Latest news with #PlayerDevelopment
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mikhail Prokhorov jokes come out after Nets' Egor Demin pick
The post Mikhail Prokhorov jokes come out after Nets' Egor Demin pick appeared first on ClutchPoints. On Wednesday evening, the Brooklyn Nets used their first of five first round draft selections on point forward Egor Demin as the team looks to add its backcourt rotation. The Nets went on to draft multiple other backcourt players in the first round on Wednesday, drawing the ire of some fans and the applause of others. Advertisement Demin is from Russia, which for some Nets fans signaled a call back to former team owner Mikhail Prokhorov, who also has Russian heritage. 'Did Mikhail Prokhorov buy back the Nets?' wondered one fan on X, formerly Twitter. 'The Prokhorov Effect,' added another. The Nets now of course are owned by Joe Tsai, who acquired the team in 2017. Brooklyn's draft strategy on Thursday signaled a clear vision from the team's front office to draft versatile players who are capable of doing multiple things out on the floor. At 6'9″, Demin can play both the point guard or wing position and can also theoretically guard several positions on the defensive end of the floor. While shooting is a concern at this point for the 19 year-old, there is still plenty of time for that part of his game to get up to speed. Advertisement Helping matters is the fact that the Nets have proven themselves to be one of the better player development teams in the NBA, helping develop players like Cam Thomas, Tyrese Martin, and Drew Timme into solid contributors down the stretch of last season. The Nets don't figure to be competing for contention in the Eastern Conference anytime soon, although that could change in an instant should Giannis Antetokounmpo ever become available from the Milwaukee Bucks. Tsai has shown no problem going big game hunting in free agency and via trades over the past several years. For now, however, the Nets will look to develop the young core of players they brought in on Wednesday. Related: Suns acquire 36th pick in draft trade with Nets Related: Nets' 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in history
New York Times
26-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Meet the NHL outsider who's reshaping the Oilers' player development model
All NHL teams must have one eye on the present and another on the future, but the examination of both paths is magnified for the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers, coming off their second straight loss in the Stanley Cup Final, have been the oldest team in the NHL over the last two seasons. Yet, they don't have a cadre of top draft picks and high-end prospects coming to replenish the roster. Advertisement While the push is on to earn a championship, it's imperative the bottom doesn't drop out in a few years, either — not when Connor McDavid is factoring that into how long, or even if, he'll extend his contract. 'It's a challenge, but what we've really tried to do is invest in our player development group and recruitment of free agent players,' Oilers GM Stan Bowman said last week. 'That's important.' Bowman then mentioned the name of someone who could just be the most important person for ensuring long-term success in Edmonton: Kalle Larsson. Larsson, 43, is finishing his first season running the player development department as its senior director. With him at the helm, strides are being made to internally improve an Oilers prospect system that has been viewed among the NHL's shallowest. 'If you can build players throughout the organization and move them up to the top team, it's a great way to establish a good culture,' Larsson said. The task to make the Oilers' pipeline robust is gargantuan, even with the system being buoyed by a few recent free-agent signings. After not matching offer sheets to Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway last summer, the last lineup regular drafted by the Oilers on the roster is Evan Bouchard from 2018. They don't have a first-round pick this year or next, either. That's the result of trying to win now, but it puts an onus on Larsson. Future reinforcements are needed to entice McDavid to stay. It's Larsson's job to augment players from within and help make them useful contributors to a team with McDavid and Leon Draisaitl slowly exiting their primes. 'A challenge is exciting,' Larsson said. 'If you do things smart and efficiently and driven with data as much as possible, you can do a lot with a little.' Larsson has loved hockey since he was a little boy growing up in Gothenburg, Sweden, something passed down from his father, Urban, a former junior player. He had a dog-eared book about Börje Salming that was rarely outside of his reach. He dreamed of being just like the legendary Swedish blueliner. Advertisement Education was also important to him and his parents, so he pursued playing college hockey in the United States. He boarded a flight for Chicago, sight unseen, two days after graduating high school and started trying out for junior hockey teams. 