Season 72 was a challenging campaign and highlighted both the strengths and limitations of our current player pool.

We began with a warm-up scrimmage against Senegal (54) before opening the Asia Championship with an encouraging 118-113 win over Singapore (45). Unfortunately, the remainder of the tournament proved difficult, with losses to Taiwan (9), Saudi Arabia (79), Hong Kong (8), Thailand (80) in a heartbreaking two-point game, and the U.A.E. (46). The results were a fair reflection of where our depth currently sits against the stronger nations in the region.

Following the championship, we played scrimmages against Japan (67) and Tunisia (98), before finishing the season with a three-match series against Lubnan (93). It was pleasing to finish that series with two wins from three while giving our outgoing 21-year-olds one last opportunity to represent New Zealand.

This season we benefited from having a handful of very capable 21-year-olds, but ultimately not enough of the wider squad had received consistent single-position training throughout their development. At U21 level, those extra few skill pops make a significant difference and a diet of one-on-one doesn't really cut it.

The next generation looks more promising, with a stronger group of 19 and 20-year-olds beginning to emerge. While nothing is set in stone, it is likely that next season will be my final season as New Zealand U21 Manager. The public vote suggests I've done a fair job rather than a great one, and I respect that. I wish the incumbent options all the best in the courtroom of public opinion, and my focus remains on getting the best out of this next group of players.

The long-term challenge remains the same. Until more New Zealand managers prioritise developing New Zealand talent, we will continue to sit towards the lower end of the international rankings. With relatively few New Zealand teams, we naturally produce fewer New Zealand draftees than many other nations. Even so, every well-trained Kiwi player makes a difference, and I encourage managers to continue investing in local talent wherever possible.

Thank you to everyone who has trained New Zealand players, offered advice, or supported the programme over the past three seasons. Your contribution is genuinely appreciated.

Hodgo

NZ U21 Manager

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New Zealand U21 - Season 72 Review