IN preparation for next year’s Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship, the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) is set to host Suriname in an ‘international friendly’ at the National Gymnasium court this Saturday.

Head Coach Abdullah ‘Zico’ Hamid has assembled a squad of 12 players, the majority of whom were part of the historic 2018 CBC Championship team.

Additionally, some new faces have joined the team to face-off against one of Guyana’s significant regional rivals in the sport.

GBF President Michael Singh stated that beyond the CBC preparation, the Federation aims to recognise the country’s First Division players, while “The GBF is seizing this opportunity to refine our skills”.

Singh said that while only one game is being played in Guyana, “the Suriname Basketball Association (SBA) is holding games in Paramaribo the first week of January 2024, where we will also be joined by French Guiana”.

Notably absent from the lineup will be Captain and former CBC Most Valuable Player (MVP) Stanton Rose Jr., who is unavailable for selection due to impending commitments.

However, returning players include Shelroy Thomas, Harold Adams, Orlan Glasgow, Dominic Vincente, Nikkolai Smith, Travis Belgrave, Shane Webster, and Yannick Tappin.

The team also welcomes new additions Brandon Bento, Oquacey Shortt, Zian Gray, and Domair Gladstone to the senior men’s basketball team.

Singh emphasised, “These ‘friendlies’ will help our local-based players adapt to the mindset of playing international basketball at a high level, crucial for CBC scheduled in July 2024. The team will be structured around Delroy James, with a focus on speed and defence, due to our size.”

The GBF president revealed plans for an effective training camp in the USA, citing the ongoing renovation of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, and the overseas location of their core players.
Singh noted that defending the CBC title is a top priority for the GBF, with ambitions to qualify for the upcoming FIBA AmeriCup in the following year.