ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF THE HUNGARIAN HERACLES-PROGRAMS THROUGH HUNGARIAN MEN’S BASKETBALL

Abstract

One of the key elements of high-level youth development strategy is that we select the talented youngsters with adequate, scientifically based methods. In Hungary this is supported by the Heracles programs (Heracles Champion and Heracles Star Program), which have the explicit goal of educating a selection of athletes who have the opportunity to pursue a professional career. We wanted to investigate the effectiveness of the programs by placing men’s basketball in the focus of our research. We analyzed players who entered the Heracles programs but had already reached the peak of their careers. The sample thus consisted of 143 people, these players could already present themselves in the senior national team with a realistic chance. We used descriptive statistical methods, relying on the website of the domestic and international basketball association, the website of the Heracles programs, and the eurobasket.com paid page. We found that 80% of the surveyed players had the opportunity to introduce themselves in the Hungarian first or second division, however, for a longer period of time, the athletes stayed primarily in the second division. Those who have started a career abroad, played mainly in second-class or less-registered championships. Most of the players who are currently selected by the senior Hungarian national team are playing for a domestic Hungarian first class team. 2/3 (N=63) of the Heracles players with national youth selection debuted in the first class and 1/5 (N=20) in the second division, so the youth selection and Heracles membership together can be a serious selection factor. According to our research debuting in the senior national team without Heracles and national youth selection causes big difficulties, not a single “Heracles age” player played more than one senior national tournament without these two criteria. We also observed some anomalies in selection efficiency (relative age effect, territorial distribution), however, forward-looking federal intent and new regulations predict an increase in playing minutes for young players and a more lasting use in first division.