N.Z. JUNIORS MAY PLAY FOR AUSTRALIA

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31224, 23 November 1966, Page 19

N.Z. JUNIORS MAY PLAY FOR AUSTRALIA

rpHE erroneous Idea in the minds of some overseas people that New Zealand is part of Australia may be reinforced when an Australian junior men’s basketball team visits America next season under the sponsorship of the People To People organisation. Because the New Zealand junior team will be competing in the Australian junior carnival in Melbourne next season the Australian Basketball Union has unanimously decided that “should any of the New Zealand players be up to the required standard they would be eligible for selection.” The team will be selected on performances at the carnival. This will provide New Zealand’s juniors with the greatest incentive to train hard that they have ever had. The chance of any gaining selection, however, is fairly remote. At the most, one, or possibly two, could be included in the team but they would first have to out-

shine their Australian rivals. Being as good as Australians would not be enough. If Australians and the New Zealanders showed equal ability then obviously the Australians would be chosen.

Nevertheless, this should not stop New Zealand’s juniors going all out for selection. Even the possibility of a trip to Australia for the carnival should provide them with plenty of encouragement. It will be the first time a junior representative team has ever travelled overseas from New Zealand and in Christchurch, at least, there are a number of young players determined to train right throughout winter in an effort to win a place. Some are practising up to two hours a day. The Australian state team In the junior carnival will be restricted to under 18 on September 30 but this will not apply to the New Zealand team.