Home|Sports|UB Mingoes participate in anti-doping seminarSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailSeptember 29, 2022 171 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

University of The Bahamas (UB) student-athletes learned about the dangers of doping in sports during an anti-doping seminar in conjunction with the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) at the Michael Eldon Complex at UB.

Executive Director of BADC Petra Haven and her team informed the student-athletes about the substances on the prohibited lists, how tests are conducted, doping control and how athletes can assist in fighting doping in sports.

“It’s important for our student-athletes to understanding what is doping and why it’s important to fight against doping to keep sports clean,” UB Head Athletics Trainer Sasha Johnson said. “A violation is more than just taking a prohibited substance. It’s refusing a test, or having a prohibited substance and even giving someone else a prohibited substance. I’m glad our student-athletes got to learn about how far-reaching doping is in sports and how to fight it.”

The BADC, which is an independent body, promotes, coordinates and monitors the fight against doping in all sports in the country.

The student-athletes also heard about how it is possible to actually take a prohibited substance with a therapeutic use exception or TUE. Sometimes athletes can use a prohibited substance for a 

legitimate medical reason and the commission can grant these exceptions.

“These are rare but it’s important they know how to get this exception if they are sick,” Johnson said. “Even more important is the procedure to get this exception because it is not simply a case of having a doctor say it’s okay, there is a procedure and the athletes have to follow the procedure so as not to get a doping violation.”

UB Athletics holds educational seminars for its student-athletes throughout the academic year.

https://thenassauguardian.com/ub-mingoes-participate-in-anti-doping-seminar/

YOLETT McPhee-McCuin

As of Thursday, September 29, 2022

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#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#EXPECTATIONS loom large for Yolett McPhee-McCuin and her Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball team for the upcoming 2022-23 campaign.

#The Rebels have improved each year under McPhee-McCuin’s tenure and, after a season that produced the programme’s first NCAA Tournament berth in 15 years, that continued development, that continuous improvement was a major talking point of media day.

#“We are just continuing to rebuild not as much as like at first, we were trying to rebuild completely. Now we are just trying to reconstruct,” McPhee-McCuin said. “I think that is the goal to expand from where we were and to where we are trying to go. Which is to be a programme that is expected to go to the NCAA tournament every year and beyond.”

#The 2021-22 season came to an end for Ole Miss in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament with a loss to South Dakota.

#Ole Miss concluded the season 23-9, 10-8 in the SEC to earn an at-large bid and the no.7 seed in the Wichita Region. It was their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 15 years.

#McPhee-McCuin led Ole Miss to its first top 25 ranking since 2007. The season was highlighted by a 13-game win streak, the third longest win streak in programme history. It also included wins over three ranked opponents.

#In conference postseason play, Ole Miss earned its first SEC Tournament Semifinal game appearance in 29 years.

#The Rebels also found themselves slotted in the national polls with its first AP Poll appearance since 2007, when Ole Miss came in at No. 24 on January 24.

#On the heels of a record-setting season and a new contract extension, McPhee-McCuin has landed another star-studded recruiting class for her Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball programme.

#McPhee-McCuin’s incoming class includes highly touted freshman prospects and some of the top rated transfers in the portal.

#“This group has a quiet confidence. I think my teams in the past have been very loud. This group is more so quiet, they do believe in themselves. One thing that is unique with this group too is that they have experience in the NCAA Tournament here at Ole Miss so that is the expectation. Last year we were trying to paint the picture and say this is what it’s going to be like, and this group is like ‘coach we are going to the tournament’ that is the expectation,” she said. “This group works pretty hard as well and they get along pretty well. I think every year if I were to bring the same team it would be a different group you know the same people. Because you know time, maturity, experiences so I don’t think it’s much different from any team because every group would bring their own personality and character. But we definitely have a solid blend of personalities and characters you all will meet.”

#The class was recently bolstered by the signing of highly touted 6’4” freshman centre J’Adore Young. The class also includes four star freshman Ayanna Thompson along with transfers Marquesha Davis, Elauna Eaton, Rita Igbokwe, Broke Moore, Tyia Singleton, Myah Taylor and international prospect Marta Ostojic from Croatia.

#Ole Miss also returns a solid trio of experience, including starters Madison Scott and Snudda Collins, as well as the SEC’s Sixth- Woman of the Year in Angel Baker.

