WHEN you think of the Bronx, New York, and basketball, the community of Soundview undoubtedly stands out.
Soundview has produced legendary players like NBA Hall of Famer Nate “Tiny” Archibald and former NBA star Kemba Walker. Now, in the world of 3×3 basketball, they are making a name for themselves.

With their sights set on competing in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour event in Edmonton, Canada, this August, NY Soundview will first head to Guyana for the One Guyana 3×3 Quest on April 5-6 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The tournament marks the first-ever 3×3 Quest in the English-speaking Caribbean, featuring 20 teams from 17 countries, including host nation Guyana, battling for a coveted spot in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour and the winner’s cash prize of USD 5,000, plus four airline tickets to Canada.

NY Soundview has been placed in Group D alongside Trinidad and Tobago’s Maloney Pacers, Team Phillipsburg of St. Maarten, Ecuador’s Fit Storm, and Grenada’s Spice Boyz.
One of the most experienced teams in the tournament, NY Soundview, will be led by Marcel Esonwune, who represents Nigeria in international 3×3 competitions.

A seasoned player in the professional 3×3 circuit, Esonwune has made his mark on the FIBA World Tour, having played for NY Harlem, a team currently ranked 15th globally by FIBA.
Esonwune previously led Nigeria to the finals of the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup, where they fell just short against Egypt.

Last year, he finished fourth at the FIBA 3×3 World Tour event in Edmonton with NY Harlem. However, to return to Canada this year, Nigeria’s top-ranked 3×3 player must now navigate the competitive One Guyana 3×3 Quest.

Esonwune’s teammates include Brent Jones and Akeem Ellis, both experienced 3×3 players. Additionally, Robert Ukawuba, another Nigerian international 3×3 player, will add depth to NY Soundview’s roster.

Ukawuba played alongside Esonwune at the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup, and together, they will aim to form a formidable duo in Guyana.
Tournament coordinator and GBF Vice President, Rawle Toney, expressed his excitement about the level of competition, stating, “Having some of the world’s top 3×3 players in Guyana is a testament to the credibility and impact of the One Guyana Quest.”

Toney further highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “This tournament is a great opportunity for Guyana. It shines a spotlight on 3×3 basketball in our country and highlights the GBF’s ability to organise international tournaments, which is crucial to our long-term plans for the sport.”

3×3 basketball, a fast-paced and exciting variation of traditional basketball, has rapidly gained global popularity. Officially recognised by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and featured in the Olympic Games, this format promotes accessibility, entertainment, and dynamic gameplay. In Guyana, 3×3 basketball has been a catalyst for grassroots development, providing young players with greater international exposure and professional opportunities.

The One Guyana 3×3 Quest will feature teams from Ecuador, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, the USA, the Cayman Islands, Grenada, Bermuda, and Suriname.

With over 150 players and officials traveling to Guyana, this will be one of the largest international basketball tournaments ever hosted in the country.