'I realized I had to play in the U.S. to have colleges be interested in me because they don't even know who I am,' Larsson said. After one year of junior hockey, Larsson opted to play for Division III Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis. He was smart and physical and could play both defence and forward, but wasn't blessed with elite skating ability. His hockey career petered out. Off the ice, Larsson earned a double major in government studies and International Studies and a minor in history. His goal was to do something in diplomacy, maybe with the Red Cross or the United Nations. He interned with the Swedish government at the Consulate General of Sweden. After graduating, he got into management, and his first clients were Procter and Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio, so he moved there for three years. He never lost his passion for hockey. He went to every home game for the ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones. Miami University was also close by, and he frequented their games, too. That hustle got him noticed, and Larsson took a leap when his alma mater came calling to offer him a job as an assistant coach in 2010. 'My life was pretty good, but I went up there and talked to them. It was a good fit,' Larsson said. 'It was a huge pay cut to buy myself into the game.' After four seasons with Lawrence, Larsson landed with the USHL's Sioux City Musketeers as assistant GM and director of scouting. It was a significant step up to a higher-calibre league. He also felt better suited to scouting and managing than coaching. Larsson parlayed that job into a promotion with the Dubuque Fighting Saints two years later when he was hired to be their director of player personnel. He moved to the GM's chair and later became director of hockey operations with the Fighting Saints, whom he calls that league's 'flagship franchise.' Advertisement He's immensely proud of his time there, including that two of the people he hired, Trevor Edwards and Evan Dixon, have been promoted and are now the team's GM and coach, respectively. 'He's really good at identifying high-quality people that are willing to pull in the same direction together with similar visions, but who also feel like they have the autonomy and that they can say their piece and be truthful and aren't afraid to question things,' Edwards said. 'That's a unique skill set in a manager and a leader.' 'His greatest skills are his people skills and his ability to build teams — and not just hockey teams, but scouting teams and development teams,' Dixon added. Larsson prioritized skill over all else. He thought outside the box, such as bringing in Matt Savoie, now Edmonton's top prospect, during the 2020-21 season when the Western Hockey League was paused because of COVID restrictions. The Fighting Saints were a perennial playoff team, which mirrors the situation in Edmonton. 'We don't rebuild. We reload,' Larsson said of his time there. 'There's no sleeping behind the wheel. There's pressure.' The Oilers, meanwhile, needed someone like him to fill a void. Amid multiple seasons impacted by COVID-19, the Oilers hadn't had someone overseeing player development on a full-time basis since Scott Howson left the organization in July 2020 to become AHL president. Steve Staios did some work in that capacity as special adviser to former GM Ken Holland during the 2022-23 season. Oilers hockey operations CEO Jeff Jackson identified player development as a major area in need of upgrading shortly after he joined the Oilers in August 2023 and sought to find someone to run things. It was eventually Bowman who put Larsson on Jackson's radar. Bowman was exiled from the NHL in October 2021 following the Chicago Blackhawks sexual assault scandal and spent more time in the area's community rinks watching his son, Camden, play AAA games. He kept seeing Larsson scouting potential talent and struck up a conversation one day. Advertisement Bowman and Larsson would have lunch a couple of times a month to chat about hockey. Bowman was struck by Larsson's intellect and ability to keep running smoothly in Dubuque. 'He always found a way to be innovative,' Bowman said. Meanwhile, Bowman and Jackson were in regular contact. They'd forged a relationship over the years in the game with the former in management and the latter working as an agent. One of Jackson's clients was Alex DeBrincat, who played for Bowman in Chicago. They continued to keep in touch after Jackson took the Oilers job in August 2023. Bowman soon realized Jackson had a desire to augment the player development department, and he recommended chatting with Larsson. Jackson spoke with Larsson over the phone before inviting him to Edmonton midway through last season. There was no agenda as they toured the facilities and discussed how Larsson could put his stamp on the Oilers. Jackson hired Larsson last May, effectively allowing him to spearhead the department. 