The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

The NBA and FIBA launched the ninth edition of the Basketball Without Borders Americas camp, featuring over 60 of the top student athletes from 16 countries in the region.

Executives from both organisations, in conjunction with the Bahamas Basketball Federation, officially opened the event with an introductory press conference at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium yesterday.

BBF President Charles “Softly” Robins called it an honour for the Bahamas to play the role of host and make history as the event comes to the English-speaking Caribbean for the first time.

“The BBF is greatly honoured to have this event grace our shores with its presence. It is expected that our local basketball community will benefit tremendously as a result of your exposure and influence through the game of basketball,” he said.

“Our country at large is honoured to be the first English-speaking Caribbean to host this prestigious event. These help to build character, provide skills development and exposure through the game of basketball. Basketball in the Bahamas has risen to new heights over the past few years.

“We see an increase in the amount of males and females playing Division I basketball in America and now entering the NBA and WNBA. I invite you to enjoy the sun, sea and sand and feel what it is like to live and play basketball in paradise.”

The day opened with a Life Skills Seminar where they had an opportunity to engage in a question-and-answer period with NBA veteran Anderson Varejao (Brazil), Tiago Splitter (Brazil), WNBA legend Ebony Hoffman and Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell. (Canada)

It marks Powell’s second visit to the Bahamas after his Stanford Cardinal participated in the 2012 Battle 4 Atlantis.

“The biggest thing I remembered was the people here. Everyone was super nice, and not easy to say that in a way to properly represent just how much that means, but everyone is so welcoming here. Conversations with everyone from taxi drivers, to people working in the resort to the ones you see around town, everyone is really nice and genuine.”

He expects his own experience will be different as a professional but ultimately hopes to make his biggest impact with the participants. “I’m staying at The Cove this time, rooms are a little nicer,” the third year forward joked. “Obviously I’ve had a little more life experience so I can enjoy the paradise that this country is a little bit more and appreciate it a little better. Hopefully I can help these guys in any way I can. Some may think they know everything, some may be a bit nervous to be in this situation but we’re here to help. Whether its here to let kids know what they need to improve on or letting kids know they have a shot at making it, I’m just here to do whatever I can. This is a global game end it helps us all if everyone get’s better.”

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Michael Pintard cited his history as a young basketball player in Grand Bahama as the foundation for many of his relationships and the discipline for his future.

“Basketball has played a role in my life and many lasting relationships in my life have been forged on the court in competition. Basketball produces discipline, not just in preperation for the game but in following the gameplan. It is no different in the game of life. The values that you earn in this sport can open many doors are the same that are important to carry through life. After all it is always pointless to excel only on the basketball court and not in the game of life. It is my hope that you enjoy the competition and the camaraderie even more,” he said, “The work that these organisations have been doing internationally for a number of years has been transformative. It is well known to a number of Bahamians who have seen what philanthropy and mentorship can do to effect to young lives. It is led to many athletes going back to their countries with entire communities transformed through their work. I congratulate coaches, volunteers and everyone who continues to pour their lives into the next generation.”

Following the seminar and opening press conference, the action then shifted to the court when they players were separated into skill position development stations.

FIBA Americas President, Usie Richards, said the event is another milestone in the growth of basketball within the region.

“We would like to express our gratitude and thanks to the NBA for allowing us to partner with them and it has worked out just as great as we expected. I wanted to recognize the contribution that not only come from the players and the coaches who participate in these programs,” he said, “We are pleased for the first time to be in an English speaking Caribbean country. It is a great pleasure on behalf of FIBA to see how basketball is growing in this region. The most important aspect for me is the interaction, the growth and development for these young individuals that basketball is not the sole aspect of life but the development of yourselves as individuals to become productive members of society.”

Current NBA assistant coaches James Borrego (San Antonio Spurs), Jim Boylan (Cleveland Cavaliers), Darvin Ham (Atlanta Hawks) and David Vanterpool (Portland Trail Blazers) will also serve as BWB Americas coaches.

Local coaches include Quentin Hall, Nigel Ingraham, Wayde Adderley, Derek Cummings, Anton Francis and Felix Musgrove

Patrick Hunt (President of the World Association of Basketball Coaches; Australia) and Ronald Cass (FIBA Coach) will serve as camp directors for the boys and girls, respectively. Armando Rivas (Chicago Bulls) will serve as the camp’s athletic trainer.