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| Canaria Basketball Academy - One year On | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 26 2008, 09:52 AM (10,018 Views) | |
| Franklyn Hamilton | Jun 26 2008, 09:52 AM Post #1 |
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Well, we have come to the end of the first year of the Academy and I thought I'd share an update with you guys. First off. This first year has proved to be a resounding success with the future looking bright Like with any massive undertaking of this type there have been high ad Low points Low Points Tim Lewis leaving Undoubtedly, the lowest point of the year. Tim's a great guy and I am pleased to call him my friend. Unfortunately for a number of reasons (of which I shall not go into here or elsewhere), Tim and the Academy parted ways by mutual consent. As you can imagine, replacing a guy of Tim's calibre is no easy task and some major adjustments had to be made. Disciplinary Measures Late last year, we had to send a number of kids (3) home for grave breaches of discipline. After a period of consultation all but one of the kids were allowed back. The positive out of this was that the processes in place worked and ensured that the other kids at the academy were not negatively impacted. The Senior Team Not getting promoted Not sure this a low point really. The senior team narrowly missed out getting promted to the EBA where they lost a couple of matches in the play-offs. The senior team play in the Spanish fifth division for Aguimes. High Points Graduates The Academy graduated 8 young Men and is particulary pround to have signed off six (6) of them to NCAA Division 1 schoolson full athletic scholarships. List below Nacaa Division 1 Graduates Ashley Hamilton (London) - Loyola MaryMount University (Los Angeles) Philip Wait (Manchester) - St Johns University (New York) Sam Fernley (Sheffield) - Fairleigh Dickinson University (New jersey) Kamil Svrdlik (Prague) - Fairleigh Dickinson University (New Jersey) Tom Ward (Brighton) - St Francis University (New York) Richard Clark (Reading) - St Francis University (new York) Other Graduates Ben Russell - Undertaking trials for a BBL Club Ryan Richards - I believe in negoatiations for a top European club with firm offers from Real Madrid, etc Nate - Nate ( i have forgotten his surname - doh) deserves special mention as his story and path is very different. Nate is an american Kid who comes from a basketball family. His dad is a high school coach in the states. Apparently, Nate's dad wanted his son to play for him in the high school team where he was the coah but Nate faced stiff competion from another kid on the Roster with a similar level of ability. His dad therfore decided to send him to the academy for one semester to polish his skills and give his son that competitive advantage so that when he did play Nate ahead of the other kid, no one could accuse him of nepotism. The plan worked. Visits Over the course of the year, we have had a number of high profile vists from both US colleges and European Clubs.Find below a non-exhaustive list. Bill Self- University of Kansas Herb Sendek- Arizona State University Reggie Frilot- University of New Orleans David Carter- University of Nevada Bob Williams- University of California- Santa Barbara Donnie Daniels- University of California- Los Angeles (UCLA) Glenn Braica- St. John’s University (New York) Jimmy Carr- Rutgers University (New Jersey) Tom Green- Fairleigh Dickinson University (New Jersey) Dave Anwar- University of Nebraska Chucky Martin- Marist College (New York) Bob McKillop- Davidson College (North Carolina) *** Props to Tim Lewis for arranging this even after he had left Glenn Cyprien- University of Kentucky Gib Arnold- University of Southern California (USC) Gary DeCesare- Depaul University (Chicago) Brice Drew- Valparaiso University (Indiana) Susan Mulders – Nike Basketball Europe Rich Shuebrooks – Head International Scout NBA Charlotte Bobcats Scott Howard – Director of Scouting- NBA Charlotte Bobcats Alonso de Madariaga- Youth Basketball Director- Real Madrid C.F. Bill Bayno- Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles) Danny Yoshikawa – University of San Francisco Brian Nash- St. Francis College Staffing Personnel The staffing team has grown to three full time coaching staff, One full-time Physio and two house mothers. More details on the staff later. Subscriptions In its first year of existence, the Academy was fully subscribed with 24 kids. We are growing the academy to 35 kids for next year and are almost fully subscribed with all but three places left. I will post further upates later regards Franklyn |
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| Stephen Garrett | Jun 26 2008, 10:54 AM Post #2 |
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All-Star
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Interesting read thanks for the update Franklyn Also interesting that most of the graduates are heading to US College rather than European clubs. Do players have to sign-on to contracts at GCBA - is there any pay back on their future earnings? Glad to read about the success of these players but would still like to see our best talent stay in the UK with pathways through to pro ball (the traditional European model) - hopefully a few more academies like Barking Abbey will emerge across the country in the next few years. As would offer more opportunties for UK players - and presume would be cheaper - though I'd imagine that charges at GCBA are structured depending on your talent level. Edited by Stephen Garrett, Jun 26 2008, 10:55 AM.
