Following the unexpected inclusion of Jamaica in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Pre-Qualifiers, head-coach of the Senior Men’s team Junior Hercules said yesterday that the addition of the Caribbean nation presents an additional challenge for his charges in El Salvador.
According to Hercules in a brief interview with Stabroek Sport, “Jamaica’s inclusion presents a further challenge. However, I believe we will be ready to compete. Jamaica’s inclusion will not impede our journey, but it sure will present a challenge for which we will be ready. Jamaica now is the highest ranked team in the group, they are a programme powerhouse in the region and obviously presents a higher quality challenge on paper.”
Regional giant Jamaica has been added to the tournament by the FIBA regional office. This was disclosed on Saturday by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) at the official announcement of the management and playing squad.
According to FIBA, “Over the past couple of days, we’ve received late requests from the sub-zone national federations requesting to be allowed to participate in the CONCENCABA Pre-Qualifier for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup that will take place in El Salvador. After a thorough assessment of those requests by our Regional office, in combination with FIBA’s Headquarters, we’ve concluded that Jamaica’s request has merit for being in compliance with our registration procedures. All other late requests were denied on the basis of breaching FIBA’s registration procedures,” the release stated.
Hercules added, “Jamaica was unable to satisfy the criteria at the time and asked for consideration, or an extension to fix the issues. FIBA granted further consideration. I don’t think it’s unfair that they are in the event, I don’t look at it like that. I look at it as an opportunity to play a high ranked team in the region, it’s an opportunity to determine our strength.”
Asked if the team is adequately prepared to tackle the challenges posed by Jamaica, Hercules said, “We have an equal chance against Jamaica and we are ready to compete and execute when that time comes.”
Guyana’s 12 member roster which is led by Stanton Rose, comprises siblings Delroy and Gordon James, Deylon Anthony, Anthony Moe, Travis Belgrave, Timothy Thompson, Harold Adams, Yonnick Tappin, Terron Welsh, Israel Yaw and Nicholai Smith.
The Guyanese will commence their campaign on April 15th against Nicaragua from 21:00hrs. This will be followed by a meeting with recent entrant Jamaica on April 16th at 18:00hrs. On April 17th, the Guyanese will oppose El Salvador from 21:00hrs, with their final group match occurring against Costa Rica from 21:00hrs one day later.
All matches will be hosted at the José Adolfo Pineda National Gymnasium. The first round of qualifiers will be conducted utilising a group format, with the top three finishers progressing to the second round of qualifiers slated for July 2021.
According to the GABF, all of the aforesaid encounters will be aired by local provider E-Networks on their E1 channel. The Guyana Men’s Senior Basketball Program is slated to arrive in the Central American nation on April 12. They expected to depart seven days later.
