Representative Basketball
Team Selection Process
What is Junior Championship Basketball?
Junior Championship Basketball is an advanced standard of competition played over three different, graded levels, of competition. Championship Basketball comes under the umbrella of Basketball Victoria and is played between the various Metropolitan Associations, in the metropolitan areas. Teams at the Championship level are selected on the basis of ability.
Koonung Comets encourages stronger players to “try out” for Junior Championship Basketball. We are proud of the quality of Koonung Comets players, they have performed consistently well against players from other domestic clubs.
The highest level of the Championship competition is called The Victorian Junior Championship League and includes a few country teams such as Ballarat and Bendigo. Whilst it is not common, some beginners, who have been playing basketball for some time, can reach this level in their first season.
The next level of competition is called The Victorian Junior Basketball League, Metropolitan Divisions 1 – 9. Teams participating at this level, complete an extensive grading phase to determine in which division they will compete. Games at all levels are played, broadly, on a home and away basis.
The new season commences in October with some practice games conducted as a part of the team selection process. The 1st grading phase commences in November and concludes prior to Christmas depending on which grade a team is qualifying in. After Christmas, the 2nd grading phase commences and concludes just prior to the start of the Main Championship Season which commences Mid March.
Purposes and targets
The purpose of the Championship Programme is to develop teams, coaches and individual players to the maximum level that their ability permits.
The programme is designed for those who are committed to achieving and prepared to work hard and make sacrifices to stretch their ability.
At the Victorian Championship level Clubs aspire to win premierships and gain representation in the finals series.
Representation at the highest level also allows facilitation for the possibility of individuals to achieve State representation, to train with elite squads and to prepare for playing in elite senior leagues.
At all levels, Clubs aspire for their teams to realise their potential, to qualify for as high a grade as possible and to enjoy success in their grade. We believe the variety of opposition, the prestige of the competition and the more stringent demands of championship competition at Metro and East level, provide special opportunities for development over and above those provided by domestic competition.
Player and family commitments
Championship basketball is only for players with a serious intention to achieve and to contribute to team performance even when this involves some sacrifices to the individual. Consequently, the following are expected:
1. Attendance at all games and practices except where illness or important family obligations necessitate otherwise.
2. A dedication and commitment from the player to training, learning new skills, and fitting into a team pattern. Team training should be supplemented with individual home practice of fundamentals during the week.
3. Co-operation in the observation of championship and team rules relating to uniform, warming up and conduct on the court and bench.
It is essential that the family supports the player with these commitments.
Koonung players currently represent: