BQ and BA selectors will identify athletes from their applications who best fit the future Boomers and Opals characteristics, ability to play at an international junior level and improve the quality of the overall BQ state program.

Selected athletes will have the potential to be identified for or have been identified for the following national teams or programs: - Under 17 Crocs (men) and Under 17 Sapphires (women) - Under 19 Emus (men) and Under 19 Gems (women) - CoE or NBA Global Academy Scholarship.

The International athlete attributes

When evaluating players for High-Performance programs, the following attributes can be used as a guide to help determine the value of a selection. A player can show exceptional ability in one area and that be enough to be identified as a future opal or boomer. The more attribute a player displays, the more likely he or she is at being a successful international athlete. It is important to understand that the player will be viewed and treated as a 365 athlete (multi-purpose) and shouldn’t be labelled due to size, speed etc.

• Physical attributes - Exceptional athlete – speed, size, length, vertical leap, anticipation, endurance

• Psychological attributes (off court) – Growth mindset, resilience, mental toughness, competitive mentality, and internal drive

• Psychological attributes (on court) - Court awareness, decision making, “feel” Basketball IQ,

• Technical ability (skillset) – High level shooter under pressure, passing and reads, dribbling and creativity, footwork and counters and skill versality (position less skills)

• Tactical ability (student of the game) – ability to learn and transfer different concepts and systems into practise and game play

• Culture and Community – Understanding of a “Team First” culture and willingness to play a role for the success of a team