#McPhee-McCuin joined the Rebels in 2018 with expectations to rebuild a programme that struggled in recent years and was in the cellar of the SEC. This offseason, she signed a contract extension that will see her remain at the helm through the 2026 season.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/29/mcphee-mccuin-and-rebels-look-go-ncaa-tournament-e/?news

As of Thursday, September 29, 2022

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PHOENIX Suns’ Deandre Ayton, of The Bahamas, poses for a photo during an NBA basketball media day in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#THE relationship between Phoenix Suns centre Deandre Ayton and head coach Monty Williams continues to be a point of contention for the franchise.

#Following a bitter end to the 2021-22 season and a lengthy contract negotiation in the offseason, Ayton addressed the relationship between the two on the first day of training camp.

#Ayton appeared in only 17 minutes of the Suns’ 123-90 elimination loss to the Dallas Mavericks in game seven of the Western Conference semifinals last season.

#He finished with just five points, four rebounds and Williams told reporters postgame that Ayton’s limited playing time was the result of an “internal” decision. “I haven’t spoken to him at all, ever since the game,” Ayton said when asked about the relationship between the two. “I can show him better than I can tell him. It’s life. Nobody cares about the uncomfortable nature of it, it’s how you perform and what you bring to the table. What’s said is already said.”

#Following a lengthy restricted free agency process, Ayton officially inked a four-year, $133 million contract in July to return to the Suns.

#A highly coveted restricted free agent target, Ayton signed a maximum offer sheet on July 14 with the Indiana Pacers and within moments, the Suns matched the offer to retain the no.1 overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft.

#“Yea I’m alright,” Ayton responded when asked if he’s happy to be back with the Suns. “When I’m in between those lines, man, I just work. I know I’m not playing for myself. I have an organisation across my chest and a name on my back I have to represent, I’m just here to work.”

#Williams downplayed any perceived tension between the two and indicated it was a standard practice this offseason to give his players “space” during the offseason. “I think one on ones are always needed between guys I’ve been around for awhile. “Some guys need it and some guys don’t. I’ll identify that as the season progresses,” Williams said.

#“I’ll talk to everybody as I always do during camp and it won’t be an issue at all.”

#In his fourth season, Ayton averaged 17.2 points on a career high 63 percent from the field and 10.2 rebounds per game in 58 appearances.

#Both sides reiterated that the improvement on the court will be the most important thing for the upcoming season.

#“I think the thing that people don’t see is how much he’s been in the gym and how much better he’s gotten this summer. I think having all that stuff behind him has given him a sense of relief. I think when players know you want them around and value them, it gives them confidence. That doesn’t mean you don’t have situations that come up — that’s part of coaching and part of being on a really good team with competitive players,” Williams said.

#“There wasn’t a scenario where we felt like he wasn’t going to be around. He’s too good of a player and he’s a good dude. There’s times where you bump heads on certain issues, but that doesn’t define a person in totality. I think sometimes that stuff just gets blown out of proportion and rightfully so when you don’t know all the facts.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/29/deandre-ayton-whats-said-already-said/?news

As of Thursday, September 29, 2022

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STEPHEN Sears Jr

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#STEPHEN Sears Jr got his first start of the season and his St Francis Xavier X-Men won an early matchup of undefeated teams in Atlantic University Sport Football.

#The X-Men, currently ranked no.8 in Canada’s U Sports standings, improved to 4-0 with a 26-7 win over Mount Allison to hand the Mounties their first loss of the season last weekend.

#Sears, in his debut season with the programme, got the start at left tackle to anchor an offensive line that gained 434 total yards. “I got the news the Monday before the game, they said that I would have an opportunity to compete for the starting spot and I secured it,” he said.

#“I knew I was ready for the challenge so I had a strong mindset, and was not going to hang my head down if I messed a play up.”

#The X-Men allowed just a single sack and X-Men Silas Fagnan passed for 309 yards and two touchdowns while Malcolm Bussy rushed for 80 yards.

#“The first two drives of the third quarter stood out to me where we scored on passing touchdowns. The pass protection held up,” Sears said. “USports is a bit more fast-paced and physical. But it’s football at the end of the day. It was fun out there to be honest.”

