Season 52 NZ U21 ReviewSeason Storyline:We start the season with a scrimmage win against Thailand. We then win three in a row to start off our Asian Championship campaign - winning against Pakistan, Vietnam and UAE. We continue our winning streak with a scrimmage win against Ecuador. We then close out the first round of the Asian Championship with three straight losses against the Philippines, Taiwan and Singapore. We commence the second round of the Asian Championship with a win against South Korea. We then gave Australia our best shot - losing by 13 points (our best game of the season, albeit a loss). We were the underdogs against Thailand, given our best centre (Epalahame Coleman) was injured, to which we loss which crushed our chance of fighting for a World Cup place in the World Championship Repechage. We then lose our two final games in the second round to Kazakhstan and Philippines.
Overall, it was a disappointing season, given our potential at the start of the season, yet we gave our best, particularly to some of the best nations in this continent given the negative circumstances we were dealt. We are now in the Consolation Tournament for season 53.
MVP:= 1. Ralph Monk - 14 votes.
= 1. Brendon Saxby - 14 votes.
3. Brody Farmer - 12 votes.
4. Epalahame Coleman - 10 votes.
= 5. Dean Huhtaniemi - 6 votes.
= 5. Huong Nguyen - 6 votes.
= 5. Jed Lizotte - 6 votes.
8. Xavier Kainth - 3 votes.
9. Vihaan Singh - 1 vote.
Congratulations to
DAN from team
we are the future for training
Ralph Monk, as well as
Te-Ariki from
Manurewa Magic for training
Brendon Saxby, who are our dual MVPs for season 52.
Fun Fact: Our dual MVPs will be returning for season 53 :)
Of course, I'd like to thank every other manager who trained an U21 player last season. Whilst a majority of them will return for season 53, our season 52 cohort has been the best group of players I have had at my disposal since I started this role in season 48. Our U21 future looks bright!
Season 53 Preview:Wow! That was my one-word reaction when I had completed my initial round of scouting. I won't say much because the team will be finalised soon, but be assured that season 53 will be a great one! Hopefully we get a friendly draw so that we have the best chance possible of hosting the season 54 Asian Championships.
Again, I thank everyone involved with the U21 program in season 52. Namely
hoddy and
thenine, who has assisted with tactics and training their own players. To all NZ BB members, please join our offsite forum here:
https://newzealandbb.freeforums.net/Looking forward to Season 53!
Cheers,
Te-Ariki