In France the system is pretty clear for a kid to reach top level : 1- when you are in U11 category in your club, you're detected by official staff of the french basketball federation who are working at the "département" level (equivalent of the state in the US) 2- If you're selected, you entered the "state" academy for 2 years (U13 category) with 2 trainings a week and potentially the "state" team while still remaining with your club 3- each year the "state" teams play against each other in a regional tournament (corresponding to the second year in the state academy for a player), best players (girl/boy) are offered to join Pôle Espoirs of the region (a regional academy for best potential). 4- In this academy (2 years in U15), within a school, they have a special planning mixing school (mendatory) and basketball (still with thei club the week-end). They learn the principles of what is to be a professionnal athlete (training, food, rest, ...). 5- During their stay at those academies, the federal Staff (national team (U15)) start to get informations, start to individually follow them, get videos, ... 6- While at those academy best players join a "zone" team (North-West, South-West, ...) regrouping the best players of these zone academies and they play multiple tournaments against other zones under the watch of federal staff to join french national U15 teams. 7- After 2 years at the academy, best of them are offered to join INSEP (federal school of sport next Paris) there they play against professional players in the 3rd basketball division (NF1 for girls, NM1 for boys) 8- Those who do not join INSEP, can join professional clubs potentials academy and play either a youth league and/or a professional team So within a 6/7 year span, as a player, you're passing through multiple selective steps, leading to a really selective high end group that give french players and France the best chance to perform at the highest level. Pardon my english :/

I agree the european kids are being held to a higher standard from a young age

AAU and one and done rule is hurting the brothas (African Americans) more than doing good form them. Not playing race card whatsoever.

Lol We know that We sent Jokic and Mr Dsllss home!!!! Appreciate it Tired of this negative space