11-16 November means camp probably coming up soon, September-October.
09/10 Athletes.

Boys and girls at the same time.

I see New Zealand has named their 12. Very organised over the ditch!

Thanks Weedy. Do you have a list in mind for the girls squad?

NZ, indeed very organised.
BA, still shite...



U15 NZ Boys squad
Tawhiri Cate, Canterbury Basketball
Fletcher Cooper, Kapiti Basketball
Jackson Couper, Waitakere West Basketball
Noah Duncan, Harbour Basketball
Brigham Hakaraia, Waitakere West Basketball
Malakhai Joyner, Harbour Basketball
Daley Pohio, Harbour Basketball
Lawson Pryor, Basketball Auckland
Tarquinius Schwalger, Waitakere West Basketball
Marco Sula, Canterbury Basketball
Roma Tuimaunei, Canterbury Basketball
Lincoln Wilson, Harbour Basketball

Reserves
JC Goodman, Basketball Auckland
Kolo ki Lakepa Liku, Basketball Auckland
Darius Latu, Wellington Basketball
Cullen Parai, Basketball Waikato
Taye Thomson, Basketball Auckland


U15 NZ Girls squad
Emilia Ainley, Nelson Basketball
Shaman Broughton, Tauranga City Basketball
Shamar Broughton, Tauranga City Basketball
Makenzie Disher, Canterbury Basketball
Ava Jones, Canterbury Basketball
Areta Kahura, Tauranga City Basketball
Sienna Maurice, Harbour Basketball
Riley McClenaghan, Tauranga City Basketball
Imani Rasmussen, Harbour Basketball
Maniah Taefu, Canterbury Basketball
Nahala Toeleiu, Wellington Basketball
Kilani-Mae Tuineau, Counties-Manukau Basketball

Reserves
Rosie Gaffaney, Basketball Otago
Sienna Letoa-Tuala, Porirua Basketball Association
Olive Maling, Harbour Basketball
Madison Skelton, Harbour Basketball


Some good players, these days you can see 2-3 future tall blacks/ferns in every age group.

'Charis Broughton, Tauranga City Basketball
Shamar Broughton, Tauranga City Basketball'

IamBear,

Copied from the U16 thread...

PG Neate(09) tas-Robinson(09) wa m-Elliot(09) sa m-Sherrington(09) qld s/-Catip(09) qld n(09)-Baensch(09) vic c, 1-2 of
CG Hocking(09) sa c
SG Olechnowicz(09) qld s
SG Smith(09) qld n
G/F Moke(09) qld s-G/F Daly(10) sa m-SG Bonham(10) nsw c-G/F Tako(09) nsw m, 1-2 of
CF Ryan(09) aus/vic m
PF/C Richardson(09) vic m-CF Barbakas(09) vic m-C/PF Ilic(09) qld s-PF/C Trout(09) vic m-C/PF Mapp(09) qld n, 2 of
C Johnson(09) qld s
C Clague(10) nsw m


Others might not agree.
Not sure if Fakalata will be available?
Quite a few injured that won't be.

Thanks Weedy, always on the job. :)

NP

Who are you hearing thats injured Weedy? Has Trout recovered from her shoulder?

Thinking of long term injuries, like ljubicic.
Trout is not fully recovered.

Fakalata has served her suspension and I hear she's expected to make her return to the game this Friday.
If she comes back strong and is invited to try out for the team, she'd be hard to overlook

Have they announced coaches?

Clark- heard nothing on the boys but a rumour of Jacqui O'Neill for the girls. I’m sure Weedy will know !

The 12 must have a pass first pg and a genuine outside threat to complement the locks.

2 pass first pgs Elliot and Sherrington.
2 best outside shooters Moke and Daly.

Probably only room for 1 of each.

Any of those 4 would do well.

@cantshoot3's heard that rumour too plus Nathan Cooper-Brown (Vic Country HP) for the boys.

@baseline - There you go, thank you. Jaqqui was extremely pregnant last time i saw her so i wasnt sure if she would be doing it.
Good news for Nathan also

What about the guy from Queensland South Pat McInnery - he works in the HP for BQ and did an awesome job with his squad.