'He thinks about things differently,' Jackson said. Larsson had long wanted to make the jump to the NHL and had several chances to move on from the junior ranks as a scout. However, he wasn't willing to take any opportunity. He desired to have a greater impact. 'I wanted to go to a situation where I felt appreciated — where they actually wanted me; not just 'a guy' to fill a box,' Larsson said. Being on the ground floor with the Oilers instead of theoretically working for a team with one of the best prospect bases intrigued him. 'We've signed Leon. Hopefully, we're signing Connor,' Larsson said. 'We've got some big money locked up in a small amount of players. We really need player development.' While taking in a Boston Terriers practice earlier this season that he attended to check in on Matt Copponi and the since-traded Shane Lachance, Larsson sees players working on uncontested one-timers at the end of the formal session. He notes the shooter should have to unload off a wobbly pass to more accurately reflect a game scenario. He mentions how he laments when drills end with a defenceman getting a breakaway because that happens so infrequently during a season. Advertisement 'This is the stuff that keeps me up at night,' he said. Larsson's vision is for the prospects in junior, college and overseas to get more direct tutelage and consultation from the organization's development team. A path for each one that matches what that player should become with the Oilers has been crafted. When it comes to the AHL's Bakersfield Condors, serving the Oilers' needs is essential. Larsson got the Oilers job, in part, by pitching Jackson on a development plan closer to what is used in European football. It's not a perfect comparison because the top soccer clubs in the world operate academies where players can play and train under their purview before they hit double digits in age. In smaller towns, there's a vested interest in developing players expertly so they can be sold for handsome sums of money to bigger organizations. 'I believe that an academy model is the best way to develop players because that's what the best teams that spend the most money in the world do,' Larsson said. 'With the draft, is it possible? It's not possible to make it that clean, but there might be ways around it.' One example of that is the Oilers putting more thought into where prospects are playing. 'We're evaluating which environments are the best for our players,' Bowman said. 'Can we influence and get our guys to situations that are going to be good for their development? Maybe they won't necessarily be the best teams. But what is the development environment like? 'Similarly, when we're drafting players, certain organizations do a better job of that, so we've got to be looking favourably upon some players coming out of the system and not so favourably on others because those players may not get much better over the coming couple years.' An objective this season for Larsson has been to find ways to improve individual growth. Advertisement 'Every player is different, and you've got to get to know them,' Larsson said. 'You can't just draft or sign players and hope that they become good enough,' Jackson said. That's happened in a couple of ways. For one thing, Larsson expanded his staff before the season began. He hired three people for the department last summer. Andreas Karlsson mostly worked with the organization's Ontario Hockey League prospects but travelled to Bakersfield monthly. Vincent Malts focuses on mental health and performance and works with the Condors on team culture and group dynamics. Tobias Salmelainen keeps tabs on the European prospects and players. The group also consists of former Oilers blueliner Duncan Keith (defence) and Jeff Salajko (goaltending), the members of the analytics department Shaun and Justin Mahé as well as Michael Parkatti, who chips in with data used for analysis. 'A lot of it is having the players understand what it takes to be in pro hockey, and they would never understand until they get there,' said Karlsson, a former NHLer who's based in Burlington, Ont. The players have noticed the benefits. 'All the development staff that they brought in this year have been really forward and direct with the guys,' Savoie said. 'It's been a really big improvement just from the help from the staff this year compared to last year because the staff is much bigger,' added Copponi, the Boston University centre. 