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| passerby | Jun 26 2008, 12:02 PM Post #3 |
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Sixth Man
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Franklyn What is your relationship with the Academy, apart from being a Father. I notice you referring to "we" a couple of times. |
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| Franklyn Hamilton | Jun 26 2008, 12:04 PM Post #4 |
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Most of the graduates are heading to US Colleges because that’s their preferred destinations. From an Academy perspective that is also a choice we like and encourage. The reason for this is following. The lifespan of a pro-basketballer is not very long, maybe 10 - 111 years and not all of them make big money meaning that at the end of their active career, they might have to find gainful employment. The kids are better placed to do that with a degree in the back pocket from a good University. They can always come back to Europe after their college life and play pro-European ball. See Sascha Kaun who has signed with CSK or our own Andrew Sullivan, Richard Midgely. The players do not sign any contracts with the Academy and there is no payback on future earnings. They do sign a contract adhering to the terms and policy of the academy, agreeing to payment terms and that contract is valid for one year only. Fees at GCBA are pretty ordinary. I would say they are a steal. Fees for non-scholarship kids for a year are £10K and its not unknown for discounts to be awarded on an individual basis. The fees include board, meals, coaching, medicals, etc. We have a kid attending next year whose fees are being paid for by his school here in South-East |
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| magic addict | Jun 26 2008, 12:09 PM Post #5 |
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Bench Player
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It's great to hear about the success stories from this programme and my hat is off to all the staff and players who have worked hard at their games and have now graduated and are moving on to bigger and better things (hopefully). The fact that the 6 players off to the states are going to Div 1 schools is a great thing, some of the players had they have gone straight into the US college system may have ended up at Div 2 schools or even Div 3, playing Div 1 college ball will help them develop further and also should enable them to make an impact in Europe or in the States once they finish their courses at the colleges. I'd like to have seen more players going to play pro-ball in Europe rather than going into the US college system as it would mean they would be earning a living and don't have to think about academics. Nothing wrong with being on Full-Scholarship at a Div 1 college, I mean most of the worlds best players over the years have come from Div 1 schools so I can't really fault it. It's a real shame that Tim had to leave, I know he's a quality coach. The number of people who have visited stands out, in the first year of a programme like this one, to have so many people from quality places visit in search of talent suggests that this programme is going places and fast. When you look at that list it's not surprising to see the number of players going off to the states, only one European club visited (and I'll put money on who they went to see that goes for Nike Europe also). Some of the Magic Under 18s were thinking of joining the academy, though I'm not sure if any of them have signed up or not, it would have been interesting to see some of the go there and see what happens to them as a result. Is interesting to read Charlotte Bobcats visiting, I can imagine that gave a real buzz to the players that an NBA team are interested in someone and they must have started dreaming of stardom and what not. The hard work is paying off which must be great to see for everyone involved, well done. |
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| Franklyn Hamilton | Jun 26 2008, 12:31 PM Post #6 |
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My relationship with the academy apart from being the father of a graduate: My relationship is an informal one. Have known Rob for a bit longer and when he had the idea of the academy he floated it by me and as a good friend does, i liked the idea, bought into it and have supported it ever since. Today in my role, I promote the academy Liaise with Parents Smooth things out (when things do need smoothing out) Responsible for the Website ( which is why its so out of date) Have a vote in all major decisions around the Academy Can allocate places/Give discounts Ensure that the Academy maintains a healthy balance between being a succesful commercial venture and being a great basketball environement for the kids. i.e the connsicence of the Academy |
