And it is time for a Steven Adams update.
The best team in New Zealand national team — Tall Blacks — wanted him for their trip to China and Europe. They had him for tryouts. Even though, they knew it was doubtful that he would be permitted to take the trip.
Adams, brother of Olympic shot put champion Valerie, would be nigh on an automatic pick because he’s the only genuine piece of tall timber in contention along with Breakers and Waikato Pistons standout Alex Pledger. After Adams had a promising debut NBL season with the Saints, the national coaches were keen to begin his introduction to the international game.
US scouts have predicted a potential NBA future for him and he was snapped up by highly credentialed Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon last year.
But Vucinic confirmed there were doubts around the Scots College youngster who is being groomed for the 2012 entry class for the University of Pittsburgh.
“There are some issues with him around his availability for the programme, with school and other things,” Vucinic said yesterday. “We’re trying to work through that, but for whatever reasons, if he’s not available he still becomes a big part of our plans for the future.”
It’s understood that Adams’ minders, including Saints assistant coach Kenny McFadden, have told the Tall Blacks coaching staff his schoolwork must come first as he seeks to fulfil eligibility criteria ahead of his American college entry.
And sure enough he was left off the final roster.
