Wednesday, January 6, 2021

JOEL STUBBS, president of Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#COMING off their appearance at the 47th Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships in the Dominican Republic last month, president Joel Stubbs said the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation is looking forward to a competitive season this year.

#“The positive energy and enthusiasm for the sport of bodybuilding is on the rise once again,” he said. “Many athletes, officials and organisers have already announced their participation to the 2021 seasons.

#“I am hopeful that there will be renewed beginnings for everyone involved. As for our athletes, many of them have returned from the CAC games pumped and energised to train and make the necessary efforts to accomplishing their short coming and placements this year.”

#Following the Bahamas’ sixth place finish with four medals, led by the husband-wife team of Jimmy and Serena Salis Decius-Norius at the CAC Championships, it was announced that the 48th CAC Championships will take place in Bridgetown, Barbados in June, 2021.

#As a result of the championships being pushed forward, Stubbs said the BBFF has adjusted its schedule to include the Novice Championships on May 15, the Northern Bahamas Championship in Grand Bahama on May 29 and the Nationals June 12.

#“We’re doing all of this in an effort to have our locals settle rivalries and to bring back the competitive spirit and to also pick a national team to represent our country at this year’s CAC Championships and any other world or international event,” Stubbs said.

#“I am optimistic that with the gyms being re-opened and remaining open, this will allow our athletes to train harder and prepare better, and do it with the same intense level of focus, determination, dedication and commitment that they once had.”

#Stubbs, one of about 10 professional bodybuilders, said the Bahamas has always had great genetically-gifted athletes here and with the right atmosphere, tools and financial assistance, the sky will be the limit for them. “I say this with pride and a humble sense of boasting. Proper preparation is key,” said Stubbs, a Bahamas pilot by profession, but who also works as a personal trainer for a number of athletes.

#“We will be back in the winning circle this year, that’s guaranteed.”

#Stubbs also noted that there are a few international competitions scheduled that will enable some of the pro bodybuilders to compete as they try to qualify for the World Games in Europe later this year.

#All in all, Stubbs said they anticipate a very productive year for both the amateur and pro bodybuilders and the federation will be doing all it can to ensure that everybody is ready to go.

DELVIN Moss presents uniforms to coach James Rolle and jumpers Tamara Myers, Andira Ferguson, Stoney Duncanson, Stephan Farquharson and Daejha Moss.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

COACH James Rolle with (l-r) Daejha Moss, Andira Ferguson and Tamara Myers as they display their Leap By Faith uniforms.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#EVER since James Rolle formed the Leap of Faith Jumpers track club for jumpers in 2010, he did so without the support of a legitimate sponsor until businessman Bommer George added them to his brand of sporting organisers.

#Rolle and five of his 14-plus athletes showed off their aquamarine uniforms with gold and white writing as they received them from Bommer George’s agent, Delvin Moss, at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

#Rolle said through the sponsorship, his club members can now concentrate on competing in as many meets as they can so that they can try and qualify for the various international meets this year, including the postponed 2020 Olympic Games and the regional junior CARIFTA Games.

#“We have some elite athletes in college like LaQuan Nairn, Daejha Moss, Charisma Taylor and Jyles Etienne and local athletes like Ryan Ingraham, Tamara Myers, Holland Martin and Kaiwan Culmer, who need to get into the meets to qualify for the Olympics,” Rolle said.

#George Armbrister, better known as Bommer George, in making his first commitment to a track team, said it goes with his philosophy of winning.

#“Anything I put my hand into, I want to win, or at least be well represented,” said Bommer George, who has been successful with teams in the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association and the New Providence Softball Association.

#“I don’t like to be a loser. I like to win.”

#With this being an Olympic year, the 2020 games being postponed from last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, Bommer George said he’s prepared to work with Rolle in providing whatever assistance his assistants need either in the United States or here at home.

#“I want to be a major contender for athletes making the Olympic team,” he said.

#“So whatever I can do for the athletes, I will do it. It ain’t no big deal. I want to help them as much as I can.”

#Rolle thanked Bommer George for coming through at a critical stage in the club’s existence.

#“We really appreciate it and we will perform and make you want to come back again and again,” he said.

#Daejha Moss, a long and high jumper who has been a member of the club for the past eight years, said she has accomplished so many goals, but having an official uniform sponsored by Bommer G will go a long way.

