Thank you so much for your responses.
I'm currently not directly involved in the hands-on aspects of coaching, managing, or supporting any team in Finland. However, just from reading the commentary here, it appears that player recruitment practices, concerns about match-fixing, and possibly some cultural differences in communication have contributed to the negative attitudes expressed by some individuals writing here and, I assume, by those working with competing clubs.
On the flip side, it's evident that the majority of commentators here recognize the significant value in Drive's player development efforts and overall coaching approaches. There are also several critical voices here expressing concerns about the current state of Finnish basketball and the prevailing orthodoxy - I count myself among that group. This is why I particularly welcome diversity, agency, and passion within the basketball circles in Finland. I believe we desperately need those elements.
That being said, it's crucial to acknowledge that everyone here is a basketball fan and ultimately wants what's best for players in Finland and for Finnish basketball as a whole. As you mentioned, there are positive aspects to Finnish basketball, especially considering its relative size compared to other European countries and its still-developing culture.
While I'm not entirely sure if this message is reaching the right person, I personally want to express my gratitude to you and all the other coaches for the work you do. I genuinely wish the best for Drive Academy and for everyone contributing to the growth of Finnish basketball culture. I believe that working together within a respectful competitive framework is the best recipe for that growth.
PS How long do you think South Carolina will go in the SEC and NCAA-tournaments?