-GBF Shortlists 23 Players for Trials
The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has announced that Guyana’s Senior Men’s Basketball Team will participate in the highly anticipated “Nations Cup” tournament from January 24 to 27 in Paramaribo, Suriname. The team will face regional rivals Suriname and Grenada in what promises to be a thrilling display of Caribbean basketball talent.
The GBF has shortlisted 23 players for trials, highlighting the federation’s commitment to developing and showcasing local talent.
The team will be led by Head Coach Adrian Hooper, assisted by Marlon Rodrigues, with Warren Wilson as Team Manager.
The squad will undergo a rigorous two-day trial this weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, where the final roster of 12 players will be selected. Coach Hooper anticipates a competitive selection process, given the high level of talent among the shortlisted players.
“Every player on this list has earned their spot based on merit. It’s going to be a challenge narrowing this group down to 12, but I’m confident that we’ll assemble a team capable of representing Guyana with pride and competitiveness,” Hooper stated.
GBF President Michael Singh emphasized that the Nations Cup marks the beginning of an exciting year for Guyana’s National Basketball Team, serving as a crucial step in preparing to defend their title at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship.
“This tour is the start of early preparations for our national team, and it provides an excellent opportunity to measure the standard of our local game,” Singh said. “By focusing on our locally based players for this tournament, we aim to identify and develop talent here at home, giving them the exposure needed to compete at the international level.”
Singh also underscored the importance of the ongoing One Guyana Premier Basketball League as a platform for player development.
“Our players have been competing at a high level domestically, and this has provided the GBF with a robust pool of talent to work with. The Nations Cup will give us valuable insights into how our local players match up against regional competition,” Singh added.
The GBF expressed confidence that the Nations Cup will test endurance, skill, and teamwork as Guyana takes on Suriname and Grenada in back-to-back games. The experience gained will strengthen the team’s presence in Caribbean basketball and prepare them for future engagements.
Additionally, Singh revealed plans to host Guyana’s own version of the Nations Cup in May, featuring three other CBC teams competing locally.
The shortlisted players are as follows:
Travis Belgrave (Eagles)
Harold Adams (Royals)
Dominic Vincente (Ravens)
Zian Gray (Eagles)
Nikkoloi Smith (Ravens)
Yannick Tappin (Royals)
Shelroy Thomas (Colts)
Jushawn Bayley
Oquacey Shortt (Colts)
Shane Webster (Colts)
Orlan Glasgow (Royals)
Jermaine Slater (Kobras)
Kimol Grimmond (Untouchables)
Domair Gladstone (Untouchables)
Stanton Rose (Untouchables)
Shamaar Huntley (Ravens)
Denzil Ross (Eagles)
Jamaal Gilkes (Untouchables)
Brando Bento (Mambas)
Emmanuel Atherly (Kobras)
Nathan Saul (Pacesetters)
Jaleel Duke (Pacesetters)
Elijah David (Kobras)