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| Stephen Garrett | Jun 26 2008, 12:36 PM Post #7 |
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Thanks for the info Franklyn - completely agree on the players continuing their education - though this of course can also happen in Europe. Berni Rodiguez is still studying at the University of Malaga for example, as well as playing in the ACB and Euroleague. What I'd like to see in the UK is leading clubs, universities and academies all linking to together the provide a pathways for elite players from school to pro-ball. Clubs like Jets, Wolves, Eagles and Magic (though they still have cold feet on the pro team) are all now heading in this direction, which is great for British ball. Good luck to all those graduates and all at GCBA. |
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| Franklyn Hamilton | Jun 26 2008, 12:58 PM Post #8 |
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Thanks Stephen Let me also add following. This year we have also had a number of organisations visit and atend the Academy as a group for intensive training. We have had 1. The Norwegian National Team U19 academy 2. The Scottish U18 National team 3. Solent U16/u18 Another graduate of ours Chris davies has had an NCAA athletic Coach come out to visit him with a possibility of gaining a full athletic scholarship to an NCAA school. We recoginised his immense athletic talents and realised he might alo be capable of being succesful in another sport. |
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| trevor | Jun 26 2008, 01:13 PM Post #9 |
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Its good to see compliments from Magic Addict and others rather than the rubbish posted on here a year or so ago. I’m so glad that I went with my own instincts rather than listen to the (VERY BAD) advice being given out by other respected people who probably had their own agenda. A year on and Franklyn and I can speak with authority about what the Academy has done for our boys and before anyone asks I have no involvement other than as a very satisfied parent. How can I be anything other than delighted? My son has had a fantastic experience, grown up both on and off the court and to cap it all he has become one of the rare breed of English players to go to a US D1 school, and remember he’s only 5’11”! A big thank you to all involved, but especially Rob, without whom it would never have happened for Sam. I have said it before but if anyone wants to talk about our experience then e-mail me and I will certainly try to help. I will try to be unbiased but I think you already know what I’m going to say! |
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| wildcat | Jun 27 2008, 01:45 PM Post #10 |
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Nothing but compliments to the Gran Canaria staff. What's especially impressive is the care with which the various players found places at D1 Universities that seem to 'fit.' Of course it will be a longer process to see whether all players find their niche at their respective Universities, but clearly the range of Universities visiting has also resulted in players being matched up appropriately. Hopefully, we won't see transfers because of lack of playing time now and that players will be allowed to grow into their roles. For the academy to place 6 of its players so well is truly a major achievement. No longer the private arrangements of clubs are the route into D1 but here's a place which can offer choice and also honesty in terms of assessment. I think GC must now stand firmly as the top transition route between junior basketball in the UK and the NCAA college basketball route. There's nothing that would have stood in the way for these boys of taking an agent and exploring the European market, but clearly they must have consciously chosen the 'academic' US basketball path. They can then always test the European waters later. Franklyn is very honest in his assessment of the first year; what's important to realize that this was the first year! Based on the recruits of this season, more D1 colleges (and NAIA or D2 if appropriate and if they have the budget to visit) will find their way to Gran Canaria. Congrats on a fantastic achievement and offering such a real path for many aspiring players. Clubs will now be able to advise players to consider GC very seriously. |
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| larrybird33 | Jul 11 2008, 12:08 PM Post #11 |
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It is my understanding that the boys are actually being sold to US Colleges!! I believe in exchange for players the owners get money! What about the other boys who were promised places in the States and have been ignored in fact they have been told to come back another year!! Maybe to fund the scholarship players!! |
