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Game 5 - vs: Philippines: LOSS: 80 - 92 (57479)

We lose our first competitive game of the season to Asian giants Philippines. However, the game plan was to keep the points difference close, which (in my opinion), we achieved, losing by 12 points. We didn't start the game well, but we got our rhythm together in the second quarter, both offensively and defensively (getting them to only score 12 points in that quarter). However, in the end, they were too good for us, handing our first competitive defeat this season.

Good news though, is that we are still in with a chance to progress through to the knock-out stages of the tournament.

MVPs:
1. Dean Huhtaniemi - 3 votes.
2. Dwayne O'Meley - 2 votes.
3. Epalahame Coleman - 1 vote.

Next Game:
vs Moldova. Tune in!

Game 6 - vs: Moldova: WIN: 124 - 65 (57522)

A satisfying win. Not only do we win, but we win big to boost our PD. Not much I could say, other than fantastic outside shooting from our PG/SG/SF, shooting a combined 52% from deep. 22 turnovers from our opponents, as opposed to only 8 from us, was also fantastic to see.

MVPs:
1. Dhasaradakumaran Pushparaj - 3 votes.
2. Dwayne O'Meley - 2 votes.
3. Brendan Saxby - 1 vote.

Next Game:
vs Denmark. Tune in!

Game 7 - vs: Denmark: LOSS: 54 - 104 (57601)

So we fall to Denmark this morning. We lose by 50 points which is a bigger PD I would have expected, however, we now fall to a 5-2 record with one game remaining. As things stand, we are still in a strong position to qualify for the second round, that is, if we win next week and other results fall in favour. However, I assure you that I will do everything in my power to make sure that we qualify.

MVPs:
1. Dhasaradakumaran Pushparaj - 3 votes.
2. Dwayne O'Meley - 2 votes.
3. Brendan Saxby - 1 vote.

Next Game:
vs Malta. Tune in!

Game 8 - vs: Malta: WIN: 113 - 58 (57644)

All we needed to qualify for the knock-out rounds of the consolation tourney was a win, and we got that win yesterday against Malta. It was a convincing win which ensured that we play in the second round for the first time since season 31 - 20 seasons ago (!!!). This of course, now means that we will face tough opposition, but I will endure to make it far as possible to ensure that we get home court advantage next season in the continental championships against other five Asian teams still vying for that opportunity.

MVPs:
1. Zhao Erqiang - 3 votes.
2. Dwayne O'Meley - 2 votes.
3. Deke Selwood - 1 votes.

Next Game:
vs Slovensko. Tune in!

World Ranking Update!!!

With us recently qualifying for the knockout round of the consolation tournament this season, after a quite successful season thus far, we have finally entered the top 50 U21 nations in the world.

We are currently ranked 47, our highest since season 44, where we were also ranked 47. This is of course, a testament to the managers of the players' managers, but also those on the offsite who have supported me throughout my two terms managing the U21 team.

This is something that I have tried to achieve since the start of my U21 management journey and I am proud that I have achieved it before the season 52 elections. I am also glad to announce that I will be a candidate in that election and will continue to try and better our ranking if re-elected. If I am not re-elected, I hope that the new manager will try to better the ranking as it is in the best interest of our nation.

Game 9 - vs: Slovensko: LOSS: 58 - 80 (57839)

The low-scoring loss means that our competitive campaign for season 51 comes to an end. It was a successive campaign in my eyes, making it to the knock-out round of the consolation tournament for the first time in 20 seasons. I was thoroughly impressive with our defensive performance, throughout the season but was let down by our scoring. My focus now shifts to preparing for the our season 52 campaign in the continental tournament, with a number of scrimmages with new (and existing) faces hitting the floor representing our nation.

MVPs:
1. Dwayne O'Meley - 3 votes.
2. Dhasaradakumaran Pushparaj - 2 votes.
3. Brendon Saxby - 1 vote.

Next Game:
TBA.

Apologies for the late updates. Have been busy in real life and have been kept away from BB.

Scrimmage - vs: Japan: LOSS: 114 - 120 (57915)

MVPs:
1. Dhasaradakuman Pushparaj - 3 votes.
2. Dwayne O'Meley - 2 votes.
3. Epalahame Coleman - 1 vote.

Scrimmage - vs: Finland: WIN: 112 - 99 (57944)

MVPs:
1. Dean Huhtaniemi - 3 votes.
2. Dwayne O'Meley - 2 votes.
3. Brendon Saxby - 1 vote.

Scrimmage - vs: Malaysia: WIN: 135 - 116 (58024)

MVPs:
1. Dhasaradakumaran Pushparaj - 3 votes.
2. Dean Huhtaniemi - 2 votes.
3. Huong Nguyen - 1 vote.

Updates:
Scouting for the Season 52 campaign is underway. A depth chart will be completed and posted on the offsite forum in the coming days. If you have a player that should be on the U21 radar, please do no hesitate to contact either myself, 11AC11 or hoddy. Additionally, if you have not joined the offsite forum, but have not joined yet, do not hesitate to contact myself for information, or refer to the "NZ Offsite Forum" forum on BB.

Scrimmage - vs: Switzerland: WIN: 116 - 113 (58093)

MVPs:
1. Brendon Saxby - 3 votes.
2. David Thornton - 2 votes.
3. Ralph Monk - 1 vote.

End of Season Summary

Season 51 officially concluded overnight as we took on Switzerland in a scrimmage win. It also officially concluded overnight as Spain beat France to win the Consolation Tournament and Italy beat Israel in the U21 World Championships. Congratulations to all teams on a great season. For us, it was a great and successful season as well. I set out the challenge to reach the knock out rounds of the Consolation Tournament, which we were able to achieve, eventually losing out to Slovensko. In addition to this, we were finally ranked inside the top 50 globally which I wanted to achieve since being appointed the U21 manager, back in season 48.

MVP Voting:
1. Dhasaradakumaran Pushparaj - 22 votes.
2. Dwayne O'Meley - 19 votes.
3. Dean Huhtaniemi - 16 votes.
4. Brendon Saxby - 7 votes.
5. Deke Selwood - 6 votes.
6. Zhao Erqiang - 4 votes.
7. David Thornton - 3 votes.
7. Bogdan Nitu - 3 votes.
9. Epalahame Coleman - 2 votes.
10. Huong Nguyen - 1 vote.
10 Ralph Monk - 1 vote.

Congratulations to Dhasaradakuman Pushparaj, who was coached by SanMarco from Air Ball Team this season. Additionally, a big thank you to every manager who had a player on the roster this season. It could not have been as successful as it was without the training from you guys.

Season 52 and Onwards:
It will be the U21 teams turn to face the election in season 52 and I am proud to announce that I will again, nominate myself towards that election again. I hope to build on the success this season and hopefully turn this once great nation in BB into a dominant force again, in the U21 competition, and eventually, on the NT stage as well.

I look forward to the election and what the future has in store for us!