'It's helped me a lot in my day-to-day practice. I've learned little habits and little details for my game that I can improve on.' Now players in junior, college and in Europe have more communication and skill development, especially in-person, with more people. That was imperative for Larsson. His top priority is to support those giving direction. 'I'm not going to tell anybody that I'm an expert at player development when it comes to the technical skills,' Larsson said. 'I know how to big-picture develop players, how to get a fourth-line player to become a third-line player and how to get a prospect up to the pro team.' Advertisement Larsson's group met with the hockey operations staff weekly during the season to share progress and collaborate on next steps. 'He understood that for player development to work, it's not a silo,' Jackson said. For example, Keith analyzes video of Bakersfield defencemen and is specifically credited with helping OHL defence prospect Beau Akey progress this season. 'We draft players at 18, and then they go off and play wherever they play,' Larsson said. 'These players are assets. We can affect the way they play a little bit.' Larsson was also a proponent of hiring shooting coaches to visit Bakersfield to work with players during practices this season. Some non-pro prospects got similar tutelage, notably those on teams where extra resources are sparse. 'He's ahead of the curve and looking at new ways to do stuff,' Jackson said. Larsson and his staff are tasked with playing a very important role in the years ahead. Not every prospect will even play for the Oilers, much less make an impact. It's simple numbers. But finding that extra improvement for the organization's top prospects like Savoie, Akey or Sam O'Reilly could make an enormous difference in the roster's composition. Turning a couple of others into depth NHLers would greatly help management. All that matters when the Oilers could have the NHL's two most expensive contracts after next season in McDavid and Draisaitl — provided the former extends — plus big tickets to Darnell Nurse and probably Bouchard. 'If you can develop players in-house and not have to source them at the trade deadline in free agency in the summer, then you're positioned better,' Bowman said. 'When you have a team that has a lot of special players that make a lot of money, you're always trying to find the pieces that can fit in around them. That's critical.' Advertisement Larsson's group must develop a few players to help this team. That's something the Oilers have struggled to do outside of sure-fire first-rounders. 'If we do our part at the lower end of the lineup and there are cost-efficient players, it gives them more wiggle room to extend the window,' Larsson said. 'I know the relative cost of an entry-level deal compared to getting a game-ready fourth-liner or third-liner on the free agent market. That's a discrepancy — and significant.' So, it's Bowman and Jackson who must sell McDavid on a sound plan beyond next season, but it's on Larsson to put them in a better position to execute it. Bowman says the Oilers are only in the early phases of their new approach to player development. That leaves Larsson still with much to offer. 'I appreciate my outside perspective. I really do,' Larsson said. 'I haven't been in the league. I'm not jaded by the league. I think anything is possible.' (Photo of Kalle Larsson / Daniel Nugent-Bowman / For The Athletic)
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Marcus Stewart departs Yeovil after MND diagnosis in 2022
Ex-professional footballer Marcus Stewart has left his role as Yeovil Town FC's head of player development more than two years after he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).Yeovil Town FC said the former Bristol Rovers, Bristol City, Exeter City, Ipswich Town, Sunderland and Yeovil striker remained "a cherished part of our club's history and a much-admired figure within the wider football community".Bristol-born Stewart was diagnosed with MND in September 2022 and has since raised awareness of the condition, completing a 178-mile (286km) march to raise research club added its "very best wishes to Marcus and his family as he continues his fight with dignity and courage". "He will always be welcome at Huish Park," it said in a statement. Stewart played in all top four tiers in England, with 254 goals in 783 games in a career spanning 20 years at eight different scored 19 goals in the Premier League in the 2000-01 season as Ipswich Town finished fifth and qualified for the Uefa Cup. Stewart joined the Glovers in June 2022 as head of player statement continued: "In September 2022, Marcus bravely shared the news of his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a moment that touched the hearts of supporters across the footballing world. "Despite facing this immense personal challenge, he continued to serve the club with dedication and resilience."
