Progression the priority for Cooper-Brown and the U17 Crocs

The competitive standard of international basketball is at a ferocious high and the depth of the talent emerging was on display at the FIBA U17 Men’s World Cup in Turkey. 

Australia’s U17 Crocs had a strong start to the tournament, finishing top of their group with wins against Egypt, Germany and Canada and looked likely to progress with a strong lead against Italy in the group of 16 playoff.

Talent wasn’t the question for an Australian unit led by Dash Daniels, Mading Kuany, Harrison Beauchamp, Roor Akhuar and Indy Cotton - however, endurance became a factor.

A heart-breaking fade against Italy halted the Crocs progression, followed by an uncharacteristically slow start to France in the 9 – 16 playoffs. Eventually, the Crocs rounded out their tournament with a win over Philippines to finish as the 15th ranked team in the tournament.

Nathan Cooper-Brown, Head Coach of Australian U17 Men’s Team reflects.

“As Australians, we always head into International tournament’s with high expectations, it’s in our nature. But there are so many moving parts to having success at elite events like the U17 World Cup. I am extremely disappointed that I couldn’t do more for the athletes, staff & program. Finishing 15th was not indicative of the talent or hard work done by so many.” Said Cooper-Brown.

Regardless of tournament outcomes there is always progress.

A group of Australia’s best young men’s basketball talent got a firsthand insight on the standard and demands of international basketball and for most, it was their first opportunity to prepare and challenge themselves against in touring environment. 

“Being so far away from basketball meccas like North America and Europe, it’s exceptionally difficult to get quality international games and exposure to the physicality of FIBA,” added Cooper-Brown.

“So the experience gained by these young men, as they strive for success at the next level, was invaluable. Players like Mading Kuany, Ajak Nyuon, Indy Cotton, Harry Beauchamp and Dash Daniels will hopefully apply the exposure to a new level of size, physicality, and defensive pressure to make strides towards representing the green & gold again in the near future.”

Four players from the U17 Crocs representative side will now look towards a stint at the NBA Global Academy with Dash Daniels, Mading Kuany, Sa Pilimai and Nash Walker heading to NBA Global Academy Games in Atlanta.

The development of the eight returning home also remains a priority with Beauchamp, Cotton, Dickeson, Akhuar, Robinson, Nyuon, Sewell and Cheesman eyeing a return to club and performance pathway development.