Selection criteria
We invest
in people
We do not select teams. We invest in people.
Potential, not just current performance
What we value
- Character and coachability
- Commitment and work ethic
- Growth mindset and personal goals
- Potential and development needs
What we avoid
- Selecting only established stars
- Treating selection like a rep team trial
What we look for
Each area is weighted by how much it matters to us.
Character and coachability
How you listen, respond to feedback and treat others.
Work ethic and commitment
Effort when nobody is watching, and showing up every session.
Basketball skills
Your current skill level, and how quickly you pick up new ones.
Basketball IQ
Reading the game, spacing and decision-making.
Athletic potential
How you move, your coordination and how much you can still grow, not just how big you are now.
Personal development
Your goals, your mindset and what you want from the programme.
A five-point scale
- 1EmergingNeeds significant development and support
- 2DevelopingSome ability; consistency still emerging
- 3CompetentMeets expected development standards
- 4ProficientConsistently strong ability and understanding
- 5ExceedingAdvanced ability, consistency and potential
Ratings guide the panel’s discussion. They are never the only thing that decides selection.
Eight stages
- Expression of interestRegister interest online.
- Eligibility reviewWe check the basics and get in touch.
- Athlete assessmentSkills and movement on court.
- Character assessmentAttitude, coachability and how you work with others.
- Athlete interviewA short conversation about you and your goals.
- Selection panel reviewA three-person panel looks at everything together.
- Outcome and feedbackEvery applicant hears back, with feedback.
- Individual development planSelected players start their personalised plan.
Three possible outcomes
Every applicant gets a way forward.
Selected
You join the Manawa programme and receive a structured individual development plan.
Development pool
You receive feedback, development priorities and the chance to be reassessed.
Community referral
We connect you with suitable club, school or community basketball opportunities.
How we keep it fair
- Criteria are published before anyone is assessed
- A three-person selection panel makes every decision
- Panel members declare and manage any conflicts of interest
- A fair appeals process is available
- Scholarships are kept separate from selection scores
- Academic needs lead to extra support, not exclusion
- Every applicant gets feedback
Get on our radar
Register your interest for the next 12-week programme. We'll be in touch with next steps.