You could be right TeamnWo. Again another great option. As i mentioned mine was a rumour. Im sure BA cant be far off announcing the coaches and squads !!!

Does NCB deserve a shot after leading the team to 15th of 16 at the U17 WC?

You would have to consider that U17 WC a learning experience. I'm sure NCB is more equipped than most to prevent a repeat now.

Plenty of exp before playing in a WC.
Most coaches get 2 cycles but that's the worst finish we have ever had.
Came so close to beating the silver medalists but from then on, threw in the towel.
Hopefully a better outcome at the of this cycle.

NCB not appointed for Oceania's. Does not mean he won’t be appointed for Asia and World’s in this cycle though.

Jacqui and Pat also weren't appointed for the girls. The HC is from interstate.

Sec and Jayhoops thanks for the intel. V interesting... any idea who the coaches are then for boys and girls?

If it's not garlepp, it’s usually the assistant. Martin maybe...
Boys possibly Arnott.

Weedy - Boys side correct...

So is Graham the girls coach?

Nope. You were warm, but also not at the same time.

Hill?

Hahaha come on @jayhoops put us out of our misery!

Hmmm - R.Garlepp?

Thanks Sec, Jayhoops and Weedy.... Arnott seems like a great choice for the boys.... now just to know who the girls coach will be : )
Surely they will send out invites to trial soon? How many people do you think they'll invite to trial?

Hopefully more than previous years but probably 17-18.
Maybe they already know the 12... would be stupid though when it's held here - 2.5 months out.

IMO, these days should be 4 camps minimum 24(1) to 18(2) to 15(3)(the 3 reserves) to 12(4)

strange that NZ actually selected NZ players, makes for a change.

Thanks Weedy!

Toeleiu could have played for 3 nations.

would she have been picked by the third country? smart move to go nz as they generally play all the same comps as us. there must be a few others who might tak eup other options if they dont get the nod from BA this time.

Good question. How does that work. Say Toeleiu has already been selected for NZ and named.
If AUS select her now does she make the choice or the fact NZ has already named her she's made that choice ???
I don’t blame the kid for picking NZ as she could wait forever for BA to announce the AUS squad and then get overlooked and then miss both options!

they would not list players without knowing which country they wanted to represent.

Yes, 3 I know of have duel citizenship. Nothing new. Previous sapphires squad also had a few.

Thanks Weedy.
Surely BA can't be far off naming the coaches and both boys/girls squads?

This is BA you're talking about - I admire (but question) your optimism

They could announce the coaches, but athletes invited depend on the camp details - which hasn't been finalized. Obviously they ordinarily announce all that at once, but there's a fair bit in flux right now.

Will they announce just 10-11 players again to save some cash?

I'm guessing because it’s in Aus they will choose 12.

Weedy, normally for Oceania's the roster selected is 10 athletes. Moves to 12 athletes for Asia and World’s.

Nz bring 10?

I wonder if the just announced Basketball Without Borders camp in Perth September 19-22 has caused an issue with the scheduling of the Oceania selection camp...?

https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/other/perth-to-host-basketball-without-borders-asia-camp-in-conjunction-with-nbls-hoopsfest/ar-AA1p5DVx?ocid=BingNewsVerp

Possibly DeepWombat but thats an age group above isnt it? , unless there are players that could be considered for both.

It says 17 and under, so would be U18s, mostly if not all, yes.

Seems to conflict directly with the U18 Club Champs though.

Scheduling tsunami.

Also conflicts with the VC grand finals

Weedy - for several Oceania's now at U15 & U17 level Aus have elected to only send 10 athletes. Other countries can send up to 12.

Oh dear! So they clearly won't get the best 30!

Maybe. Will be just Global Academy and COE kids I guess. That might be enough to fill a camp of 30

Any updates here ? Coaches / squads ?

Good job the Oceania teams are weak. No preparation time but they'll still win gold.

Any 4 players plus olechnowicz will do it. Doesn’t matter who coach is I could coach at Oceania and win gold.

Camp is 1-3 October.

Thanks sec! Will it be in Canberra? Are these camps always in Canberra?

