Management of Young Talent in the Lithuanian Basketball Market

Abstract

Basketball is an integral part of Lithuanian sports, which promotes not only the country’s patriotism, but also plays an important role in the development of young athletes. In order to improve the overall results of Lithuanian basketball, it is important that young basketball players are trained and developed properly. This includes not only the physical aspects, but also the psychological and emotional support for young players so that they can reach their full potential. To achieve high results in basketball and become an athlete at a high level, it is necessary to take into account different factors, such as anthropometric, physiological, technical, tactical, psychological and environmental aspects (Ribeiro et al., 2021). In order for these results to be achieved, methods must be used that will confidently bring good luck. One such method is the observation of young athletes and the proper assessment of their talents. In basketball practice, timely analysis of the selection process and the potential abilities of young basketball players is required in order to provide an opportunity to use their full potential. Talent identification and selection processes in basketball include the assessment of abilities, qualities, knowledge skills and habits that are important for a successful basketball career (Trunic & Mladenovic, 2014).

Attracting talent is perhaps the most important aspect and in order to bend athletes to their side, it may be necessary not only to see the perspective in it, but also to have and give opportunities for them to fulfil their potential. According to Huml, Pifer, Towle and Rhodes (2018), when luxury sports facilities are being built, competitions are being launched to attract competitions and convince new talent, competing to create an ever bigger and better sports infrastructure. This becomes a strong argument for attracting potential talent. So, it is important to understand that the conditions provided to athletes also have a great importance and influence in choosing where they would like to develop.

The aim of the study is to identify the most important managerial factors of young talent in the Lithuanian basketball market.

The object of the research is the managerial factors of young talent in the Lithuanian basketball market.

Research methodology. The study was conducted on 2024-02-08–2024-02-28. Three intervantes were interviewed remotely via the messenger app and recorded conversations with the phone’s voice recorder. Two other interns were interviewed at their workplaces. During the study, five intervants were interviewed. Two of them are basketball coaches working with children and young people, two are basketball agents who help young talent provide the best conditions for development, and one of the interviewees is the head of the basketball team’s youth programme.

In the Lithuanian basketball market, experts emphasise that attention and effort are important for the management of young talents. They emphasise the development of the individual player and the matching of needs. In addition, experts recognise that adequate funding and infrastructure are essential factors for the discovery of talent and their further development. Cooperation with schools and sports clubs, as well as connection with local communities, are considered important factors that contribute to the expression and identification of talent. From the point of view of experts, it is also important to promote ethical and professional standards in the management of young talent in order to ensure their healthy development and successful integration into the world of basketball. However, experts also note that the Lithuanian basketball market may lack resources and attention to the development of young talent, especially compared to larger sports countries.

Keywords: management of young talent, Lithuanian basketball market, involvement.