The Malta Basketball Association caught the headlines for the right reasons this summer following the national teams’ participation and fine results obtained at the FIBA European Championships.

In July, the U-16 selections were in action at the Pavilion in Ta’ Qali with the boys striking gold and their girl counterparts earning a deserved silver medal.

Up next were the men’s senior national squad who travelled to Gibraltar for the Division C tournament.

Paolo Di Fonzo’s team had an outstanding performance and went close to winning the gold medal, only to be edged by section favourites Andorra 66-63 in the final.

Engaging new players is essential but investing in a qualified coach is by far more beneficial on the long term- MBA head Paul Sultana

Angela Adamoli had a list of young newcomers in her squad for the women’s tournament in Austria but they still succeeded in making the podium when finishing third after beating Scotland in a play-off.

It was then the turn of the U-18s to get involved in the continental championships with the Maltese girls overshadowing the boys after a merited second placing overall.

Such positive results were the fruit of the sound investment the Malta Basketball Association has undertaken in its coaching set-up with the appointment of Di Fonzo and Adamoli along with fellow Italian Gabriele Alesse who is working in the youth sector aided by Sandro Farrugia.

The exploits of the national teams left a positive feeling on MBA chief Paul Sultana.

“We always felt the need to bring in quality trainers, people who would help us revitalise our coaching sector,” he said.

“Gabriele Alesse was handed the responsibility of leading our academy. Under the supervision of Paolo Di Fonzo, he conducts regular training sessions and also visits clubs to offer guidance and assistance to our coaches.

“He took under his wings a group of U-14 players who have shown considerable progress and the results are now for all to see with our successful participation in the U-16 and U-18 tournaments.

“Sandro Farrugia is a vital cog in this aspect. He has been working at the MBA for several years and been of great service with our youth teams.”

Sultana said a change in the playing philosophy introduced by Di Fonzo and Adamoli has infused fresh enthusiasm among the players.

“Our national teams have never experienced the style of basketball adopted by our national coaches,” the former Malta international added.

“We are no longer banking on individuals during matches but on the input of all members in the team.

“The men’s team went close to winning gold but lack of international matches cost us dearly in the end. However, I’m sure this summer’s experience will be a useful exercise for all our national teams in future.”

Clubs’ investment

Sultana is now hoping that Maltese clubs will follow the MBA’s example and invest wisely on quality coaches who can help develop their young players.

“In my opinion, our sport requires more top-notch coaches to continue with its deve-lopment,” Sultana said.

“Engaging new players is essential but investing in a qualified coach is by far more beneficial on the long term. An overseas player could be instrumental in attaining success for one particular season. Then, they’ll probably leave and the team is dragged into limbo.

“We have a few clubs facing difficult situations and struggling to field a competitive side for the new season. That’s why they should look more into organised youth set-ups and hiring qualified coaches.

“The MBA is doing its utmost to assist clubs in sending their coaches to FIBA courses so they could bring out the best from the players coming up, the future of our sport.”

Turning his sights on the new campaign, during which the MBA will be marking its 50th anniversary, Sultana said they want to ensure the country will have two strong basketball selections for the 2015 GSSE, in Iceland next June.

“Unless we have a team competitive enough to challenge for the medal positions it’s useless to make the trip as the expenses required are huge,” Sultana remarked.

“The women’s team is poised to compete in Iceland and we have full confidence in them to be among the contenders for the major honour.

“As regards the men’s selection the situation is different. This has been an encouraging summer but they still have to step up a level to be competitive enough and qualify for the medal matches at the GSSE.

“The level of competition in Iceland will be superior to the European Championship Division C so we want to work harder and, if possible, also reinforce the squad with players from overseas leagues who are eligible to represent the national team.”

Sultana also stressed on the importance of having Maltese players abroad.

“We are always encouraging and assisting our players to continue their careers away from the Maltese league as that is the only way they can make a step up in their level,” the MBA president opined.

“At present, we have Sam Deguara looking to earn a contract abroad. We all love to see Sam playing here with us but for him it’s essential to join a foreign club and play consistently at a higher level to reach the maximum of his potential.

“Besides we also have the promising Kurt Cassar who is set for a trial in Italy. The lad is only 15 but there’s potential in him. An experience outside the country will be of great benefit for his development. If he stays here he will never make the grade.”

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