#Both drives concluded in deep touchdown passes to wide receiver Zachary Houde.

#St FX head into a bye this weekend and will next see action on October 8 as they host Bishop’s for a 3pm tilt in Antigonish.

#“The season is going great so far,” Sears said, “Our running game is solid and passing is coming along on offence.

#Our defence has been holding it down.”

#Sears is the latest collegiate football prospect to follow the pipeline from The Bahamas to playing the game at the highest level in Canada.

#He committed to the X-Men of the Atlantic University Sport Conference following his standout tenure with the Holland College Hurricanes.

#Sears was named the Hurricanes’ 2021 Offensive Lineman of the Year when the team announced its annual athletic awards in the postseason.

#The business administration major was also named an Atlantic Football League All-Star offensive lineman after his second season with the programme.

#He said the transition to competing at a higher level has been a welcome challenge thus far.

#The X-Men are the reigning 2021 AUS football champions and have advanced to the national semifinal.

#“It’s been great, a bit more fast-paced, a tough schedule football wise with more meetings and practices and as always learning a new system is a bit challenging.

#“But I’m used to everything now and I love it,” he said.

#“A lot of talented athletes on one team going at it in practice and games.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/29/stephen-sears-jr-and-x-men-remain-undefeated-aus/?news

As of Thursday, September 29, 2022

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#BAHAMAS Lawn Tennis Association collegiate tennis athletes are getting prepared for the 2022-23 season and a number of the players have seen pre-season action with their respective colleges.

#There are approximately nine athletes who are on the tennis college circuit.

#Jacobi Bain, of the Xavier of University Louisiana (XULA) Gold Rush, was awarded the NAIA South Region rookie award for his performance for the 2021-22 season.

#Jacobi went 20-7 in singles and 26-9 in doubles last year. Kicking off his 2022- 23 season at the HBCU National Tournament in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in a season opener.

#In singles, Bain who was seeded 3rd, played well but lost in his first singles match against Jonasz Dziopak 3-6, 0-6.

#He obtained success in doubles with partner Woody.

#Jacobi and Woody captured the doubles title 6-3 over Du Preez and Bajracharya of Alabama State at the HBCU National Championships.

#The duo, seeded no.1, advanced to the semifinals after an impressive first-round win over Amadike and Lan 6-1. They won in the quarterfinals 6-4 over Alvaraz and Caraballo of Tennessee State.

#Congratulations on the Regional rookie award for the south region and your doubles title at the recent HBCU Tournament Jacobi.

#Donte Armbrister and partner Emiliano Jorquera won the Elon Fall Invitational Powell Doubles Tournament for the Hampton University Pirates.

#Donte and Emiliano won over Steveker and McNamara of Queens 6-4.

#In the next round, they won 7-5 over Moskovitz and Johns of the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNC G), in the Finals they were victorious over Bharathy and Sneed from Central 7-5.

#In singles, Donte made it to the quarters with a win over Oliver Saarinen of Central and fought hard against Blanco 4-6 6-7. He lost in the second round 2-6 6-7 to Blanco NC A&T.

#At the Christopher Newport University (CNU) Fall Invitational held the prior week, Donte Armbrister was perfect going 4-0 in singles and doubles against the competition.

#Against the host university CNU, Donte defeated Ahun Vodela 6-4, 6-3 and in #1 Doubles Donte with partner Ange-Kevin defeated Strause and Truong 8-5.

#Against North Carolina Weslayan, Donte won 6-2, 6-4 in singles and 8-4 in #2 doubles with partner Emiliano Jorquera.

#Elana Mackey and Mars Hill Lions competed in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Division II Southeast Regional Championships.

#In singles, Elana won over Ami Miya of Catawba 7-5, 1-6,6-1. She then defeated the #16 seed Cardenas from Newberry 6-0,6-7, 7-5. Elana then went on to win over Labat from Columbus State 6-2, 6-3.

#In the round of 16 Elana faced the 6th seed Dana Heimen losing in a hard-fought match 4-6, 4-6.

#In doubles, Elana partnered with Kadiri losing 4-8 to Pugina and Whelan of Lenoir-Ryne University. Wonderful advancement in the ITA regional championships Elana.

#Sydney Clarke, with the University of Alabama at Birmingham(UAB) Blazers, competed in the Samford round-robin.

