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The developments and allegations made in recent years in our infrastructures, which we see as the future of basketball, cause great debate in the sports community. In particular, the absence or non-implementation of systematic criteria in the creation of infrastructure national team squads and the allegedly unfair player selections in this process attract great reaction from athletes, their families and the basketball public.
Lack of Database and Subjective Choices
The necessity of using objective and scientific data in creating national team squads is not a matter open to discussion. However, according to many claims, it is stated that the Federation does not have a sufficient database on this issue and the performances of the athletes are not evaluated according to objective criteria. Instead, it is claimed that the name of the club, the means of the family (!) and personal relationships, beyond the friendly relations of a system left to the mercy of two people (!), are effective in the elections. As a result of this, examples are being talked about in the community where children of families who are talented but have limited opportunities and relationships are treated unfairly and ignored.
Allegations of Nepotism and Incompetence
Allegations that nepotism and incompetence are widespread in the infrastructure system create great distrust in the sports community. It is seen that the squads are formed entirely based on personal relationships and without consulting the opinions of experienced coaches. This situation prevents competence from being replaced by competence in the system and thus prevents the development of the infrastructure.
Perception Management and Demoralization
This negative picture, which has been handed down to one person for years and therefore has become established, deeply affects thousands of children and their families. Athletes lose their motivation and become alienated from basketball due to the worry that they will be subjected to injustice. Families are also worried about their children’s future and confront the coaches.
Hopes for Change
In the face of this negative situation, we hope that Basketball Federation President Hidayet Türkoğlu is aware of the issue and will make the necessary changes. The expectations that there will be a radical transformation in the infrastructure with the new staff, especially Harun Erdenay, have now reached their peak, because everyone’s opinion is that the matter is dead-on.
Conclusion
It is of great importance for the healthy functioning of an infrastructure system determined for the future of Turkish basketball. An evaluation system based on objective criteria should be established, nepotism and incompetence should be stopped, and all kinds of opportunities should be provided for the development of athletes’ talents. Otherwise, Turkish basketball will continue to waste its great potential.
Of course, it can be approached from many different angles to examine the problems in basketball infrastructure even more deeply. In order to make a more detailed analysis on these issues, it is important to proceed by considering the following headings in order to create a permanent system.
1. Coach Training and Quality:
• Quality of Seminars and Courses: These trainings; Does it satisfy the participants in important issues such as the content, the instructor’s equipment and mastery of the subject, behavior and oratory?
• Licensed coach rate: Is the number of licensed basketball coaches sufficient?
• Content of training programs: How much do coach training programs contribute to the physical, technical and mental development of players?
• Impact of foreign coaches: What are the contributions or negative effects of foreign coaches on Turkish basketball?
• Motivation of coaches: What can be done for the working conditions, salaries, social rights and career development of coaches?
2. Investments in Infrastructure:
• Budget allocated by clubs to infrastructure: Do clubs invest enough in infrastructure?
• Adequacy of facilities: What is the quality of the facilities where youth teams train?
• Sports equipment: Is it easy for players to access the sports equipment they need?
• Nutrition and health services: Can athletes be given support regarding their nutrition and health needs?
3. Role and Awareness of Families:
• Families’ expectations: Are families adequately informed and guided about their expectations from their children?
• Families’ knowledge about basketball: How can families contribute to their children’s development?
• Families’ relationships with the club and federation: How do families communicate with the club and federation?
4. Equality of Access to Sports:
• Socioeconomic differences: Can children with low socioeconomic status have proper access to sports?
• Geographical barriers: What are the opportunities for children, especially those living in rural areas, to play basketball?
• Girls’ participation in basketball: How can girls’ interest in basketball be increased?
5. Data Analysis and Scientific Approach:
• Performance tracking systems: How are players’ performances monitored and evaluated?
• Use of data analysis tools: Is it possible to obtain more detailed information about the development of players with data analysis tools?
• Scientific studies: Are there any scientific studies about our basketball infrastructure?
6. International Comparisons:
• Countries with successful infrastructure systems: What are the successful practices in the infrastructure systems of these countries?
• Turkey’s international ranking: How does Turkey’s success in infrastructure compare with other countries?
7. Talent Screening and Player Development:
• Talent screening methods: How are talented players discovered?
• Player development programs: What programs are implemented to maximize the players’ potential?
• Positional development: Can we produce a common mind on which position players should be trained in?
8. Basketball Culture and Society:
• Basketball’s place in society: How popular is basketball in Turkey?
• The role of the media: How does the media reflect the basketball infrastructure?
• Sponsorship and support: Are there any institutions and organizations that sponsor basketball infrastructure?
We have no doubt that, with infrastructure planning in the light of all these, basketball will reach the place it deserves in a short time in a country of 85 million people.
Cem Cagal
Basketball Coach
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