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It is an interesting topic.
Though I am a little concerned that this is discussed in the public forum, in the interest of our two NT coaches who are not in our FB group, will discuss this openly here:-

I look at it a little differently.

Considering that we don't have that many local trainers to begin with, I am thinking we don't really have that much to choose from in terms of pure U21 players. I have limited experience in U21 roster and skillsets, but from the time Ethan was playing in the U21, it does seem like we don't really have much of a choice with regards to getting a roster filled with $20K players compared to countries with higher userbase. Based on this, I feel the U21 coach is already trying his best and will continue to make do with whatever he has available in his roster (which has a roster refresh every season!).

So it is not really about having an U21 team consisting of PA and below potential. For me, it is more towards every manager will train a player that will best fit his team. If the manager is hoping to contribute to the NT (be it U21 or NT), then a training proposal can be shared (this part the potential will play a big role as to what type or training is proposed) but still no guarantee for a spot in the NT. But when these players, irregardless whether they are starter potential or Hall of Famer potential, reach 21 (or maybe even 20), the U21 coach will be the one to decide which player will best fit the NT roster. Focus is on skillsets not so much on potential for NT selection. If there are two players with similar skillsets available to the U21 coach, then in the interest of the NT, the better option will be to opt for the one with a higher potential to enable a slight experience advantage.

I do agree with Westri that if a certain player exhibits certain potential for NT (both starting skillsets and potential), the training proposed should be optimised for NT.
But of course, it is certainly still the manager's choice whether to follow 100% or to adjust according to his situation (PO week or All Star Week or maybe a week filled with hard games).
Similarly, it is also the NT coaches' choice whether any player will be chosen for the NT based on the pool of players that are made available to him or her (even if the manager follows 100% to the training proposed by the coach)

Last edited by KwaiWah at 10/26/2014 12:38:53 AM

To me, the real game changer was Steve Gabriel's performance, after Xiao Daocheng fouled out, he took over the game and his +/- ratio is the best of the team. It really shows his impact on the game! Let see if he can renew such a performance against better and fresher players.

I agree for Steve Gabriel but we should not forget that Pakistan's center is not as talented as some other countries' centers. As you said, it's a performance to be confirmed against stronger opponents.

Regarding the win, I would not minimize Pakistan's game, if their 3 players didn't foul out, it could have been a lot closer. Watching the game, I had the same feeling as you but it didn't happen until this 4th quarter, after the 3 starters fouled out. On that very game, we didn't show how superior we are. In conclusion, I'm less optimistic than you are, we did the job but we could have played better. I have no doubt that if we play the same game with the same tactics and the same players 10 more times, we got 10 better results than this 14-point win.

Thank you for the offer, one or two days ago, a 18-year old promising young Malaysian went to a Spanish team, unfortunately, the manager didn't reply (yet?) to my message. I will try to let you know if there is any good looking Malaysian boy on the market for you to play with ;)

I do appreciate you trying to help and I strongly believe that the small BB Malaysian community is also welcoming any help, especially when it comes from an experienced manager like you.