Guyana Amateur Basket-ball Federation (GABF) president Nigel Hinds said the year of 2014 was a very active one for the sport and that it provided a model for the entity to continue its developmental pursuits going forward.
Speaking exclusively with Stabroek Sports, the GABF Chief said: “2014 was an active and rewarding year for basketball in Guyana and provided a template for the GABF to continue its work in the coming years.”
Questioned about the high point of the year, he said “The high point for the year was the participation of Guyana’s Men and Women teams at the 2014 Caribbean Basketball Championships in BVI.”
He noted other significant achievements realized included Ginelle Ifill receiving a full basketball scholarship while completing at the CBC Championship, fixing the shot clock at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, funding two referees for FIBA certification which resulted in one participant becoming successful and having Ex-NBA player Rawle Marshall represent the nation at the CBC tourney among others.
Asked about the areas that can be improved upon in the coming season, he said… “There are areas we can improve on across all our activities. The key areas are (A) Funding coordinators for school basketball development in Berbice, Linden and Georgetown.
“(B) Ensuring Guyanese players and officials are provided with a stipend when participating in international events and (C) provide more funding to our affiliates re: GABA, BABA, LABA, GBOC and Guyana Basketball Coaching Association.”
Quizzed on what is expected both locally and international for the year 2015, Hinds declared: “For 2015 locally, place more support and funds into the development of schools basketball and improve on the National Club Championships (Road to Mecca). The championships was a catalyst for the positive developments that occurred in 2014.
“Internationally, improve funding for our Men and Women teams at the 2015 Caribbean Basketball Championships scheduled for June in the British Virgin Islands. The Bermuda Men Basketball Team will visit Guyana from March 10-15, and we will be working to ensure that the Bermuda Team enjoys the best hospitality Guyana can provide.
“The Guyana Olympic Association has already committed to having its 35 seater bus transport the Bermuda Squad,” he added.
