Originally Posted by Anonymous
Agree.. I think we are all missing what national teams offer. Out of the 50+ clubs, maybe 10 to 12 team are really good. Most "A" teams have 2 to 5 "AA" players. National teams allow these players to play with players at the level. Dukes started it all but other clubs are taking it to the next level.

Dukes, the AOL of lacrosse, great start but poor management.

100% agree. The whole point of the "national team" model (which is really just an all-star team that doesn't have an regional location for the players themselves) is to try to give the kids who have really developed as high quality/talent players an experience where they have similar caliber players around them and play against teams of the same level and challenge for the players.

Regarding Dukes, this whole focus seems to have been lost in the pursuit of the almighty dollar for some. The quality of players invited to join has become drastically watered down in order to bring in more dollars. And the quality of tournaments entered has also been watered down because tournament fees can be significantly higher (more profitable) than the once a month minicamps are. Even when the cost of those continues to go up. It's all just so disappointing that something that was so good not too long ago has declined so much.