National Basketball Team trimmed to 15 after intense trials

Eagles’ forward Travis Belgrave (left) and Kobras’ Jermain Slater in action during the GBF two-day trials.
Eagles’ forward Travis Belgrave (left) and Kobras’ Jermain Slater in action during the GBF two-day trials.

After two demanding days of trials over the weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the Guyana National Basketball Team has been reduced to 15 players.

This marks a key step in the team’s preparations for the Nations Cup tournament, set to take place in Paramaribo, Suriname, from January 24–27.  

Led by Head Coach Adrian Hooper and Assistant Coach Marlon Rodrigues, the squad will face off against Suriname and Grenada in what promises to be an exhilarating start to the basketball season.  

The trials began with 23 invited players, making the selection process fiercely competitive. Reflecting on the trials, Coach Hooper shared, “These two days have been intense. The players brought their A-game, making my job of narrowing down the roster extremely difficult. But that’s a good problem to have—it shows the depth of talent we have in Guyana.” 

Head Coach Adrian Hooper addressing the players after the final day
of the GBF two-day trials at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The final roster of 12 players will be announced after two additional training sessions this week. Coach Hooper expressed his optimism, saying, “We’re committed to selecting the best possible team, not just to compete, but to win. I’m confident that these players will make Guyana proud.”  

The Nations Cup serves as a critical event for Guyana’s basketball development. Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) President Michael Singh highlighted the tournament’s importance as both a developmental opportunity and a benchmark for local talent.  

“This tour is the start of early preparations for our national team and provides an excellent opportunity to measure the standard of our local game,” Singh stated. “By focusing on locally based players, we aim to strengthen our foundation and integrate overseas-based players in future engagements.”  

Singh also emphasized the role of the ongoing One Guyana Premier Basketball League in enhancing the competitive standard of local players, adding, “Our players have been competing at a high level domestically, and this has provided the GBF with a robust pool of talent.”  

The Nations Cup is a stepping stone for Guyana as they prepare to defend their title at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship. Singh revealed plans for a similar Nations Cup event in Guyana this May, featuring three other CBC teams.  

“This year promises to be one of the most active and exciting periods for Guyana’s National Basketball Team,” Singh said. “We’re eager to see how this team performs and how these tournaments will shape the future of basketball in our country.”  

As Guyana’s Senior Men’s Team gears up for back-to-back games against regional rivals, the mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent in the squad will be pivotal to the team’s chances.

The provisional squad includes:  

– Stanton Rose

(Untouchables)  

– Orlan Glasgow (Royals)  

– Harold Adams (Royals)  

– Travis Belgrave (Eagles)  

– Nikkoloi Smith (Ravens)  

– Domair Gladstone

(Untouchables)  

– Shane Webster (Colts)  

– Jermaine Slater (Kobras)  

– Denzel Ross (Eagles)  

– Oquacey Shortt (Colts)  

– Kimol Grimmond

 (Untouchables)  

– Zian Gray (Eagles)  

– Jushawn Bayley  

– Yannick Tappin (Royals)  

– Shamaar Huntley (Ravens)