Seems tokenistic. Late and short. Might just be the team and a few ressies rather than a camp for selection.

Interesting list.

That's a massive tease.

@Massive - do you have a list of athletes that have been invited to attend the selection camp?

I'm hearing through the grapevine only 1 bottom ager. Not sure how accurate this is as it’s third/fourth hand.

1 bottom aged confirmed.

Bottom age im aware of :Clague - NSW M , L Gribben - SAM

Daly

Bonham

Clague

No Bonham or Daly I'm told

Daly wasn't in the original 25 listed. Bonham was but cut when the list went to 20.

Again third/fourth hand information. Not sure how reliable.

Daly was in 25.

I thought she would have been. That's why I wasn’t sure how reliable my info was.

Bonham shouldn't be cut.

Imo she should have. Might make the team going forward but not atm.

https://www.australia.basketball/news/4099412/next-wave-invited-for-fiba-u15-oceania-cup-selection

Tavete still in, must really rate her as she has already played for Samoa.

From who's left, I’d assume

2 of Robinson, Elliot, Catip, Sherrington
Hocking
Olechnowicz
Smith
Moke
Tavete
Ryan
Richardson
Ilic
Johnson
Clague

Incorrect, Pinch.

Barbakas in the 25? Coming from reserves vic to be one of the better players didn't help her chances. (Footy also a priority.)

Yeah my mail was a bit off. That's why I don’t like posting too much as I don’t trust info I get. Bit too far removed from it all. Maybe I need to get closer with BV

all correct weedy

this is why we are not a top nation anymore. we do talent id badly. focus on short term. id be interested to see birth dates for wholecamp.

Watene in on the boys side, very much needed.

Eden Catip QLD 09
Sasha Clague NSW 10
Alek Deng Deng SA 09
Annaliese Elliot SA 09
Lara Gribben SA 10
Daisy Hocking SA 09
Jovana Ilic QLD 09
Violet Johnson QLD 09
Elise Napier VIC 09
Lily Mapp QLD 09
Mya Moke QLD 09
Olivia Olechnowicz QLD 09
Sophie Richardson VIC 09
Keira Robinson WA 09
Madison Ryan VIC 09
Jade Sherrington QLD 09
Isabel Smith QLD 09
Willow Smith VIC 09
Angela Tako NSW 09
Vanessa Tavete VIC 09

And I come back to my earlier point. Interesting.

You thought more 2010s would be taken? Make the top 20?

Good that we have a bit of height to develop. Been lacking true centres the past few years.
Ilic, Johnson, Clague, Deng. 4x 6'4 or taller.

Personally I don't mind the squad and there are always surprises.

Daly, Neate, Bonham are all very unlucky IMO-Always hard luck stories when it comes to this.

I would’ve selected Barbakas but I don’t know the full story behind why she was originally a reserve for Vic M.

Does anyone know if Trouts shoulder injury was the reason she was overlooked?

Not bothered about 09/10. People make more of that than is needed. There are some 10s who are top 20 and there some 09s who are top and should be in over those selected. Lucky/unlucky as cantshoot3s stated. Doesn't look like top 20 was picked. Looks like best by position and that plays out different.

Best by position is the only way to select a team right?

Definitely a bias to height, as there should be for national teams.

Will be interesting to see if any bottom agers get picked, and think they may pick 1-2 in both boys and girls to assist with the continuity for future teams.

Yes you're right to a degree I’d agree with that. But it’s best not to be rigid. Some stronger positions than other as to be expected. Height prioritised in some positions but not all. This in part is why I found it so interesting because the logic is not obvious. Some random choices without much evidence to back them IMO. I raised Bonham before she has a pedigree consistently performs at the level but some others have not delivered comparably on the same stage even as older players. Might understand more when coaches confirmed.

My understanding the coaches are Renae Garlepp
Jenna Ohea
Jacqui O'Neil
Jenny longergan

How would you expect the bigs(boys or girls) to be used? As true offensive weapons down low, pick and roll or more off ball screens and around the dunker position?
Defensively will it be rim protection against much shorter teams or will/should they go more man to man?

Were there any bottom age boys invited? If so, does anybody know from the list who is 09 and 10?

