Polakovic makes Germany A2 National Team

[Panthers to the Bone]

I noticed on Eurobasket.com that Vince was added to a select group called the "A2" German National Team. I asked my German contact that I have emailed recently and he said that in Germany, there is the German A1 team (which is the team that would go to the Olympics), and then there is the A2 team which, as he states, "is not good enough yet to be on the 'senior' National Team, but too good to not be under the observation of the National Team Coach."

He said that there are several other "letter" national teams in Germany, but those are for younger players. The "A1" German National Team includes Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Bradley (in the past), among others. The youngest player on the team is 21 years old. Vince, I believe is only 19.

Vince is one of 17 players on the A2 team, and is believed to be the youngest member of that team as well.

It is assumed that Vince will be training with the A1 and A2 teams this summer (much like the US has their Olympic Training Facilities where the Dream Team practices). This should give Vince some great preparation going into this Fall, if he does indeed work out with the German National coaching staff and trainers! What a great opportunity and recognition for Vince! I'm getting pretty excited for him to be in the purple and gold!

[B.True]

PTTB : where do you think Vince will work in with the returners and other newcomers? didn't we get a 6-10 guy from Brazil that redshirted this year and will they be asked to step in and rotate with Stout to fill the void of Schneiderman and Gruber?

what's the situation on paper?

[Panthers to the Bone]

Here is the positional breakdown:

Point Guard: McKowen, Foster, Schmit, Josten
Shoot/Wing Guard: Little, Jacobson, Viet, Crawford, Bennett, Griffin
Posts (listed by height): Coleman, Polakovic, Stout, Godfread, Santos

I think that Polakovic, b/c of his 3 point shooting, will have a good shot at the PF position. I know Stout can also play the 4 as he did so last year (and he can knock down the 3 also). Coleman doesn't step out too much (from what his h.s. stats have shown). Godfread is more of a face up post player, and will hold down the center position.

I would look for Stout to start for sure and the other spot be a battle between Coleman, Polakovic, Godfread, and Santos. Santos is very athletic, but is still a little slight in frame. Coleman is more of a banger. Godfread is thick, but can face up. And Polakovic can shoot the 3 and drive (from what I have read on the internet). Regardless of the post positions, the guards are going to be very, very good and the posts are all going to get playing time. Stout, b/c of his experience, will get a majority of the minutes, but the other four are going to get their fair share of minutes as well. After this year, we should have a very experienced guard core, and a much improved post game. Then, the following year, we bring in Jordan Eglseder, and the fun of a highly touted big man brings much hype to UNI.

[B.True]

looks to me like 10 guys could get 10 minutes or more from game to game just by the talent at each position. i know josten, viet and santos didn't play last year, but i'm sure the UNI strength and conditioning program (albeit not the old Kramer-oids like in the past) will have them ready to bang down low.....

[Panthers to the Bone]

I think they are working really hard to put on weight. I think Stout has the body as of now to do the most growing. I'm not even sure that he is done growing height-wise yet. Last year, the freshmen really made some huge strides in the weight room. Jacobson, Little, and Crawford really put on some muscle. I would assume the same will happen this year with last year's freshmen--McKowen, Stout, Santos, Viet, Josten.