Search continues for All-AF Basketball Team Published March 12, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu 436th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Making the cut: Part 2 of 3 part series A collection of 19 of the best Air Force basketball players from around the globe have descended upon Dover Air Force Base with one common goal ...to see who will be selected for the All-Air Force Team. Basketball try-outs First, the process starts with active-duty, guard and reserve Airmen (on active status during the period of competition) submitting an application to try their chances to try-out for the All-Air Force Team. The coaches also look at the experience and past accomplishments of each player, if Airmen have played previously for a college team. From the free throws, speed drills, sprint workouts and scrimmages the players will go through rigorous training to get ready for the competition, said John Bailey, the head coach of the All-Air Force Team and program manager for the C-17 Product Directorate at Robins AFB. From the coach's view... "The number one formula to a great team is the chemistry between the players, if they're able to perform well as a team for tournaments, not just seasons," said Coach Bailey. "These players only have a short period of time to become a great team. "Each player will be picked upon the strengths they have to determine the role they'll play," he said. Through the drills and scrimmages, the players practice twice a day, anywhere from five to six hours, during which the coaches assess the talents of each player on the court. "It's tough to decide who to choose for the team because we have many competitive players," said Coach Bailey. "We're looking for the full package. Not only are we looking for good players, but also good citizens because we're representing the Air Force." "It's just an honor to be selected as a candidate to train and try-out. We don't select half of the applicants that apply," said Eddie Goad, sports director from Kirkland AFB who serves as the project officer for the team. From a player's view... One probably couldn't see how much Senior Airman Drew Colen, from Beale AFB, Calif., loves playing basketball until he tells you this is the third time he has been selected to try-out for the All-Air Force Team. "I love basketball. It's always been my dream - to play for the Air Force," said Airman Colen. "I'm really grateful because not everyone gets chosen for the team or even get to come back for try-outs, so I don't take this for granted at all. "I just stayed persistent because I have a passion for playing. You have to have a certain drive to make you want to come out here," said Colen. "You have to love the game to go through the aches and pains. Putting together a team in one month can bring a lot of wear and tear on your body. "If you are passionate enough about the game, then prepare yourself and stay focused, and talk to your leadership about signing up," he said. As the search continues for the all-star team, March 19 will be the day coaches determine who stays and who goes. The search to find the final team will continue as the coaches make cuts until March 19, when the final squad is announced.