3 boys bottom agers, Pilot Holmes, Dynan and Dooley

Oceania selection camp starts today

A fantastic opportunity for those selected, not just for nt selection but CoE too for next years intake.

Looks like a few changes have been made going off recent pics.

Any truth Ilic has now defected to Serbia?

Lots of players unfortunately getting offered way earlier than u15s.
Remember ivanovic went to Serbia and hasn't played since.

@Cantshoot3s where did you hear about Ilic?

Nice to see Manyok added to the list, 1 more big option for the future.

I think the rumour is doing the rounds because IIic isnt at the camp and they have added Manyok

They also seem to be short a couple of players, not sure who...

Seems there was a late add for the boys too... Marley Wilczek... a centre I think

@massive it seems strange there are no 08's on the roster yet. Do you think they will offer places for 08's and some 09's next year or just 08's?

Not sure many 09s will join in the next 6 months, probably not until late next year.

08s probably Nousis after playing well for Coe, Smith- Alannas sister/Bobongie- Monique's sister may get preference. Bond + Gardiner + Juffermans the best of a weaker 08 group.

Will be very interesting to see who gets s spot. Thanks for your thoughts @weedy.

Weedy you think 08 is weak and 09 is stronger so they'll wait? Assume they’ll throw in any talks at either.

Don’t know much about the new additions to camps. Were there any unlucky bigs from the AJC that could have got a call if ilic declined?

They won't wait, they have 8 left and months before nbl1 starts back up again.
I think likely 2-3 will be added from 08, possibly 1-2 09 starting next school year.
5 more are set to leave next year which means up to 5 more 09s will be added 25/26.


From AJC, they pretty much selected all the legit 5s, other teams had to play undersized bigs but none were selected or were n.t level, atleast not yet.
Clague, Johnson, Deng, Ilic we’re all 6’3-6’5, Manyok the newcomer is aswell. Mapp the next biggest at 6’2. From then on 6’1 or less but not really true post players.

Thanks Weedy. Do you have any view on the boys? And is it a strict one in one out rule ie for example if there are only 3 x 06 boys currently on the COE roster, will there only be 3 places made available next year as the 07's will stay on to finish school?

Offers for 08's have already been made and accepted.

Anyone decline again?

Is it from the 16th birthday or school year that they get offered?

@jayhoops ah right. thanks for the intel. do you know how many places were offered to boys/girls?

There were at least three spots open for the start of next year with Bobongie, Deas and Bird leaving.

I know BA were advocating for more female scholarships, but I doubt that's eventuated already.

Gone
Deas - Sydney Flames amateur - Signed Arkansas
Bobongie - Canberra Capitals contract
Bird - Bendigo Spirit amateur - Signed Wake Forest
Portlock - Southside Flyers amateur - Signed TCU

Remain
Lehmann 07 - class of 25/26
Harvey 06 - class of 25
Dakic 07 - class of 25
Taylor 07 - class of 25/26
Russell 07 - class of 25/26
Crook 07 - class of 25
Williams 06 - Signed Vanderbilt 25
Fagan 08 - class of 26


4 open spots now/early 25
3-6 open spots late 25/early 26

Does moving in early 06 open that to 10? feels like 08s getting overlooked.

Weedy can you explain how some people can be class of 25/26 yet some same birth year only class 25 ie Dakic vs Taylor?

If current roster for boys at CoE is:
Roor Akhur 30/4/07
Jacob Furphy 05/08/06
Che Brogan 18/07/06
Alex Dickeson 13/11/07
Ajak Nyoun 13/05/07
Marcus Vaughns 28/11/07
James Dyson Merwe 12/03/07
Emmett Adair 25/01/2006
Indy Cotton 08/05/2007
Flynn Pavely 12/11/07

.... does anyone know how many places may be available next year?

Orange, it depends on when you finish school, some finish early, some on time, some defer. Although born in the same year, 6 months age difference can mean a different class.