#Sydney defeated Karen Yibirin of Middle Tennesee State University 6-0, 6-1 and Sean Mullen of Tulane 6-4,6-0.

#In doubles, Sydney Clarke and Annalisa Smith won over Samford’s Nanere and Mares 7-5 and comeback with partner Ratkic from 0-5 down to win against Tulane’s Mullen and Walther 7-5.

#Sydney and UAB opened up their fall season in Austin Peay Tournament where Sydney won over Arbelaz Maria 6-0, 6-2 and had some well-fought matches where she lost against Emma Honore of Murray State (MuR) 1-6, 4-6, Coco Bosman of UT Martin College (UTC) 3-6, 2-6 and 8-1 0-6, 7-10 Melody Hefti of Austin Peay State University (APSU).

#In doubles Sydney and partner Mackenzie White won over Torrealba and Lascheck of APSU 6-4. Sydney also teamed up with Annalisa Smith defeating Bosmanand Billman of UTC 6-2.

#Sydney would rack up another doubles win with Alexandra da Silva over CU’s Sungatullina and Mendez 6-1.

#Abigail Simms and the Indiana Warriors, coming off a 2022 season capturing back-to-back WHAC Conference Championships, started the season opener at Goshen College.

#Playing in no.2 Singles, Abigail won over Aliaga 6-0, 6-0 and in the no.1 doubles with Carvahlo defeated Aliaga 6-4. The team won 6-0 against Goshen.

#In the Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) Fall classic, Abigail and partner Echavaria lost to the host IWU’s Antezana and Munoz in doubles 2-6.

#Kofi Bowe and Shatonya Missick are expected to see action when Johnson C Smith University (JCSU) face Elana Mackey and Mars Hill University this week.

#And Anthony Burrows Jr will make his debut for the University of Missouri- St Louis (UMSL) Tritons against Missouri Baptist on October 7.

#Peyton Anderson is also in her debut for the Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) Mustangs.

#In singles, Peyton played against Nemmers of MSU Moorhead 6-4, 7-5. SMSU also faced Nebraska Kearney in fall season play.

#Peyton teamed up with Roz Oye in doubles falling 2-6, in singles, she also lost 0-6, 3-6 to Plachy Clare.

#SMSU also faced Minnesota State University where Peyton and Roz won 6-0 in #3 doubles but lost in singles 0-6, 6-2, 1-6 in a hard-fought match.

#In an official release, BLTA executives said:

#“We are excited for our returning athletes and our new athletes who will be adjusting to the college scene. We pray that you all are successful on the courts and in the classroom. You can follow the athletes online as they continue in their fall preseason.

#“We congratulate once again Joshua Turnquest, Sierra Donaldson, Hannah-Joy Simms, and Afrika Smith, who graduated last season and wish them well as they undertake their varied pursuits.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/29/nine-bahamian-collegiate-tennis-players-get-prepar/?news

DRUMECO ARCHER

As of Wednesday, September 28, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#When the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations holds its election of officers in November, incumbent Drumeco Archer says he intends to seek another four-year term in office as president.

#No date has been finalised as yet, but Archer said he will be running. There are reports that at least three other persons, including immediate past president Rosamunde Carey, former executive Dawn Johnson and Bahamas Association of Certified Officers (BACO) president Ray Hepburn are all expected to throw their names in the hat.

#Looking back at his tenure in office, Archer said it was quite an unusual one.

#“We were in the midst of COVID-19 and in the midst of a lockdown, but still we were able to manage in the process in that we never stopped working,” Archer said. “Track never shut down, except for a very short time.

#“We celebrated the idea that we were probably the only sport that established our own protocols that resulted in not one single case of COVID-19 being transmitted during the worst of times. I think that’s an amazing reporting to the Bahamian people and to the membership.”

#Even when some of the COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed, Archer said the Bahamas was able to achieve two medals at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan and the junior athletes were able to shine at their international competitions.

#“I know people look at results, but I look at results in a progressive way,” Archer saiod.

#“I believe we are developing a programme that is sustainable and the Government of the Bahamas has committed to working in concert with the federation to pinpoint athletes all throughout the archipelago to identify athletes outside of New Providence for the future development of the sport.”

#While he admitted that his team of executives has done some things that have never been achieved before, he’s not concerned about who is expected to challenge his leadership during the elections.

