Glad to extend this thread!

I see both sides... Ralph's point about poor defense at many levels and the fact that excellent defense wins championships (Ralph, I'm a Wizards fan and you're right - if I understand your point - about Gansler in K.C with the 2000 Wizards winning based upon outstanding defense... same with Bora in 1994 IMO)

That said, I feel that - generally speaking - it takes far longer for youth players to develop their ball skills, i.e. dribbling, finishing, etc. than it does to develop in them a correct understanding of fundamental defensive skills ... these, after all, do not require work with a ball at one's feet. Hence my original point about where the emphasis may best be placed at the younger ages. I stand by that point.