Thanks Weedy I thought something like that. But then they need to complete 9-12 in four straight years to meet NCAA eligibility so I didn't think they could defer. I’ll do some more research. Thanks for sharing your knowledge... again :)

The boys COE team had 14 scholarships for most of this year until college kicked in. There are currently 9 active scholarships (if indy cotton has started) and exclude Marcus Vaughns as he is a member of the NBA Global Academy (not COE)

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brian-vaughns-99316aa6_marcus-vaughns-no-longer-underrated-watch-activity-7163359536068710400-HbkO/


Roor Akhur 30/4/07
Jacob Furphy 05/08/06
Che Brogan 18/07/06
Alex Dickeson 13/11/07
Ajak Nyoun 13/05/07
James Dyson Merwe 12/03/07
Emmett Adair 25/01/2006
Flynn Pavely 12/11/07

Indy Cotton must be a new intake I haven't seen any press release but Indy has the COE listed on his X / Twitter account header.
https://x.com/indycotton?lang=en

I would have thought a couple of 2007 born players would still be in consideration to come into the COE as well as a couple of graduating NBA Global Academy players eg Walker, Daniels, Pilimai and Kuany.

When will teams be announced?

Late next week I think

thought the team was being pubslished today. anyone know the reason for the delay?

That was the plan, but the athletes haven't been notified yet. Monday is the word.

Any update on the teams ?

Athletes were definitely notified today, teams announcement imminent.

Weedy will know by now surely !

Do you know any names?

Anyone have an idea when team will be released on socials?

Names being announced today, BA a bit slow.

nothing new.

nothing new.

A few names being dropped on socials, nothing official from BA.

Very unusual for BA to be slow !

Maybe they want to spring a surprise on New Caledonia by hitting them with an unannounced squad in the tournament in 3 weeks :-)

hahahaha @DeepWombat.
The families and players know, it was realised to them Monday.

BA struggling with modern stuff like social media?

Or perhaps we need to put in an FOI request to find out the details?

CAn the parents on here just tell everyone :-)

https://www.australia.basketball/news/4150311/australian-teams-announced-for-fiba-u15-oceania-cup

Girls
Hocking
Olechnowicz
Smith
Sherrington
Moke
Tavete
Ryan
Richardson
Mapp
Manyok
Johnson
Clague

Very post heavy... 4 centres.
Nowhere near enough ball handlers. 2 short imo, guess olivia will be filling in or they make Ryan the pg.


Boys
Wilson
Watene
Browne
Dammers
Johnson
Paul
Wilzek
Byrne
Jorgenson
Aryang
Hamilton
Mabbot

Lots of questionable selections, some short term injuries though.

A few big names missing from the boys? Biggest surprise is Keogh. Does anyone know if he is injured or didn't meet FIBA eligibility?

I coach in this age group and I can't get my head around the fact that Vic Metro boys absolutely dominated Nationals, they easily had an average winning margin of 50 plus points, but only three are good enough to be selected for Oceania? Blows my mind. I agree with you @Mayer, the omission of Liam Keogh is criminal. He is such a talent and his work ethic is unmatched. I hope we haven't lost him to another competing Country?

Agreed @mayer He Could Be Playing For NZ

⬆️ He's not a NZ athlete... Another country.

Agree - 5 x QLD South girls in AUS team probably more reflective of a dominant Nationals campaign, yet only 3 x VIC Metro boys??
Keogh & Mccann probably stiff but at this age they seem to go for more size and strength rather than the rangier players that can shoot. Their time will come.

agree Weedy. only 1 true PG. Ryna can run the show though so not too worried. may be there trying to get the four SGs in the same team to see if they run together. personally i hope to see a 4 or 5 changes for asia next year when its more serious competition.

some of the PGs and PFs in the camp will be very disappointed they didnt get a shot looking at that group.

who else can keogh play for?

That omission was very surprising to me too. Hope he uses it as motivation to force himself into the Asia Cup squad.

Easy selections imo.

PG
Hocking
SG
Olechnowicz
Smith
SF
Moke
Ryan
PF
Richardson
C
Johnson
Clague


Sherrington - got the nod over several other pgs, very tall, solid D, good distributor.
Tavete - when she wasn't called up by Samoa, thought she was a guarantee, highly rated by those in vic HP.
Mapp - best rebounder at nationals, mobile, smallest of the big options though.
Manyok - surprising addition without playing nationals, alot of of length, good shot blocker, only played Div 2 though.

