BuzzerBeater Forums

Its off to Bosnia & Herzogovina for the Euros. We have a difficult draw, which includes the world champions, but as a medium sized country we're always going to be up against bigger ones.

I'd like this thread to be for everyone to air their views on the u21 squad and games, particularly those people who disapprove of me, but the past has shown me that's not likely. I'd also like this to be the place where people come to get help with their players who they think could make the squad. I prefer to use the forum for communication to mail as its a lot easier for me here, especially as I don't need to repeat myself. However, if you prefer then I do try to respond to all mails.

The people who have written to me in the last few days haven't received replies yet. Those who mailed me last week, I was waiting to see if I won, and those since yesterday, I'll get to.

My first job is to go through every possible squad member, from 18 to 21, before saturday. Those I already know about I need to update their skils and with the new draftees, I need to get their skills for my database. That will take most of my time for the next couple of days.

I'm sure I speak for many when I say thanks for stepping in.

Many of us know what a big effort this role requires and to see you take it up again after clearly expressing your desire to step down is a testament to your commitment to the national and u21 teams. Thank you.

Well, I now have a database which I think contains every likely u21 player. 194 of them altogether. So forgive me if mailing all the owners takes longer than a couple of days.

First game out of the way. Comparing ratings to the last two seasons they look about the same, which is a little disappointing. I was beginning to think this squad was better. With some good players in not so good shape its possible we can improve though.

The game went much as expected, we were simply better than them in probably every facet. I have to single out the Bournemouth Drunkers duo, Domanowski and Katz dominated the scoring, managing 51 points between them. Dick Mealy was a bit of a surprise at SF, scoring 19, and assisting 6 other baskets. Each starter had 2 steals (my second favourite stat) though they were outshone by backup big Gregory Witt, who in 16 minutes chalked up 4 steals and 3 blocks, not all of which came in garbage time. Peter Grove was another backup who contributed, 14 pts in 16 minutes was an impressive game.

Next week will be harder, hopefully we'll be able to add to the squad if some players improve game shape.

Very poor job today I'm afraid. The players did their best but apart from putting some in impossible situations I should have been able to predice that Denmark were at the very least going inside on us. Instead I attempted to match their lineup when it would been better playing to our strengths. I also felt Denmark would normal, since it looks a game they might be looking to win.

Some players did outstandingly well despite my poor choices. Domanowski with 12 assists stood out. In fact we did well passing which makes my tactical choices look even worse. Though on the other hand there were far too many turnovers, albeit not all of those were from poor ball handling.

Katz again, Ian Grove and Elphinstone scored well, though we never really looked as good shooting as Denmark.

Of course, I should add Denmark played really well. They have a couple of very good players and use them well. I'm sure they'll compete well in the group.

Looks at the moment that next week might be a week off of sorts, but I'll prepare as if there's going to be a game.

Review later. First, a rant.

Its bloody disgusting in any game to give a walkover but in a situation where there are so few games, giving a walkover in an NT game is disgraceful. Gifting teams wins by 50 points and then showing up for a game is just ridiculous. Shame on Albania.

As I already said, at least Albania finally showed up for a game. Typical that it would be ours, though at least they didn't crunch us.

Only managed a win by 48 points, when I was hoping for more than 50, which is what the other teams they (didn't) played earlier got for their walkovers. I played a different lineup to the previous two games, a much more offensive starting 5 with less emphasis on defence. We're fortunate that we can do that, but it wasn't quite enough.

Next week will be a different matter altogether. Latvia pushed Poland this week, and they've often had good teams in the past so it will be a test.

Close games are always tense and this monday's was worse than most. We looked poor in the first quarter, but for the rest of the game we played reasonably well, especially the third where we seemed to score at will.

Having been twenty plus points behind, to the point where we actually managed to get a four point lead, it was a massive disappointment to lose it in the end.

The two starting guards, Domanowski and Grove scored well, we had assists from almost everywhere, but we didn't rebound as well as Latvia, and we fouled too often.

We have Spain next. They're only the world champions so that's ok. At least they'll be expecting an easy game.

Latvia have a 7'3, 91k salary C, how are we meant to Rb against that?? XD

Latvia have a 7'3, 91k salary C, how are we meant to Rb against that?? XD

Gully knows: foul him hard until they take him away from the arena on a stretcher.