The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE basketball prospect showcase culture in the country continues to develop and International Basketball Academy Bahamas looks to become one of the leaders in the field as its event grows in stature.

IBA Bahamas and Get Me Recruited (GMR) hosted the 2016 “Super 60 Showdown Bahamas” last weekend at the DW Davis Gymnasium and scores of players came out to seize advantage of the opportunity. The showcase featured some of the most highly touted Bahamian high school players based both locally and abroad.

IBA Bahamas has impacted the local basketball scene in its brief history led by its director Denycko Bowles, who also serves as the head coach of the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins. It is the first international branch of the IBA programme.

Sebastian Gray out of Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas was named the overall MVP of the showcase. High flying Azaro Roker of Anatol Rodgers won the slam dunk contest.

The event featured three days of drills, scrimmages and networking with coaches and scouts from programmes in the United States

Last June, IBA Bahamas hosted 60 student athletes to its annual combine summer camp which hosted various programme representatives from John Hopkins, Fisk University, Cape Fair Christian High School, Hallandale High school and Lamont Taylor, the CEO of GetMeRecruited.com.

Taylor returned this offseason to officially partner with IBA for the Super 60 Showdown.

Get Me Recruited is a Raleigh, North Carolina-based company whose goal is to connect high school players and college coaches through the mission statement: “To be personally involved in the collegiate basketball recruiting process one recruit at a time.”

“We’re looking to build a bridge between America and the Bahamas because there is so much talent here. The athleticism here is a step above what we’ve normally seen. The athleticism in these videos and in these games are well above what we’re used to. If no one sees them they don’t have a chance to offer them scholarships and get them to the states. We want to provide a platform where these kids can showcase their skills, get coaches looking at them and provide opportunities.”

In addition to the showcase, the weekend also featured an informational for prospective student athletes as hosted by coach Simeon Hinsey.

“I can’t wait to get back and talk about these guys. There are probably about eight or nine guys that have a legitimate shot to play at the next level. Sometimes it’s hard getting them across the waters with visas and everything but we want to try and educate them on the process as soon as possible to make that happen,” Taylor said. “If we can save one or two that’s better than not trying and saving none. Part of the reason it hasn’t worked in the past is strictly knowledge of the system and education. Don’t rely on the coaches, learn for yourself the process about getting your paperwork together, your scores and the realisation that the odds are against them. You have to do things that will give you an advantage.”

The showcase featured players from junior high schoolers to post grad unattached. In addition to the summer programmes, IBA has participated in the Summer of Thunder and travelled to AAU tournaments in the US.