Elliot, Catip, Robinson pretty unlucky, even others like Baensch, Neate etc
No sign of Ilic.


Should easily win oceanias...
Good luck to r.garlepp and co.

So great to see all the final lists confirmed and huge congratulations to all the young men and women that made the teams and their families for all the hard work helloing make it happen!
I have a question for some of the maybe more experienced folk here who have seen crocs/opals etc teams come and go and move through the FIBA champs....
How much movement do you tend to see FIBA champ to FIBA champ... I know there is movement as I've seen it but I don't have lists of the girls/boys teams over the past 6+ years to see what percentage of people tend to carry through teams verse new blood enter. Obviously there is no hard and fast rule but would love to hear from anyone who has been more across this for longer than I as to patters they've observed?
Good luck to all the Crocs and Saphires for the upcoming comp!

Always movement, I don't think I’ve ever seen the same team from u15/u17 Oceanias make it all the way to the u16/u18 asia and u17/u19 WC without roster changes along the way.

I’d say on avg 20-30% change over the 3 year journey.

Thanks Weedy! As always with the knowledge. That reflects what I've observed but great to hear but great to hear it from someone who knows far more than I!

Thanks Weedy! As always with the knowledge. That reflects what I've observed but great to hear but great to hear it from someone who knows far more than I!

I concur with you Weedy, the team looks short on ball carriers. Looking at the list I think that Sherrington is the only pg included. But being Oceania the coaching staff know that there may not be the same full court and half court pressure.

Not totally familiar with the New Zealand team but suspect AUS wins gold medal comfortably.
No big surprise with Manyok making the team. Was not included in nationals but my guess would be big chance of CoE in 1 or 2 years. I like Clague being included as a bottom age. Gives her a chance to experience the top level early with less pressure in this tourny.

https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-u15-oceania-cup-2024/standings

Pools are out. Australia, New Zealand. Samoa, in Pool A.

Aus, Guam, New Zealand & Samoa in Pool A in Women's comp.

3 Pools on men's side and 2 Pools on women’s side.

Do they always fixture Aus and NZ in the same pool? I am assuming it is because it is extremely easy for both nations to qualify for Asia Cup, They fixture them together so they get to play at least two competitive games? Thoughts?

@sec Keogh is definitely NZ and perhaps German? Might see him play us at Worlds. Big loss for us. Does anyone know how it works if you are eligible to play for a few Countries? Is there a cut off at a certain age that you need to choose?

From FIBA:

Foreign-born players with a bloodline connection with the country they want to represent must prove their legal nationality through a passport obtained before turning age 16, regardless of any local laws that deem that nationality as having existed before that time.

Players who obtain their passports after turning 16 can still play but need to prove their close links with the country. Otherwise, they will be categorized as "naturalized" players by FIBA rather than as locals.

FIBA permits one naturalized player on the national team roster per game.

@DeepWombat thanks mate

Fixtures are out, but I can't tell if I'm looking at boys or girls fixtures.

Sapphires commence on Monday 11th against Guam and Crocs first game is on Tuesday 12th against New Zealand.

Apologies if it has already been mentioned earlier in the thread but who were the coaches involved in the selection camp, boys and girls?

Head Coaches are Ash Arnott and Renae Garlepp.

Thanks

Games start tomorrow,in Canberra.
Good luck to the crocs n sapphires.

is it on a stream anywhere?

https://www.youtube.com/@FIBA/streams

Women: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJBotj4QU9s

Our men don't play NZ until Tuesday.

S5

Hocking
Smith
Ryan
Mapp
Clague


Not starting Olechnowicz is some call...

Strong performance by the girls in a very lopsided game.

I was impressed by how hard Guam fought to the end.

Hard to tell from a game like that, but this feels like a very strong Gems team.

Sapphires'

Oops, Sapphires I meant! They are impressive, long, athletic, unselfish, multiple scoring threats. They are a joy to watch.

Great win by the Crocs in OT against the kiwis.
Boys program needs a boost though, falling behind teams from europe and the Americas.

