FIRST NATIONAL SELECTION CAMP OF 2020 COMPLETE AND THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT

With national representative honours up for grabs, Basketball New Zealand’s first of three annual National Selection Camps concluded last weekend. The four-day camp, held in Rotorua at Tui Ridge park, featured some of New Zealand best and brightest junior players. More than 140 athletes showcased their skills in front of coaches and National selectors hoping to secure a place on the Under 17 or Under 19 National team.

Head of High Performance at Basketball New Zealand, Leonard King, says a number of players had noticeable performances over the four days.

“Players saw their stock rising after strong showings at the camp. Overall, I was really pleased with the fitness levels the players showed up to the camp in.

“The coaches were able to get through a lot at the camp because the players in attending were more prepared in terms of their understanding of the National Style of Play and the playing concepts involved in teaching it. That is a very positive sign, as more and more players are now being exposed to our National Style of Play in their home environments and it allows national coaches to extend the athletes learning when they are at our camps.

“I’d like to pass on our thanks to all those Associations supporting the New Zealand National Style of Play and preparing our players for higher honours. Also, a huge note of thanks to our national coaches, national team managers and physios, for giving up their time to work within our Junior National program and help athletes achieve the goal they have set for themselves in basketball,” said King.

To be eligible for a National Selection Camp, players are first identified through their regional associations, who submit a depth chart to Basketball New Zealand. The players on that depth chart are then observed at the National Championships each year by a team of selectors and junior national coaches. After the Nationals, the final depth chart of players is complied. Those players are subsequently invited to the National Selection Camp.

Basketball New Zealand will be announcing the successful athletes from next week onwards.

Players eligible for Junior Tall Ferns who attended the February Selection Camp

Players eligible for Junior Tall Blacks who attended the February Selection Camp

Players eligible for U17 Girls National team who attended the February Selection Camp

Players eligible for U17 Boys National team who attended the February Selection Camp

Players eligible for U15 Girls National team who attended the February Selection Camp

Players eligible for U15 Boys National team who attended the February Selection Camp