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| larrybird33 | Jul 11 2008, 12:09 PM Post #12 |
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It is my understanding that the boys are actually being sold to US Colleges!! I believe in exchange for players the owners get money! What about the other boys who were promised places in the States and have been ignored in fact they have been told to come back another year!! Maybe to fund the scholarship players!! |
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| wildcat | Jul 11 2008, 03:52 PM Post #13 |
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Larry, Wouldn't 'payment for players' instantly make the University and players ineligble according to NCAA rules? It seems you have a pretty cynical outlook on the matter. Is what you say based on fact? It seems to me rather unlike that places like Fairleigh Dickinson University and St. Francis have so much stake in their basketball programme that they offer compensation packages? As to the players who didn't get a place. What does this promise entail? It seems to me Gran Canaria offers players a legitimate chance on the basis of very harsh, elite level competition, like any real sport. If certain players get chosen and other don't, it may be for a variety of reasons. However, with the looks from so many Universities (and as I've said before the range of Universities is particularly impressive; it's not just the high majors who come) and other places, it would appear that all players are getting a chance. If a player doesn't make it, they've had a year in which they gave their dream a legitimate shot. I'm sure players (and the parents who have to fork out the money) accept the contract with open eyes and that there are no guarantees. Do you have any alternatives in mind for player development that comes anywhere close to the success of Gran Canaria, both in terms of relative low cost and player placement? Franklyn has given a lot of facts about the programme, and even focuses on the 'negatives.' You counter with hearsay and possible slander (you could expect a call from the NCAA or from the particular Universities you're accusing). Why? Just in case you wonder, I have absolutely no stake in the Academy but follow it with a lot of interest as a youth basketball coach who sees many players not reaching their potential because of the lack of elite basketball pathways around. |
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| trevor | Jul 11 2008, 03:56 PM Post #14 |
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I don't really want to start an arguement here but that is a fairly serious accusation Larry. Why would a college pay for players? I think your allegation is disrespectful to the players, the parents of the players, the management of the Academy and the College coaches. I can't comment for the others but I am delighted with what the Academy has done for my son. I'm sure they haven't made any money out of placing him but, to be honest, I wouldn't mind if they had (other than I'm sure its against NCAA rules) I appreciate that not everyone achieved their goal. Maybe some were unrealistic, maybe some didn't want it badly enough. It will be interesting to see how many return for a second year and what happens after that. Only time will tell, but for now can't we celebrate the successful stuff rather than being negative? This story should be massive but no-one seems interested. Looking back there have been individual threads for players going to the US and here we have a handful of comments for 5 players! |
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| ruster11 | Jul 11 2008, 09:08 PM Post #15 |
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'larry' I think you will find that 90% of the players that Wanted to go states, was placed at a D1 School.....however yes maybe there might be one or two players that fell short of there goals but like i said pretty much everyone that wanted to go has gone, some have stayed on which was their own decision as they felt they might of needed more time to develop their game. To the players that are staying on theres no doubt in my mind if they worked as hard as they did this year (which i know they will) then they wil get to where they want to be. But like trevor said look at the positives, 5 english kids going D1....... This place is a great set up, if your willing to put the work in and grab the oppurtunities that are given to you with 2 hands then great things will happen. |
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| dave f | Jul 11 2008, 09:26 PM Post #16 |
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Franchise Player