#“When you are dealing with a large amount of people, you will always be politically charged,” said Archer, who also ran, but lost his bid for the Free National Movement’s seat in the 2021 General Elections.

#“One of the things I don’t do is discuss individuals. If you want to ask me anything about the sport, I’m prepared to take that on. But what I would say is there is a strong focus on creating a new sports economy that will have a direct benefit for track and field and its coaches.”

#If re-elected, Archer said he will introduce a plan to reward coaches for putting in the work and achieving some level of success.

#“There will be a shift. Either you are on board as we try to grow our programme, or you will move on,” Archer said.

#“So, what I’ve done in four years is to speak to coaches and our stakeholders. I don’t know what it is to campaign because if I’m at the track every day, trying to resolve issues, you would be able to judge me on my contributions.”

#Once the elections are over, Archer said the federation will be heading into a new direction and he’s hoping that he will be given the opportunity to serve once again so that he can set the stage for the revitalisation of the sport going forward.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/28/archer-run-president/?news

As of Wednesday, September 28, 2022

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MIAMI Heat’s Jimmy Butler poses for a photo during the NBA basketball team’s Media Day in Miami on Monday. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#SMALL forward Jimmy Butler, calling himself the greatest domino player in the world, said he’s excited to be back in the Bahamas with his Miami Heat team-mates for the start of their five-day training camp.

#Butler, centre-forward Bam Adebayo and veteran forward Udonis Haslem were among the players who addressed the media during the completion of day one of their training session yesterday in the Convention Centre at Baha Mar.

#“This is special. So many good people here who I can now call my family and my friends,” said the 6-foot, seven-inch player. “Seriously, I’m here all the time. I love the people here. I’m so glad that the Miami Heat organisation and our people are here.”

#The Heat is using this opportunity to prepare for the National Basketball Association’s pre-season that starts against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 4 and the regular season October 19 against the Chicago Bulls.

#While head coach Erik Spoelstra was visibly missing from the first day of practice because of the birth of his daughter – Ruby Grace Spoelstra – on Monday, the session was conducted by assistant coach Chris Quinn. Spoelstra is expected in town today.

#Miami got a chance as well to introduce some of its new faces, including first-round pick Nikola Jovic and two-way contract players Marcus Garrett and Darius Days.

#For the regulars, including Butler, the trip will be used as an opportunity for him to spend some time with his daughter and to play some dominoes.

#“Nobody,” said Butler, when asked if there’s anybody on the Heat’s team that can compete against him in dominoes. “I’m the best in the world, so …” Butler, who signed with Miami on July 6, 2019 via a sign and trade with the Philadelphia 76ers in a four-team trade, said he will be in streets of Nassau playing dominoes. He warned the public that he’s “here” and is willing to take on any challengers.

#All jokes aside, Butler, spotting a new hair style, said the Heat’s line-up should be an interesting one this year, despite the fact that they lost one of their top defenders in PJ to the Philadelphia 76ers during the off-season.

#“I’m comfortable. I have a good group around me to allow me not to worry about anything,” he said. “We got some shooters and we have some really good players.”

#The 33-year-old Butler, who averaged 21.4 points with 5.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, said he’s confident that the Heat can be a contender for the NBA title this year after they finished as the top seed in the Eastern Conference, only to lose out to the Boston Celtics in the Conference Finals.

#On his new hair style, Butler said he’s just being himself.

#“I like it. I’m going to keep it,” said Butler, who has grown dreadlocks. “I might shave my face again. I might have half of my face shaved.”

#Haslem, the oldest active player in the league at age 42, is now entering his 20th consecutive season with the Heat, whom he began his campaign with in 2002.

#Haslem is the only player who has participated in all three training camps Miami conducted here, the first two in 2013 and 2016 at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island.

#“It’s very important to be here again. The Bahamas has been great to us. I’m part Bahamian. I love coming over here,” said Haslem, who attended the University of Florida. “It’s like family. We’re very close.

#“The people here support us throughout the season. They might not get a chance to come and see us play, but it’s great for us to come here and get this personal experience with us. We appreciate them, knowing that they are supporting us, so we want to give them that love back.”

#The 6-9 power forward, who dismissed Butler’s claim of being the best in the world in dominoes, noting that he beat him before and he would beat him again, said his team-mates keep him going.

