they know they are not getting dragged for the first or second and sometimes third or fourth mistake. The rest play scared, 2nd guessing themselves, fearful of making a mistake and getting benched. It really is counter intuitive and a downward spiral.
However, that is what it is, always has & always will. Coaches have their favorites in any sport, for whatever reasons, doesn't mean the others are incapable or lesser players, just an opinion.
I understand it is extremely disappointing for the players and parents concerned. However, when it is all said and done this tournament is about finishing as high as possible for a number of reasons (funding, seeding in two year's time, etc) and the coaches are charged with that responsibility.
Also, in their young basketball careers they're all just starting out. There's plenty of time for them to grow and develop. Gak, may end up playing in the NBA and none of the others do, who knows, it is too early to tell. I know that doesn't sound like much consolation.
As well as that it is a team sport and you have to play the role that the coaches want from you. Look at Patty Mills with his towel waving antics from the bench. Couldn't have played his role any better and now he's reaping the rewards with a multi-million dollar contract.
For those that doubt this have a look at the court time for the last two Aus U17 teams at worlds. 2010 in Hamburg & 2012 in Lithuania. There was 3 or 4 'favourites' for want of better description in both of these teams and then the rest. This team is not any different. Watkins & Co have their 3 or 4 favourites. They're going with the kids who they feel can get the job done, and so far it has been OK, with the obvious exception of the Canada game.
So I don't see much is going to change now, unless they try to mix things up to play mind games with opposition coaches scouting and match-ups will always be important. These kids have had Camps, Nationals, Camps, trips to China, the pre-tournament in France. I think the coaches would know the strengths and weakness of these kids by now.
I might add that on the international stage, some of these kids are playing out of position, they're small by international standards. ie Noi (6'6") & Akintola (6'5") are being asked to play the 4 spot when they are really 3's at best.