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There is a reason this is not a massive story. Its because the success of the program in lining up kids for D1 is a massive story for those kids but does not impact upon the wider basketball set up in this country. In fact it is an indictment of the failure of successful junior programs to translate that development into 18 plus areas, and also an indictment of professional clubs in failing to provide elite development pathways into their first teams. Ultimately an academy run for a profit and available only to people with a significant amount of money is not going to change the sport in this country. Its no criticism of those who run it or those kids who benefit from it but the reality is that a far bigger story for the sport in this country is Andrew Wallace going to Worcester to develop (and Worcester were not the only BBL club to have a wish to be involved in his development). There needs to be pathways for kids without the academics or the money. Junior development needs to move into seniors and professional clubs need to reach down and committ to developing the best talent. I am delighted for the kids who get to go to college but in the grand scheme of things GC is an alternative which will become less attractive (due to the cost and distance) when this country manages to be put together a joined up approach. And knowing what is going on on the ground at some of the pro clubs I think within two years you will be able to see that really talented players do have a far cheaper alternative within this country. And that will be a massive story. |
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| ceejayemm | Jul 11 2008, 10:43 PM Post #17 |
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Congratulations to the players concerned but as someone heavily involved with UK Academy programmes, I broadly agree with Dave F's comments. We need a broad church of Academy provision that suits the individual needs of players.Coaches and educational environments that suit some players won't suit others. There's been a lot written about this on other threads. The HCCA programme I've administered since it started in 2001 is very different from GC in that it costs players absolutely nothing. I can't think of any players over the last 7 years that could afford to pay £10K so GC per se has to exclude on affordability alone. That's not to say I don't applaud the work they've done, especially if they've enhanced the life chances (sporting and educational) of their graduates. I think there's always been a tendancy to dismiss home based programmes and believe mistakenly that overseas/foreign = automatically good and that UK programmes must be inferior. There are now many College Academy programmes in the UK doing good work. Plus, the links between these, Universities, EB and BBL clubs are being formed and I'm certain within the next few years, there will be clear pathways allowing young players to reach high levels without necessarily having to leave these shores. For example; HCCA - London Met Uni (and others) BA - Leopards Filton - Bristol MK College - MK Lions Newcastle College - Eagles Worcester Uni - Worcester Wolves SNC - Tribe WNC - Mansfield Cardiff Coll - Celts Loreto - Magic TVU Reading - Rockets Solihull/Sutton - City of Brum Marjons- Plymouth Plus others such as Moulton, East Durham and Richmond that have been around a very long time and continue to prosper. There are many other Universities doing good work too such as Leeds Carnigie etc Going back to HCCA, our results over the last 7 years in terms of academic success (over 80% progressing to HE) player development (pro-players in the BBL, players going to US/European high school, college and university programmes) and titles won show that full inclusion and excellence aren't mutually exclusive.100 fixtures, Men and Women, a B Team that allows "recreational" players to develop and compete alongside the "elite". This also allows for internal progression between teams. This year, 4 of our players (3 current and 1 former) have made the final 15 GB U 20 squad. It's interesting to note that the HCCA players are the only ones in the squad that don't come from US/European programmes. I really hope there are more UK based players on future teams. Darius Defoe is a great example of a young player nurtured by Tony G and Sol Ayinla at HCCA, supported through thick and thin with his academic work at HCC (when many other institutions may have dropped him)and now making a living and progressing at Eagles. HCCA was exactly the right place for DD.Is that "a waste of a life" And3? Other environments will be right for others, so the more on offer providing quality coaching and enhanced life chances the better. The next battle is to rationalise the Academy competition structures in the UK. We're getting there and hopefully we'll see real change for the better in 09/10. But that's for another thread. Edited by ceejayemm, Jul 12 2008, 12:23 AM.
