By Daniel Haynes

BASKETBALL has returned to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) and this time it is the Washington DC Jammers who take on Guyana’s top four clubs in a goodwill tour. The first game of the tour is tonight against the Dynas Ravens where top players like Akeem Kanhai, Dominic Vincente, Ryan Gullen and Ryan Stephney are expected to present stiff opposition.

The DC Jammers team have been visiting Guyana to play against local teams for the last 18 years. Having arrived on Thursday night, the team held their first practice run at CASH yesterday morning and appeared to be in high spirits, joking around with each other in a spirit of camaraderie.
The coach of the DC Jammers, Michael Creppy, had a lot to say. “We hope to see a spirited competition, since basketball in Guyana has clearly developed.”
Creppy also stated that the players felt they had to contribute to the development of basketball in Guyana and that they were honoured to be in the country. On his team strategy, he simply said, “It doesn’t matter who we play, we’re just going to adjust to the competition and do what we know to do.”
A familiar face to the Guyanese public is that of Keron McKenzie who also spoke in an exclusive interview. “This is my fourth time in Guyana and second time with the DC Jammers, having played with some of the local guys. I know that they play hard and with a lot of energy.”
The 6’5 guard stated that with this tour he hoped that some light would shine on the local basketball scene.
The team also attended a press conference held by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) at Cara Lodge in the afternoon. Present at the press conference were GABF vice-president Kenrick Thomas, Guyana Amateur Basketball Association president Junior Hercules and GABF president Nigel Hinds.
Coach Creppy spoke again, this time boasting about Guyanese-born Winston Robinson who has played overseas for several clubs. “Winston is an outstanding player; this kid is amazing with an attitude to win and he would be a great addition to Guyana’s CBC team.”
Captain of the Jammers, Glen Stokes, shared his excitement about being in Guyana while teammate Semaj Inge echoed his sentiments wholly.
Also speaking was assistant coach Clarence Wallerson. The Guyanese-born Wallerson spoke about coming back home to Guyana in an effort to promote basketball and give Guyanese an opportunity to see basketball being played at an international level.
GABF president Nigel Hinds alluded to the fact that Guyana have not finished well in Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships in their previous appearances.
“Guyana placed poorly in our last appearances and it is hoped that the international play of the Jammers shows our local basketball players the gap in skill level.” Hinds also expressed sentiments of hoping that adding eligible overseas players to the Guyana team benefits the team.
Finally Bounty Colts manager Michael Singh said his players were ready to face the DC Jammers and with the home court advantage take the competition to the foreigners.
The games start at 19:00hrs today and continue tomorrow, Tuesday and Friday of next week. Admission is $1 000 with children Under-12 free at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.