CNA
12-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
UEFA urged to increase payments to non-elite clubs to reward player development
The Union of European Clubs on Monday proposed the creation of a financial system that would see continental governing body UEFA share 5 per cent of its revenue from club competitions with low-ranked football clubs that develop elite players. Last year, UEFA said the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League and Super Cup would generate a gross revenue of 4.4 billion euros in the 2024-25 season, 5 per cent of which would be 220 million euros ($244.79 million). Under the proposed system, titled 'Player Development Reward' (PDR), only clubs who did not reach the league phase of the Champions League would be eligible for payouts, which would be based on minutes played in UEFA competitions and prize money earned by players. In a statement, the UEC, which represents non-elite professional clubs, said the PDR is "a pragmatic, merit-based approach to restoring fairness and balance in the football ecosystem... "The concept has already been presented to the European Commission and to key stakeholders across football, receiving encouraging initial feedback," it added. "The core principle is clear: clubs that invest in player development should be fairly rewarded when those players contribute to the success of European competitions." The UEC added that nearly 1,500 clubs across Europe would have received PDR payments if the system had been in place last season, with over 400 clubs earning more than 100,000 euros. UEFA has already committed 7 per cent of its revenue for the 2024-27 cycle to clubs not taking part in men's continental competitions, but the UEC said UEFA's system was "outdated and misaligned with the goals of sustainable football." Reuters has asked UEFA for comment. The UEC was formed in 2022 and is separate to the European Club Association, which is headed by Nasser Al-Khelaifi and says it is the sole representative body of clubs in Europe. The ECA, which has a Memorandum of Understanding with UEFA that runs until 2033, represents more than 440 clubs across the continent, although it is dominated by the big teams.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How a proposed rule could see Uefa hand prize money to clubs like Blackburn, St Mirren and Bury
Uefa has been called upon to set aside five percent of competition prize money for non-competing clubs who develop players, an idea that would have meant Blackburn Rovers received over £750,000 from last season's European matches and Bury over £10,000. The proposal comes from the Union of European Clubs [UEC], a lobby group established to represent the interests of the wider continental game amid worsening financial disparity. The expansion of the Champions League essentially sees more money go to competing clubs - who are invariably the wealthiest clubs - and the UEC feel more innovative solutions are needed to lessen gaps and encourage growth and investment in talent. As it stands, the only redistribution mechanism is seven percent of prize money going to clubs not in European competition, which is known as "solidarity money". This policy proposal, known as the Player Development Reward, suggests an extra five percent goes to clubs whose investment in talent directly contributes to the success of European competition. The calculations would be based on minutes played by talent developed at clubs outside the Champions League when they were under the age of 23, as well as the prize money they generate. Only clubs not currently participating in the Champions League opening phase would be eligible. As current examples, St Mirren would have received £220k for the 740 minutes that John McGinn played for Aston Villa, and Pavia £270k for the contribution of Inter Milan semi-final hero Francesco Acerbi. Ultimately, over 400 clubs would have received more than €100,000 each. While this is negligible to most Champions League clubs, it can be game-changing for those lower in the pyramid, especially at a period of such financial strife for the game. Chelsea would have also received over £2.5m given that they weren't in the Champions League last season, but the entire point is to encourage development. The idea comes from frustration with the current system, particularly with how Fifa's transfer solidarity and training compensation is tied to other transfer activity and not actual developmental success. The most prominent illustration of this is perhaps Seamus Coleman. Although the right-back has gone on to become an Everton legend, Sligo Rovers have not received the value they might have because they never benefited from the sell-on fee that was factored into the initial £60,000 fee. While Eoghan O'Connell, a former Bury player, has played in the Champions League during his time with Celtic. He played in Celtic's 7-0 defeat by Barcelona in the Champions League in September. And David Raya spent time at Blackburn's academy before stepping up to their first team, meaning his time in the Champions League with Arsenal would have seen Rovers benefit under this proposed rule. The policy has already been presented to the European Commission and key football stakeholders, and received encouraging feedback. Such suggestions come amid a volatile period for football politics, particularly at European club level. While the European Club Association [ECA] have entered into a partnership with Uefa over the running of club competitions - spearheaded by the presidency of Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and through the new U3 joint venture group - that has come amid accusations that the elite end of the game is increasingly serving the wealthiest clubs. The ECA has expanded its umbrella but a number of clubs from outside the elite do not have full voting rights, a situation which led to the creation of the UEC.