Same issues. It seems like all the national teams no matter the age group shoot below 30% from three and under 60% free throws. I know shooting is not as important to selectors as height, athleticism but as the game evolves to more and more 3 point shooting, surely we need to pick a few pure shooters even if they might lack the height and athleticism. A lot of good open looks tonight but way too many uncontested air balls.

Some pretty average calls there in the last minute of regular time. NZ a bit stiff.

This was the Crocs first game together, against a strong opponent, after a short prep time. I expect them to gel better as a team as the week goes on.

The half court offense did not seem to generate enough scoring opportunities.

The Crocs looked a little unprepared for NZ's physicality, many times NZ players bumped Crocs out of the way to create space and score. They need to adjust to this more physical style at the international level.

Despite this, they were down 2 at the half and were clutch at the end of the game, so they have a foundation to develop on to be a strong team in the future.

I hate to be the one to say it but that last wrap around call was questionable and our get out of jail free card! We can't be making excuses such as prep time and physicality. We have more resources and athletes to select from than any other Country competing at Oceania.

Girls performing really well in first tournament together.

Not sure Mapp is a pf though, C for qld nth. Should stay as a C imo. Excellent rebounder.
Clear you cannot take all 4 of Clague, Johnson, Mapp and Manyok to asia.

Need 1-2 more pgs, no brainer.

3 players imo that could be seen as replaceable before the next phase. A few players recently suspended or injured could make a push for those spots.



Richardson has been the standout early, been excellent in every area.

Let's not devalue a very good NZ boys team and group. NZ boys program is making strides.

"This was the Crocs first game together, against a strong opponent, after a short prep time."

Couldn't the same be said for NZ?

"Clear you cannot take all 4 of Clague, Johnson, Mapp and Manyok to asia."

Agreed, but we all know they will take 4-5 true bigs anyway.

I don't think anyone is devaluing the NZ team. In fact I think what Player and Hedge are saying is that NZ were very unlucky not to win that game.

The NZ teams got picked end July. Australian team mid Oct. How much NZ trained together prior to the comp I don't know. Does anyone? But they certainly had the time to.
What is the norm for FIBA comps in terms of training prior to competitions? Is it normal there is no opp for training together prior to a few hours the couple of days before the actual comp?

"Couldn't the same be said for NZ?"

No, NZ played the day before against Samoa.

NZ announced their team at the beginning of August. We announced ours 4 weeks ago. Presumably NZ trained together more than Australia did for this event.

I'm not making excuses for Australia, I'm observing that they should put more preparation into a tournament like this. And yes, NZ looked like a strong team.

I get what DeepWombat is saying. You could see that there were a few athletes playing out of position and a bit lost on certain plays so the flow of their game was very static. Perhaps a training camp prior to the tournament would of been beneficial. Also missing open layups and air balling uncontested 3's has a lot to do with nerves and being their first game. Hopefully with one win under their belt they start to settle into the tournament.
According to the stats the team can do with someone that is effective on both ends of the court. Missing someone that has a bit of X Factor.

Outside shooting and less turnovers will be a key focus, but I expect a couple of easier games upcoming will help. Once settled I am sure the Crocs to dominate the rest of the tournament.

I don't know for a fact that NZ didn't train more in the lead up, but it's disingenuous to assume they did just because they announced earlier.

Having one additional game is an advantage, albeit a 44pt win.

Aus Girls vs NZ, New Zealand giving it to the Aus girls up to halftime.
They look faster and with better handles on their PG's.
Far from over yet, Ryan in foul trouble though wont help their cause

And stronger. Rasmussen dominating boards. On top of that, doesn't help that from 3 Aus are 0/11 and NZ are 7/10.

Nz girls kickin sapphires butts in the first half. 46-32. Credit to them, played very well as a unit.

Ride or die with Clague it seems as the starting C. Probably should give someone else a shot.
Lack of pgs killin us and our conditioning.

Hopefully a better 2nd half.

Sluggish ball movement. Guards picking up dribble too much. Shooting has been poor. Maybe the AUS coaches just expected NZ to be a walk over? Full credit to kiwis, great first half after a slow start.