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| wildcat | Jul 12 2008, 08:18 AM Post #18 |
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This is now becoming a genuinely interesting threat. I think we're talking cross purposes here. The more options are available for players the better, and all players (and parents) have different goals. For those wishing to secure a NCAA scholarship, which comes with 4 years of free University education (which can amount to vast amounts, just have a look) and a chance to develop further in basketball, the Gran Canaria set up seems to offer something missing in the current UK structure. It literally 'preps' them and get them exposure. This is not for everyone. I've also written about this in other threads and have lamented the involvement in the BBL in that regard, with their utter disregard of national youth talents coming through. However, there is another good news story developing, and I think Worcester with Wallace is just the start. His is not a UK development story, however, since he's been developed in France and is now coming to the UK--an interesting move nevertheless. I do hope that other BBL clubs are going to be pro-active in scouting youth players across the country and offer genuine options and alternative to aspiring young players. To suggest that basketball + education and housing and work is going to be a money earner for these players and that they will develop playing in the BBL rather than sitting on the bench, watching the Americans do the job, is still very much in doubt. Higher edcuation is not free in this country and the Universities offering full scholarships to young players coming from U18, with free accommation and meals is still a dream. Before remarking on the expense of Gran Canaria, count up the cost of playing high level basketball in this country, even at the highest level. This is where the UK does not offer an alternative to European set ups, with youth players on contracts in the junior leagues. Every year after the European championships at U16, approximately half the England team leave to go the US to go the high school/prep school/University route. Have a look at last year's team, for example. Why is that? I think it's great that more and more options are developing in this country and the HCAA and BA set ups have offered many players genuine routes. Many of the set ups, however, are unproven and highly reliable on individual enthusiasts rather than on a firm structure. And let's not kid ourselves, the talent base in this country is not massive and there are not that many players in each age group that have a future as professional in the sport. The national league youth competition does not churn out massive talent after massive talent; there are a relatively low number of clubs developing players and the structured is mired in parohialism and resentment. How many blow outs are there at this level? I wouldn't say that the college structure here has great competitive games; think most of the BA (even with two teams!) and HCAA games are blow outs. BUSA is a similar story, and Worcester 'students' (did student Ben Potts play at all when the finals were held at the EIS or was it the BBL starting line-up?) only play in front a friends.c Really, I do so hope that it all works out with options, but we must not kid ourselves. The situation here is far from ideal and I for one can understand why someone would dream of playing NCAA D1 basketball and the GC offers a clear and proven path to fulfill that dream. Hopefully, those players will then get picked up by the BBL/EBL (that division is another peculiar British exposure of the lack of joined up thinking which hurts possible paths for young players) or can go to Europe, or can get a job (if they get their American qualification aligned)--it ain't easy! But there is a massive story here; 5 players on to D1 and not done on the 'exlusive' contacts of a club ("come and play for us and we'll get you to America"). Sorry this is so long, but these issues are at the heart of the game in this country |
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| ceejayemm | Jul 12 2008, 09:11 AM Post #19 |
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I think the educational scholarship situation for U19 players progressing to UK University programmes with ambition is certainly changing for the better. I can think of around half a dozen HCCA graduates that have received basketball scholarships from London Met and LSBU that have certainly made a materially significant difference to their course costs. These are student athletes that certainly don't come from rich backgrounds so basketball success has a monetary reward. Again, I'm in broad agreement with Wildcat. However, it must always be kept in mind that very few will ever reach the highest levels. Therefore, the key aim of any Academy programme should be about enhancing life chances and creating better citizens.In the best programmes on-court and off-court excellence go hand-in-hand. The situation in the UK remains far from perfect but in my view is going in the right direction. I accept the point Wildcat makes about the number of "blowouts" in Academy games for the top sides. This could be remedied immediately if BUSA/BUC allowed Colleges to enter. The pyramid structure is already there for the top College Academy programmes to rise to the top. The best College and top University have shown how close they are with LSBU registering an O/T win over HCCA in 07 and a narrow 66/60 win (level going into the final min) this year in the SESSA Cup Final. Also, we are very lucky in London to have the London Metropolitan Basketball League Premier div. to play in. This League is of massive importance to HCCA in helping young U20 players make the step up to senior basketball. The standard here is often higher than found in the EB lower senior divs.with current/past BBL players in teams plus excellent players from all over the world taking part (Serbs, Lithuanians, Poles, Aussies, Kiwis, Yanks etc). Personally, I think the other London Academies are really missing a developmental trick by not entering the LMBL. |