#“Every year, there’s always a new crop of guys coming in and they are hungry for knowledge and for opportunities,” Haslem said.

#“I know it seems like a long time ago, but it hasn’t been that long. I was one of those guys, searching for knowledge and searching opportunities to be great.

#“Every year we have those guys come through here and they respond to me and I’m able to help them reach their goals so as long as I can keep playing and God gives me the strength, I’m going to keep playing.”

#While dominoes is a side thing for Butler to do, Haslem said he intends to visit one of his favourite spots as he hangs out at the McKenzie’s under the foot of the bridge and “enjoy the culture and enjoy the people.”

#Adebayo, the 6-9 centre out of the University of Kentucky, said this is his first trip to the Bahamas since his playing days in AAU. He said he’s looking forward to spending the time bonding with his team-mates.

#After averaging 19.1 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last season as he completed his fifth season in the NBA, he said he’s looking forward to making a difference for Miami this year with the team that they have assembled.

#However, he said he was a little concerned about his dog he left at home with the Hurricane Ian heading to Florida this week. Nonetheless, he said he will make the best of his trip here and he’s not even going to entertain Butler about beating him in dominoes on the plane ride from Miami.

#The Heat will hold closed session practices through Thursday and will stage a mini-scrimmage game on Saturday where they will entertain the Bahamian public at Baha Mar before returning to Miami for the start of the pre-season.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/28/jimmy-butler-seriously-im-here-all-time/?news

As of Wednesday, September 28, 2022

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HURDLER Shamar Sands.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#TWENTY years since his achievement, Shamar Sands had his 2002 World Junior Championships bronze medal in the men’s 110 metres hurdles upgraded to the silver after Chinese athlete Shi Dongpeng was stripped of his medal because it was discovered that he was too old.

#The decision to strip Dongpeng of the medal came over the weekend in an announcement that revealed that 11 cases at championships held between 2001 and 2013 that were investigated by the Athletics Integrity Unit. Nine were overage athletes with falsified entries, including five from Saudi Arabia and two underage athletes.

#“While this step has corrected some historic wrongs, age manipulation continues to be a concern in athletics, and the AIU is actively investigating more recent allegations of this nature,” AIU chairman David Howman said.

#Age manipulation in international sports has been a long-standing problem.

#FIFA acknowledged in 2010 that cheating with overage players has been widespread in youth teams from Africa. Years after the 2000 Sydney Olympics, China was stripped of a bronze medal in women’s team all-around because of an underage athlete.

#At the 2002 World Junior World Championships in Kingston, Jamaica, Sands clocked 13.67 seconds to trail Dongpeng, who got the silver in 13.58 and American Antwon Higgs, who claimed the gold in 13.42.

#While Higgs remains with the gold, Sands was moved up to the silver and Richard Phillips of Jamaica, who was fourth in 13.90, will be elevated to the bronze position.

#For 37-year-old Sands, who has since stopped running track after he graduated from Auburn University and is now working as an analyst for Mercedes Benz Corporate office in Atlanta, Georgia, said he gladly accepts the silver medal.

#“World Juniors was one of my most memorable track experiences apart from going to the Olympics,” said Sands, who participated at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

#“I think that experience was very unique because it was in Jamaica and it had that Caribbean flair. “It was my first major international meet, so I hold World Juniors very near and dear to me.”

#When he got the news from fellow Bahamian track mate, now agent/ coach Dominic Demeritte, who had informed him about the decision in an article posted, Sands said he was surprised.

#“Twenty years later, I am now a silver medallist and not a bronze medallist, I can’t believe it,” he stated. “World Juniors was a very special meet because it was a very special team. So I went back down memory lane thinking about it after I got the notice.”

#Although it’s something that he will cherish with his family, Sands said he’s just happy to be able to achieve the medal, even though it’s upgraded from the bronze he actually got at the time.

#Sands’ elevation was celebrated on the local front.

#Mike Sands, the former president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations and the current president of the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC), said it’s significant for the region because Sands is a part of NACAC and so they are delighted that both he and Phillips will be rewarded for their efforts 20 years later.

#And BAAA president Drumeco Archer said the sport is such a strange one in that many years later, World Athletics could still correct the errors that was made in the sport.

