WITH THE Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) heightening their preparations for the 2015 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship in June, the country’s senior national basketball team will be heading to neighbouring Suriname for a three-game ‘Goodwill Series’. The Guyanese will clash with their Dutch counterparts in the May 1-3 event which will be used by both countries to fine-tune their respective teams ahead of the regional showpiece, where they are drawn in Group ‘B’ of the 10-team tournament, along with Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda and the Bahamas for the British Virgin Islands-hosted tournament.

According to GABF president Nigel Hinds, a 17-man contingent will travel to Suriname next Friday (May 1) and will get into action later that evening
“We know and understand that the guys will be tired from travelling but this is done on purpose to help give them a similar rigorous experience of the CBC. We have to get them tough mentally,” said the GABF boss.
Game one and three are confirmed for the Anthony Nesty Indoor Stadium, starting at 20:00hrs nightly, while game two is tentatively set for the same venue but the GABF head pointed out that a shift may be made.
At present, under head coach Darcel Harris a number of players are in training. The GABF president said that the final 12 will be selected on Sunday after another practice session at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The touring party of the other five members consists of coaches, managers and a referee.
Only last month Guyana played hosts to Bermuda in a three-game series; making a clean sweep of their opponents who are highly ranked among teams in the CBC.
Meanwhile, Hinds said, “The GABF is currently seeking funding from the Government, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and Corporate Community to assist in funding the Guyana Men’s and Women’s National basketball teams in connection with Guyana’s participation in the 2015 CBC Championships – the pinnacle of basketball events for CARICOM territories.”

By Rawle Toney