The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AS a former player, now an assistant on the coaching staff, Willis Mackey Jr said he's thrilled to see the direction The Bahamas men's basketball team is heading in.

Mackey Jr, who is also an assistant coach for the Wildcats men's basketball team at the University of Kentucky, was in town last week and he and veteran national team player Jaraun “Kino” Burrows participated in the Xtreme Basketball Camp at Temple Christian Academy.

As they prepare for the second round of the FIBA Americas World Cup Qualifiers, The Bahamas has been placed in Group F with Canada, Uruguay, Argentina, Puerto Rico and Panama.

The team's first game will be played on Thursday, August 27, in Uruguay before they come home and host Panama on Monday, August 31, at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

Mikhail McLean, who coached the team in their final two games in July to close out the first round, is expected back as the head coach with Mackey Jr as one of his assistants.

"We just have to find a way to win," said Mackey Jr about the next round of competition that will lead to the three best-placed teams from each group and the best 4th placed team shall qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.

"We are in a position where we kind of know what we need to do to qualify. It's literally right in front of us. It's not really about two games, but the games after that because when we have our full team, we're really good. But when we don't have all of our players we drop off."

In those two games, the National Basketball Association players, including Chavano “Buddy” Hield from the Atlanta Hawks and Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe from the Philadelphia 76ers, are once again expected to lead the charge before their season gets underway in October. 

Burrows, who has been a key factor on so many national teams in the past, said he's so blessed to have gotten the call from the coaching staff to come out and suit up for Team Bahamas once again.

"I know the team will need me in this window and I'm still in great form and I have something to bring to the table," he said. "I know coach McLean and his staff will assemble a good team.We will get together and represent The Bahamas to the best of our abilities with our pride and passion. It's the first time that we have gotten this far to the World Cup, so we're going to go out there and try and qualify for it."

As they also prepare to cheer on the NBA players, including Edgecombe with the new-look 76ers, Mackey Jr stressed that while he's a die hard Los Angeles Lakers' fan, he will be rooting for all Bahamians. "But honestly, I don't think Philadelphia can lose if they are healthy going into the playoffs," Mackey Jr said. "I'm not a 76er, but I would tell them to manage Joel Embiid and LeBron James and let them spread their wings.

"I could say VJ should get his first ring this year. The team looks that good."

Burrows said the good thing about Edgecombe is the fact that he will be prepared for the challenge of playing in his second season after he had such an impressive rookie season.

"He's in love with consistently getting better every day," Burrows said. "We already know the opportunity is going to be there and his role will be there.

"But now it’s about trying to win the championship while doing the best with his opportunity.

“I think VJ has the right mentality. He will figure it out and he will navigate with whatever the coaches want. He will be a great team-mate."

With the players the 76ers have assembled, Burrows said Edgecombe could become a defensive specialty, an All-NBA team selection and, at the end of the season, celebrate a championship in Philadelphia.

In watching his work ethic with the men's national team, Mackey Jr said he's so consistent and he’s confident that after just one NBA season under his belt, Edgecombe acts like a true professional.

"I'm not surprised at where he's at. He's going to be an All-Star one day. I'm just glad that I get a chance to work with him now because he's still a pleasure to work with."