The Maltese male national basketball squad concluded its commitments in the European Championship qualifiers the past few days. The past two weeks were quite hectic for the locals as they had to play three away games in a short span of seven days with trips to Ireland, Slovakia and Switzerland respectively.
The Maltese venture in this edition of the qualifiers (the second time that Malta has taken part in such high level qualifiers) started last year when Malta played three consecutive home games against the same nations.
I personally know a number of persons who are highly critical of the fact that Malta participates in these qualifiers and tend to make a reference to the scores of these games.
From the outset, I want to make it clear that I definitely do not form part of this group and I truly believe that we must take part in these competitions but I want to add one more factor, on the premise that everything is taken seriously and based on a sound and professional preparation programme encompassing technical, physiological and psychological preparation with targets set clearly for the future.
The level of the local game cannot improve more than a certain standard (presently the level has hit a certain plateau these last years and has not moved much away) if we just confine ourselves to play just locally (maybe with a review of the foreign player policy, i.e. foreign players allowed back to play with maybe certain criteria and financial limits for the clubs, the level could be improved with just home-based games.
Competing in the international arena against both superior and similar-level teams will surely contribute to motivate the real players in developing their game and consequently lead to a multiplier effect across the local environment.
Back to the qualifiers, Malta presented a sort of two different teams if one looks at the squads of this year and last year.
Last year we played at home and suffered defeats against Ireland (51-90), Slovakia (53-107) and Switzerland (57-90).
It was evident that this year would be harder not only because they were playing away from home but also because the national coach, the Italian Dipietrantonio, opted to leave out certain experienced but still young elements and drafted certain youngsters with limited international exposure.
Many criticised the coach for this decision and argued that several valid and experienced players were left out and the squad was surely not the best possible. Personally I prefer not to pass any judgement as I honestly believe that one has to know all the facts, from all quarters, before being able to arrive at an unbiased conclusion.
What I surely do not hesitate to say is that, in my sporting principles, a player is never bigger than a team and that efficient chemistry is the most successful ingredient to reap success.
If the coach wants to work on some programme, we should allow time and not expect immediate results. He must have a clear road where to apply his technical and disciplinary principles but there must also be consistence, professionalism and thorough dedication from his and the federation’s part in order to finally reach our goals and try to imitate other small countries who have made giant steps in the European sphere thanks to sound and consistent programmes across all levels (even at the grassroots). Iceland and Cyprus are two clear examples whereas Luxembourg is increasing its status although it is within our reach.
Just as a note, during the Small Nations Games we make a reference (rightly so) to the use of foreign players by our opponents. However in official FIBA competitions, like the qualifiers, this is not the case as FIBA clearly forbids the use of foreign players and only legal passport holders play for the countries.
With the new look side, Malta had to bow down to superior opponents. The group had a serious twist when Switzerland surprised favourites Slovakia and thus both teams, together with Ireland, were with a chance to obtain the top spot which would allow them the possibility of moving further in the competition.
The locals lost 49-98 in Ireland (with Pat Burke, just signed by Phoenix Suns in the NBA, playing for the Irish) and then 39-100 to Slovakia. In the final game Malta lost 37-83 in Switzerland.
The group finished with Slovakia, Switzerland and Ireland all sharing 10 points but it was the latter who moved to the Additional Qualification Round together with other group winners, Austria, Denmark and Macedonia.
Comparing last year’s results to this year’s (although it is quite illogical to do so since different factors affect each game), one could say that, despite the transition squad employed this year, there was some consistency.
My plea is that each local player has a real love for the national team and thus be available for selection and also available to heed to the coach’s instructions (whoever it may be) so that nobody could point any fingers. Only in this way could we really prepare acutely and present our best possible formation.
At times I cannot understand certain apathy displayed by individuals when personally I find great pride to represent my country, even though with a different responsibility.
As for our friends from the Small Nations Games, Iceland finished second in Group A (made up of just three countries) registering two wins over Romania. Cyprus finished third in Group C with three wins (two over Albania and one against Belarus) whereas Luxembourg finished last, similar to Malta, with no wins.
I hope that a serious analysis will now be done so as to present a better packet for the forthcoming qualifiers.
This week it will be the female national team who will play their qualifiers. One does not expect that we beat the likes of Belarus, Norway and Macedonia. One only expects full commitment by the transitional squad which is preparing to compete in next year’s Commonwealth Games for which they qualified on their own merits.
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