MRT
Years ago
Would like to know what age were great basketballers recognised from. Players like Bogut, Mills, Penny Taylor or a Kristi Harrower. Doesn't have to be these players but other players as well. If anyone has any specific info please share. Thanks in advance.
Bear
Years ago
Recognition can be subjective and opportunity for some is not as equal as it is for others, however I believe true recognition of the potential of a junior basketballer usually begins in the under 14 top age to under 16 age groups.
Generally speaking of course...
very old
Years ago
Bradke "identified" at a late ( 18+ ?) and pulled out of Norlunga's U20 bench by Adrian Hurley
very old
Years ago
Trish Fallon had no junior career to speak off, came across from Tennis.
Bear
Years ago
@TISM, being recognised and being famous are not even in the same hemisphere, nice try but not very funny really...
You can be recognised but you still need coaches behind you
the prophet
Years ago
I was walking down the street and recognized a few blokes from basketball
Dazz
Years ago
I have no specific knowledge of the players you mentioned, but I'd suspect it could be quite variable, and that ultimately their exceptional ability may only be recognised quite late. IN that I'm sure they appear "talented" early on, but it takes a while for the cream to rise to the top.
I can give you a reverse example, of a family we know. All the boys were tall and played ball, but one was exceptionally tall from an early age. Naturally he dominated junior age-based competitions and was selected for various rep teams. He was over 7ft by the time he was 15, and had to have his shoes imported from the USA. He got some form of scholarship to play college ball, but ultimately, confronted with quality players of a similar size, he just wasn't that good.
Baynes wasn't recognised till he was 16 as he didn't start playing ball until then.
If you are a small, hustle player you will be "recognized" around 12, be given many opportunities, and go on to make a great career in a local competition.
MELHOOPS
Years ago
I agree with Bear - as the current pathway is set up, generally the U14 top age is the first opportunity to stand out from the crowd with Classic and Nationals being the best indicators....i.e. many of the best players at U14 Nationals go on to make state teams and get themselves into NITP type programs thus giving them every chance to further improve.
However, many do not get the opportunity to play in these high caliber tournaments so are not fully recognized until U16 camps and state level competition. Additionally a few exceptions are late bloomers or new to the sport at U18 level.
Some examples....
Andrew Bogut - U18s was when he was really bought into the spot light
Patty Mills - As a bottom age U16 player he took ACT from the depths of depression to the heights of success (almost)
Matt Dellevedova - U14 super talent
Liz Cambage - Was clearly unique at U14s, and U16s but U18s and even afterwards she became what we see today
Alice Kunek - U14 star
Bec Cole - Was identified early but really came on in U16s
My personal opinions only....
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