#“He’s now going to be awarded the silver medal. There’s some things about the sport that we have to pay close attention to and age limit is something that I thought would have been an easy catch,” Archer said.

#“Suffice it to say, it was a human error.

#“We all make mistakes, but it’s good when those mistakes are corrected and many years later, the mistake is corrected and he’s now being recognised as the silver medallist on the World Junior Championship on that day.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/28/hurdler-shamar-sands-bronze-medal-upgraded-silver/?news

Players excited to be here; looking to enjoy ‘island life’

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailSeptember 28, 2022 308 4 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Back in The Bahamas for a third time in a decade, the Miami Heat wrapped up their first day of training camp in the Grand Ballroom at  Baha Mar on Tuesday.

The press were allowed inside at the tail end of the practice session and were able to catch up with Assistant Coach Christopher Quinn and several players.

Quinn, who is entering his fourth season as an assistant coach for the Heat, led the practice session in the absence of Head Coach Eric Spoelstra who stayed in Miami, Florida, for the birth of his third child. Quinn said that he and the team are grateful to be training at Baha Mar in The Bahamas.

“It was a cool new experience for me. I am in constant communication with Spo (Coach Spoelstra). Last night and this morning, and a lot of practice planning, is still his. We are just working ahead. Our job is to get off to the right start at training camp. Being here is a way for us to connect and bond for the upcoming season,” Quinn said.

Coach Spoelstra is expected to join the team’s practice today.

Jimmy Butler, the number one option for the Heat, who has been with the team from 2019, is no stranger to The Bahamas. However, this is his first time here in this capacity.

“We have a long way to go. It is about getting back into the groove and a rhythm and having fun. These first couple days are about having fun and getting back with the guys and basketball,” Butler said.

Apart from putting in work on the court, the clean-shaved and dreadlocked forward, his new look, has a secondary goal while he is here on business.

“Dominoes … to all my Bahamian people, I will be in the streets playing dominoes. Look for me. I am here. I am here,” Butler said. “It is special. So many good people here who I’m able to now call my family and my friends. Like seriously, I’m here all the time. I love it here and the people here. I am so glad that the Heat organization allowed our players to be here.”

This is Heat forward Udonis Haslem’s 20th and final season in the National Basketball Association (NBA). This is his third trip to The Bahamas for training camp, as the Heat came here in 2013 and again in 2016.

“I try not to think about it,” Haslem said. “I look at it as business as usual when I walked in here. I had enough time to think and get that out of the way. It is now about the team and the goal of winning a championship.”

Quinn spoke about how different it is to have training camp here in The Bahamas than in Miami.

“It is very different. We are here first to work and prepare for the season, but it is a great time to be together to connect and bond constantly throughout the day. It is great to do things on and off the court together and it has a totally different feel from when we were in Miami. It helps to build the team differently,” Quinn said. “We want our guys to have fun and to enjoy this beautiful place. We will give them enough time so they can do that. The amenities here at the resort are incredible.”

Haslem stated what trips like these mean for the team.

“It forces that bond and connection. I think that we are big on that here. One of the pillars of this team is enjoying someone else’s success. I think to genuinely do that, we have to know our teammates. The type of situations after practice, recovery and spending time together, lunch, dinner, and free time, makes it worthwhile. Those things build the relationships that we need going into the season,” Haslem said.

Like Butler, Haslem frequents The Bahamas that has a large Heat fanbase. He hopes the younger players get to see that support.

“They show love over here and I appreciate it,” Haslem said. “I think our fanbase continues to grow over here. These young guys finally get a chance to come over here, but I come over here a lot and I interact. I like to spend time under the dock and go to McKenzie’s and hang out with the people. We have a lot of Heat fans over here, so I am glad that our guys got a chance to come over and experience some of that love.”

Heat center Bam Adebayo said that everyone has been working out this past summer and it is time to bring it all together. His believes his role is about to expand as he enters his fifth year in the league – all with the Heat. He said being in The Bahamas for training camp is different than training in Florida. He further said that it reminds him of the bubble experience that the NBA created to finish the 2019-2020 season, which paused in March 2020 because of the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. The season was completed in a bubble format.

“The Bahamians make the difference. It is off-site and a different scenery. It gives guys a different opportunity to get a different change of pace. We haven’t done something like this since the bubble. The rookies have never been in a bubble. It is a good experience for them and all of us,” Adebayo said.

