Failures make us stronger (supposedly)

Friday... My brother didn't make the basketball team. It was something he was talking about for so long - he was SO excited...we all thought he would make it. His friends believed in him. His gym teacher had told him that he's one of the best in class. Anyways, he called me while I was browsing the gift shop at the ROM and I thought he had good news to share (he had reminded me in the morning that the list of who made it would be posted on Friday) so the first thing I say to him is "Sooooo?". All I hear back is silence. I elaborate this time.."Martin? What happened? Did you make the team?" He gives me a silent "no". I figure he's pulling a prank so aqain I question happily "Noooo? Oh really?" And then I hear sniffles and gulps and realize that he's crying! Of course, I am shocked and appalled when I hear that 10 out of 13 kids made the team, and he was one of three that didn't. Whether or not this was because of his 'behaviour' issues -- he claims that his gym teacher didn't pick him because he asked another one of his teachers who 'hates him' -- or if it's for some other reason....I just simply don't understand! Why create a damn basketball team where you're not going to accept a mere 3 kids! On top of that, reject a kid that has been going on and on and ON about the sport since September, is thought of as the best player by his classmates, and obviously has a huge desire to PLAY. I just felt so enraged and upset because he was so crushed. I guess these things are supposed to happen in life. Failures make us stronger.They shouldn't be setbacks but more of a motivation to try even harder to achieve what you want. That's one thing to preach and another to act on...I hope in the long run this is a good experience for him and it won't bring him down.