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| Game over | Jul 12 2008, 02:34 PM Post #20 |
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i know that very few people reach pro levels but what about players on top national league junior sides without an academy set up? what is on offer there without just striving to improve and maybe gain senior experience from a local team at a low level? |
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| Angel of the North | Jul 12 2008, 03:21 PM Post #21 |
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All-Star
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Well thats the problem, it is game over, Game Over! Thats why everyone on here is keen to see change. But change takes time and by us making noise and suggestions, slowly things will be better for tomorrows talent. Gran Canaria is a great option for prepping the lads, it`s intense, hard work and on the surface seems expensive, but when I tried to work out recently how much our family had spent on basketball it was in the region of £8000. That`s not including feeding my own giant with empty legs. So the cost is much the same, it just seems a lot to pay out. Why is Britain so bad at nuturing it`s sporting elite, and I`m not just talking basketball - we just don`t celebrate success, we refuse to take on good European/American models and we won`t support our rising athletes even with smallish grants that might just cover travelling costs. Sad really. The Olympics are coming but we`ll be sending underprepared teams working on a shoestring. Time to put the `Great`back in Britain I think. There are enough rumbling amonst the basketball fraternity to make me believe that for our talented U18s we are very much at a turning point. A national stategy for all sports would be good but in the mean time perhaps Basketball can for once do something innovative. Football aside, a joined-up programme taking players through, developing them and hooking them up to teams is whats needed. That`s why what Rob is offering at Gran Canaria has worked, plus he has the connections to make those links. Well done I say. Larry, think you were a bit naughty, you can`t go saying things like that without substantiating them. Wildcat says slander, but I actually think it`s libel as you`ve written it in a post.......not once but twice! |
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| Game over | Jul 12 2008, 04:05 PM Post #22 |
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nice use of humour there, but am i right by saying that you mean without an academy setup, national league basketball with obv hard work will lead nowhere? |
| Aim high, strike low | |
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| Angel of the North | Jul 12 2008, 10:24 PM Post #23 |
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Depends what people want, there are obviously teams at every level for players to aspire to. Anyone can approach a national league team in their area and ask to trial. In fact that happens a lot, Cheshire Jets for instance are having open trials tomorrow and have picked up good players from this type of trial before. Players that have been abroad , away at uni etc do reappear and get to play. It`s finding the right level that`s important. This thread moved onto what elite junior players might do. For anyone who wants to play pick up the phone and ask the question or contact BBL/EBL/ area leagues and find out whats local to you. You don`t ask, you don`t get! |
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| BlueDevil | Jul 13 2008, 02:00 PM Post #24 |
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how does paying that much money justify a div.1 scholorship? Look at the players who don't have to pay it in the UK I think it's crazy your just blind, who think they'll play alot? |
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| CBA player | Jul 14 2008, 01:54 PM Post #25 |
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My name is louis allen and i attended the canaria basketball academy last year and i am going back for another year. i just wanted to post on this message board in response to what a few people have said about money being exchanged for players that have gone on to gain scholorships and also about players being made to go back for another year to fund schlorship players etc. this is a completely false statement! i went to the acadmey last year and it was the best experience i could have ever asked for! when i got there i had a lot of faults in my game that needed to be worked on and my game needed polishing. All year we worked at 100% and it was tough at times but the players got through it and it is the best possible place you can be if you are passionate about the game and you want to become the best you can be. i have not been made to come back for one more year this is the path that i have choosen for myself. it will benenfit me. even though i feel that i have improved leaps and bounds over the corse of the year i still feel that i can improve further and after disscussing this with family and the coaching staff this is the path that i have choosen. i take it as an insult when people slate the academy because they are not aware of how hard we work to improve and become the best we can be. Also to say that money was exchanged for scholorsips to players etc is an insult to how hard the coaching staff work and also to how hard the players that gained scholorships this year worked. i was there all year and the players that gained that great achievement are all my friends. just to wrap this up the canaria basketball academy is the best place to be if you want to improve and that you are there becuase it is your own choice to be there and the players that gained scholorships got them through nothing else but hard work by them and the staff! |
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12:29 AM Jul 11