10/05/2006
News
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Mac stars get their chance to shine
From www.hamiltonspectator.com
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Two McMaster Marauders with dreams of someday representing Canada on an international basketball stage have a golden opportunity this weekend.
Mac's Adam Steiner and Chiara Rocca have been selected to take part in the first national all-star games being held for Canadian college and university players.
It's part of the Be One All-Canadian Weekend at McMaster. Practice sessions and clinics are also on the agenda, beginning Friday.
The women's all-star contest is scheduled for Sunday at noon, followed by the men's game at 2 p.m.
Participants will have the chance to showcase their talents in front of Canada Basketball officials including men's national team head coach Leo Rautins and women's national team head coach Allison McNeill.
"It's great that the game is being played," said Marauders' coach Joe Raso. "It's showing that Canada Basketball is trying to find ways to involve CIS (and CCAA) players.
Raso said players with all-star credentials from across Canada have confirmed their attendance.
"It's very well represented. The guys will be better players for being here this weekend.
"I know Adam is excited to be identified at this level. He'll get a chance to show his entire game. He can do more than just score inside. Adam shoots the ball fairly well."
League all-stars Steiner and Rocca have both participated in high school all-star games before, but never at the university level.
'It's a cliche, but it's certainly an honour," Steiner said of his selection. "It's everybody's dream in Canada to have the opportunity to play at the national level. It will be awesome to play in front of the national team coaches. I certainly hope to be good enough at some point."
Steiner said he's not sure how the international rules (FIBA) will affect his performance. A 24-second clock will be used as opposed to the 30-second timer.
"People tend not to be shy to shoot at all-star games," Steiner said. "The play is up and down with less defence."
Rocca says she has tried out for the national team for the past two years.
"It's one of the goals I have," the 6-foot-1 CIS Defensive Player of the Year said. "It's always been in the back of my mind. Whether I'll be able to make it, I don't know.
Download source here
Two McMaster Marauders with dreams of someday representing Canada on an international basketball stage have a golden opportunity this weekend.
Mac's Adam Steiner and Chiara Rocca have been selected to take part in the first national all-star games being held for Canadian college and university players.
It's part of the Be One All-Canadian Weekend at McMaster. Practice sessions and clinics are also on the agenda, beginning Friday.
The women's all-star contest is scheduled for Sunday at noon, followed by the men's game at 2 p.m.
Participants will have the chance to showcase their talents in front of Canada Basketball officials including men's national team head coach Leo Rautins and women's national team head coach Allison McNeill.
"It's great that the game is being played," said Marauders' coach Joe Raso. "It's showing that Canada Basketball is trying to find ways to involve CIS (and CCAA) players.
Raso said players with all-star credentials from across Canada have confirmed their attendance.
"It's very well represented. The guys will be better players for being here this weekend.
"I know Adam is excited to be identified at this level. He'll get a chance to show his entire game. He can do more than just score inside. Adam shoots the ball fairly well."
League all-stars Steiner and Rocca have both participated in high school all-star games before, but never at the university level.
'It's a cliche, but it's certainly an honour," Steiner said of his selection. "It's everybody's dream in Canada to have the opportunity to play at the national level. It will be awesome to play in front of the national team coaches. I certainly hope to be good enough at some point."
Steiner said he's not sure how the international rules (FIBA) will affect his performance. A 24-second clock will be used as opposed to the 30-second timer.
"People tend not to be shy to shoot at all-star games," Steiner said. "The play is up and down with less defence."
Rocca says she has tried out for the national team for the past two years.
"It's one of the goals I have," the 6-foot-1 CIS Defensive Player of the Year said. "It's always been in the back of my mind. Whether I'll be able to make it, I don't know.
