The Grenada National Men’s Basketball Team arrived on local shores yesterday to commence their Goodwill International Series, which is slated to start tonight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue.
The three-match series, which commences with the first game at 20:00hrs today, will also see matches being played tomorrow and Sunday at the same venue. Guyana is presently ranked 97th globally, with Grenada positioned at 117th.
Speaking at Palm Court on Main Street following their arrival, Grenada Head Coach Naka Joseph stated that the intention of the event is to develop the sport within the Caribbean. He added that the aim is for the staging of more tournaments of a similar nature as it will provide local players with the opportunity to represent their country. Joseph further said that he envisions a competitive series and his charges are well prepared and primed to compete.
Meantime, Guyana Head Coach Junior Hercules revealed that the series emanated following discussions with his Grenadian counterpart. He said that he is proud to be a part of such an occasion, as the series presents the perfect opportunity and occasion for Caribbean nations to promote their respective local talents. He added that the hope is for a competitive series, which will aid both teams in their preparations for the impending Caribbean Basketball Confederation tournament in 2020.
Meanwhile, Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) President Michael Singh said that his administration is excited about staging the tournament. He observed that more similar events are needed to not only develop the discipline and its players, but the nation’s sports tourism sector. Singh said that the intention of the event is for Guyana to maintain their status as the Caribbean’s leading side while Grenada want to improve on their current ranking of 6th in the region.
Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) President Kalam Juman-Yassin welcomed the visiting contingent and said that international tournaments and exposure are required and necessary if athletes are to develop their talents and abilities.
The GABF also officially released their 12-member playing roster for the event. They are Travis Belgrave, Akeem Crandon, Yonnick Tappin, Timothy Thompson, Dominic Vicente, Shaine Webster, Nikkoloi Smith, Ray Victor, Terron Welch, Marlon Chesney, Jamal Gilkes and Michael Turner.
The other members of the management team are Assistant Coach and Manager Dennis Clarke and Physiotherapist Akeem Frazer.
