How do you feel about the showing of our Jr. Nats in N. Z.?

I am conducting this poll not as any kind of attempt to repudiate our players I would never do that! The players are doing their best and we should support them always.

I just want to see how people feel about our performance.

My feeling is we were a little unfortunate. We almost avoided the U.S. in the quarters and that matchup against the eventual champions couldn't have been harder.

I agree with petro these teams are better than some of us realize. I still feel we had as much talent as anybody with possibly a couple of exceptions. I believe we were final four quality but the results do not bear me out. I do not think we were quite medal quality but we were reasonably close.

I would have liked to see a better finish than seventh but we lost some close games that we would have had to win for a higher placement.

I really think that not that many people who post on this site care one iota about this level of competition.

The majority are "whose better Jason or Jordan?" posters or better still "LeBron or Kobe?"

Its kind of sad!

Australia the fourth place finisher beat us head-to-head so maybe I should re-consider my earlier statement.

That was a huge loss and it really got us off on the wrong foot.

I think, in terms of individual talent, Canada was just as good.

But when it's such a high profile event... and all the marbles are on the table... it is those countires/teams and those players who have superior developmental system behind them... that come out on top.

I can only speak for Croatia... and I'm sure teams like Greece and Argentina etc. are the same... but players like Delas and Postran are mature beyond their years compared to of our players. They have played pro ball for a couple of years already... there is no such thing as competitive HS basketball. HS basketball in Europe is more or less a intramural league.

The Euro system is just that much better than the North American system.

I think finishing top 8 is a success... we beat some tough teams and lost to some tough teams. There were no gimmes except for Syria.

When the National program decides to get serious then we will see some results. Putting the team together and having a few practice sessions here and there before the tournament isn't enough. There are countries out there running it all year long, developing the team together. Of course, those players actually feel it's an honour to play for their country as well so that makes a difference as to who "tries" out. The perception is out there that not all the best players make the team (and that starts at the provincial level) and unless that changes, it will remain mediocre.
As an all-star team, you will get some great individual performances but not a great team effort.
That's my 2 cents worth....

We're talking about the integrity of the selection process here rec.

We cannot send teams without a fair and open tryout. We cannot pre-select players because they are part of this program or part of that program.

Nor can we exclude some of our top players on the basis of which country they play basketball in. There seems to be a bias against the kids attending prep school in the U.S.

I as well agree with all of the above. Our talent is good. Our coaching is developing. What the bottom line is...is it our best? Are these kids the best kids to represent us at this age level? Is the coaching developed enough to get these kids to compete to the best of they're ability? Is the preparation, training and time enough to get these kids on the same level to get them in at least the top 5 teams(countries)at least in the Americas??? Once the system from the bottom up, can fill the gaps and loopholes...we will never have the success some may feel we should be at by now! We have been behind the 8-ball for so long that I can honestly see some progress, but we still have a ways to go!!!