Both boys and girls NZ have played beautifully as a team... certainly as though they have had some decent training time together. C'mon Saphires!!

Yes training and preparation looks a level above Aus. And hunger...

Good to see the coaches make changes to the s5 and are willing to try something different.

Fantastic 3/4 from the Aussies.

Aus are fouling a lot in the 4th

Good comeback. Oh boy, lots to work on though... quite a few missed layups.
Would have liked to have seen Manyok or Mapp get some C minutes.
We got no pg, just some shooting guards and combos.

Smith the standout for aus today.

Just 9 pts up on Samoa at the half in the boys...

Heaps of TOs. And FT shooting is deplorable.

Final between Aus and kiwi girls will be a bigger margin. Kiwis won't shoot like that again (hopefully)!

Thought Tavete should have played more. I’ve liked her play so far. Links things well and has taken good shots.

Agree Richardson has done well too. 3 point shooting huge improvement from AJC.

Moke DNP today is a strange decision.

Need another PG but not sure who? Fakalata? They clearly didn’t like the ones in camp.

Seems like they’ve tried to put too many of same type of players in the group. Best team is not always best players.

There's a lot that I don't like about the structures and preparation from the Sapphires, but credit to Renae for going smaller as a changeup. This call (along with NZ making so many unforced mistakes) won them the game.

This bodes well for the Asia Cup, even if BA insist on bringing bigs that aren't up to the standard: four of them combining for 21.5 minutes where we were outscored by 17 points.

I'm obviously not going to name names, but the effort from some of the Aussie girls was very poor, which is unfortunately consistent with their work rate at lower levels to date.

Massive -
maybe Fakalata, Baensch 2 best options right now.
Other options going forward ? Robinson, Catip, Elliot, Neate, Jones, Reed, Hardin

Crocs and Sapphires have now both qualified for the Asia Cup. Hopefully they also both win their tournaments tomorrow. Plenty of things to work on for both teams though.

It would be a catastrophe if they didn't. What level are the teams other than Aus/nz? VJBL VC? District SA D1?

The other teams have mix of Aus based players, nz based players and home country.
Most are state div 2-3 level.

Both boys and girls groups have alot to work on for sure, top 4 required in asia and getting more competitive every year.


Watched every game so far, think 3-possibly 4 players from each team might not be a shoe in for the next stage of qualyfying.




Girls IMO

Guards, 2 of
Hocking
Sherrington
Moke
Tavete

Guard locks
Olechnowicz
Smith

Forward/Post Locks
Ryan
Richardson
Mapp

Post, 2 of
Clague
Johnson
Manyok


Potentially 3 spots up for grabs.
1-2 PG
0-1 SG
1 PF

What about the boys Weedy?

Let you know after the final.

agree with weedy. a few changes would stregthen the chances in asia for boys and girls. herd there wasnt a camp before asia next year though so outsiders might find it difficult to jump the queue.

Browne
Dammers
Byrne
Jorgenson
Hamilton
Aryang
Mabbott
-
Watene
Wilson
Johnson
Paul
Wilczek

Although brutal, I agree with Weedy Slug! Both boys and girls need changes to strengthen the squad for Asia Cup.
So if there is no camp for Asia Cup does that mean the teams just stay the same? Do they stay with 12 or do they go back to 10? Or if changes are made are the athletes selected from the original trial squad?
Does anyone know when Asia Cup is for this group? And if the Head Coaches stay the same?

There was an U16 Asia Cup selection camp in late May 2 years ago. I think we always go with 12 now. I don't know about the other questions.

Oh and the Asia Cup was mid-September last time

I think the FIBA Asia Cup is scheduled for 5th - 17th Aug 2025
Saudi Arabia

I believe that location and dates are for the men's tounament and that the U16 Asia Cup will be at a different time and possibly a different place.

Where do you fnd this information? the fiba website is sparce for youth comps so always relying on this forum for info!

Just that the men's Asia Cup is definitely in Saudi Arabia on those dates and the junior Asia Cups historically have been at a different time and place to the seniors.

I have heard the U16 Asia Cup may be in Dubai next year. Last U16 Asia Cup was held mid-September