When the USA U16 Trials begin next week in Colorado Springs it will be the first time that many of the elite 33 invited athletes will genuinely be in a position to be “cut” in an effort to secure a place on a basketball team. When you consider the fact that just 12 individuals will be named to the team, 21 high profile and already accomplished players will head home dealing with a disappointment that has never been an issue for them before. There’s also the possibility that even a couple more might come up short with over 100 additional hopefuls taking part in the trials by way of open application. The last time around for the 16U group that “uninvited” group included the likes of Lindsay Allen (Notre Dame), Kianna Holland (Duke) and Jessica Washington (North Carolina). As a result, the competition for just a dozen spots likely will be one of the most intense environments any of these athletes will have ever competed in.
Picking the teams to represent our country in international competition wearing the USA jersey can be a challenging process, particularly at the younger ages. When you look back on the success of the United States in recent competition at all age levels it’s hard to second guess the selection decisions and methodology utilized by the folks at USA Basketball. That doesn’t mean that observers at the various trials haven’t been surprised or curious regarding some individual decisions here and there, but the arguments lose validity to a great degree when gold is consistently the result. This brings me to the point of this column…the best players or the best trial performances don’t always make the final cut to wear red, white and blue.
Before we move on, please keep in mind these thoughts are those of this old coach and outside observer alone rather than someone having anything formally to do with USA Basketball. That being said, I would like to reiterate what I said above. The best players or the best performances are not always chosen when the final roster is posted. We’ve seen several instances where high achieving athletes or incredible play in the trials goes unrewarded…and rightfully so.
The toughest thing for the athletes themselves, as well as the parents, media and evaluators sitting courtside in Colorado Springs to understand is that it’s not actually a competition to make the team…it’s an “audition”. Just because a player can dominate the floor and do A, B and C doesn’t mean she’s the right “fit” for the team that the committee is envisioning and piecing together. Let’s face it, as talented of an actor as Johnny Depp is, he wouldn’t be able to quite pull off some of Will Smith’s roles and vice versa. Doesn’t make either less of an actor, just not right for the part.
International basketball is a completely different style of play than what we see day in and day out here at home. Logically then, it’s important that consideration be given to the needs for that specific competition and the opponents that could be waiting come game time. In that light, a lot of talented and high achieving athletes hear the word “no” for the first time in their careers.
Sticking with the analogy of an “audition”, there really isn’t a script for participants to follow when they take the floor at the Olympic Training Center. It’s tempting to say “get out there and do what you do and do it well”. To a degree that might be good advice. At the same time it’s critical that the coaches and selection committee see what they’re looking for in specific drill, breakdown or scrimmage situation. Do what they ask and how they ask you to do it. That doesn’t mean you pass up a wide open layup to reverse the ball but it may mean you use the screen being set for you rather than put it on the floor and do your best Carmelo one on one thing.
It could be that players are asked to do things that normally aren’t part of their game. That could mean handling the ball more or less than normal, taking shots they normally wouldn’t (or passing them up) or even playing a completely different position. You can be sure that they’re going to begin building their offensive and defensive structure within everything they do right from the start. Failure to grasp or follow instruction is a good way to ensure no return trip in June to prepare for the FIBA Americas U16 Championship. Keeping in mind the short amount of preparation time for international competition, it’s a safe bet they’ll be noticing who picks things up quickly and who struggles with change and instruction.
And then there are the “givens”.
It’s a given that you work hard. Not just every day, not just every session, but lay it on the line every single rep or possession. With a group making decisions as to who stays and who goes you never know what eyes might be on you and what they might be looking for at that moment. Don’t give them a reason to look at someone else. Assume your opportunity to make it through to the next round of cuts is on the line each time you’re on the floor.
It’s a given that you play team ball. If ever there was a setting inappropriate to “look for your own” rather than seeking out the best option, this is it. Keep in mind the folks making decisions are knowledgeable and experienced so even if you convert six of eight forced shots…they won’t be impressed because they know that it doesn’t translate. On top of that, doing your own thing impacts the opportunities of others and that can backfire in more ways than you can ever imagine.
It’s a given that everything you do “represents”. Hopefully players are conscious of the fact that, first and foremost, this is an opportunity to represent your country. Everything you do on and off the court in Colorado Springs is an indicator of just how seriously you might take that role. Wear your gear as intended. Leave out the elbow sleeves, sweat bands, head wrap or any individualized personal additions if they aren’t absolutely needed. If you’re looking to make a statement, make it with your play. If you’re superstitious, trust me, playing well always provides plenty of good luck.
And lastly, it’s a given that getting cut isn’t always a bad thing. Disappointing at the time maybe, but in the bigger picture if you truly are an elite level player it will only make you better. An opportunity to be on the floor with high level players of this caliber is rare and can only sharpen your game. And if you aren’t motivated by missing the cut, rest assured they made the right choice. You don’t have to be happy about it but you should have plenty of inspiration to get in the gym every day.
Should things not go your way, don’t blame someone else, claim that the process is political, or try to rationalize it any other way to make yourself feel better. The “audition” didn’t go your way and you weren’t what they were looking for this time around. The players who made the team aren’t necessarily more talented, just better fits for the roles that needed to be filled. If you disagree, get to work and prove them wrong when you’re on the stage again.