Last season, the Heat advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals but fell short 4-3 to the Boston Celtics. They finished regular season play as the number one seed in the Eastern Conference with a 53-29 win/loss record – two games ahead of the Celtics who entered the playoffs as the second seeded team.

The Heat’s training camp resumes today and will continue through Saturday. The team returns to Miami on Saturday afternoon.

https://thenassauguardian.com/heat-works-out-in-the-bahamas/

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 Home|Sports|Bahamian NBA trio ready for the seasonSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailSeptember 28, 2022 208 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian National Basketball Association (NBA) players Chavano “Buddy” Hield, of the Indiana Pacers, DeAndre Ayton, of the Phoenix Suns, and Kai Jones, of the Charlotte Hornets, were all at their respective media days on Monday.

Ayton is back manning the middle for the Suns for a fifth season after he and the Suns finally came to an agreement over the summer. Ayton and the Suns agreed on a four-year, $133 million contract in July. The former restricted free agent is now looking forward to the season.

“I was happy. It was all done … I guess,” Ayton said. “I’m locked in on getting better and starting training camp.”

Ayton averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game last season while shooting 63.4 percent from the field and 36.8 percent on shots from deep.

“I’ve been working on everything,” he said. “I’m just trying to be the most dominant person I could be right now, and I feel like I can do that.”

Ayton said he is looking to be relentless this season.

The Bahamian post player said that he hasn’t spoken to Suns’ Head Coach Monty Williams since the two had an exchange of words back in the playoffs in May against the Dallas Mavericks. The big man said he prefers to let his actions do the talking.

Hield will start off his seventh season with the Indiana Pacers after being traded from the Sacramento Kings last season. This time, the 29-year-old is a veteran, and he spoke about the youthfulness of the team.

“It’s energetic, a lot of the guys are new and are learning how to be a part of the NBA life and how we go about it every day. It’s a fun group. Everybody is just hands on each and every day,” he said. “The young atmosphere keeps you healthy. Running around with young guys, I love the competitive spirit they bring every day. It’s a grind, it’s a challenge everyday, but once you’re mentally prepared and locked in and prepare the summer to be around young athletic talent, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Shooting guard Hield started in all of the 26 games he played in for the Pacers last season. He averaged 18.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game for the Pacers. He made 44.7 percent of his shots and 36.2 percent of his shots from deep. The Grand Bahama native averaged 3.1 made three-pointers per game for the Pacers.

Once again, Hield has been part of trade speculations with the Los Angeles Lakers but he remains locked in for the Pacers.

Jones enters his sophomore season, having played most of his rookie season in the NBA G-League for the Greensboro Swarm.

“I had a beautiful experience and a lot of fun,” Jones described his rookie season.

The 21-year-old said he just wants to work hard and be the best version of himself every day. He plays the forward/center position and wants to take his development one day at a time. His new Head Coach Steve Clifford spoke about what Jones brings to the table.

“Kai (Jones), to me, right now is more of a center, he can play some four. Even for our league, he is an exceptional athlete, and physical. How quickly he puts himself in a place where he can legitimately play night in and night out in NBA games is just purpose of play, and for all young players, especially his size, that’s the hardest thing. Playing to your strengths and helping your teammates play to their strengths … all I know about him is he is a phenomenal worker, so we will see,” Clifford said.

Jones finished with averages of 18.3 points and 11 rebounds per game in 24 games for the Swarm. He shot a blistering 62 percent from the field. He showed his defensive ability when he came away with 1.6 steals and two blocks per contest.

He will have to battle for a frontcourt spot as the Hornets are almost saturated there.

Ayton and the Suns will open preseason play with a matchup against the Adelaide 36ers – an Australian professional men’s basketball team – on Sunday October 2. That game will be played at 10 p.m. at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Hornets also open preseason play on October 2. Jones and the Hornets will take on the reigning Eastern Conference Champions Boston Celtics at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. That game starts at 1 p.m. that day.

Hield and the Pacers will start their preseason on Wednesday October 5, taking on the Hornets on the road at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. That game tips off at 7 p.m.

https://thenassauguardian.com/bahamian-nba-trio-ready-for-the-season/