COACH James Rolle and jumpers Stephan Farquharson and Stoney Duncanson in their uniforms.

#“I like the colours,” said the 21-year-old Moss, a 2017 CARIFTA Games high jump silver and long jump bronze medallist.

#“Blue and yellow was always our colour. I like it. It fits well, great material. It’s a good quality too, so I’m very pleased with it.”

#As she headed back to school at North Dakota State on Monday after spending Christmas here at home, Moss said she would like to produce her personal best in both the long and high jump, including breaking the Bahamian national record in the high jump.

#The Queen’s College graduate has a PR of 1.74m (5-8 1/2) in the high jump and 5.87m (19-3 1/4) in the long jump. She has also done 10.88m (35-8 1/2) in the triple jump and ran 7.70 seconds in the 60 metres and 12.60 in the 100m.

#Myers, a graduate of the University of Arkansas and the Bahamas women’s national triple jump record holder, has been home for the past two years competing for Leap of Faith and she too was impressed with the sponsorship and the uniforms.

#“The colours are amazing. They are bright and vibrant. They are definitely different from the other track teams, so we will stand out,” Myers said.

#“So I’m looking forward to competing under the Bommer George brand. It just adds to the touch.

#“With the amount of jumpers we have on the team, I think we will really stand out.”

#Myers, a member of the Bahamian national team at all international events from the CARIFTA Games to the Commonwealth Games, said the only thing missing from her résumé is the Olympics.

#“Last year was a trying time for all of us, so we’re just getting back into the groove,” she pointed out. “Certainly for me, I want to qualify for the Olympics, whether it be the long or the triple jump or both. So I’m looking forward to the upcoming season.”

#Myers, 27, has a lifetime best of 6.51m (21-4 1/4) in the long jump and 14.03 (46-0 1/2) in the triple jump outdoors and 6.33m (20-9 1/4) in the long jump and 13.40m (43-11 3/4) in the triple jump indoors.

#Stoney Duncanson, a 2016 graduate of St John’s College now attending the University of the Bahamas, has been a part of Leap of Faith since 2014.

#The 21-year-old said he loves the uniforms as well. “I love the uniforms. This is my favourite colour and it’s just a blessing to be sponsored by Bommer George,” said Duncanson, who has done a lifetime best of 2.05m (6-8 3/4).

#“I plan to show off the uniform this Saturday when I compete. Hopefully it will be a very good showing in it.”

#Stephan Farquharson, another high jumper who is proud to be a part of Leap of Faith for the past three years, said the uniforms are striking and appealing.

#“I now have a chance to represent my club proudly and put our name out there,” said the St Augustine’s College 12th grader. “This year, I’m looking forward to turning in my PRs in the high, long and triple jumps.”

#Farquharson, a fourth place finisher at the 2019 CARIFTA Games, is aiming to clear 2.13m (7-0) in the high jump, 15m (49-2 1/2) in the triple jump and 7m (22-11 3/4) in the long jump.

#“I love coach Rolle as a coach. From day one, I felt we had a connection. He’s such a positive coach and a great guy to bring me up through the ranks,” he said. “He’s just an awesome coach.”

#For the past seven years, Andira Ferguson has been a part of Leap of Faith, but it’s the first time that she’s going to be able to compete in an official team uniform.

#“I’m glad that Bommer George has decided to trust us with their name and to represent them, not only in the Bahamas, but whenever we go abroad to compete,” she said.

#Ferguson, who is preparing to head back to Fresno State, said her goal this year is to stay healthy and hopefully she produces her best performances, not just distance-wise, but technically in this process. “I just want to be mentally focused in everything,” said the 22-year-old Ferguson, who has a PR of 5.82m (19-1 1/4) in the long jump and ran 12.11 in the 100m.

KINGS guard Buddy Hield in action against the Warriors. (AP)

As of Wednesday, January 6, 2021

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#SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — (AP) — Chavano “Buddy” Hield scored 10 points for the Sacramento Kings in a 137-106 loss to the Golden State Warriors Monday night.

#Hield also grabbed six rebounds, dished out one assist and a blocked shot in 30 minutes on the hardwood. Before tonight’s game, he was at 73 straight games with at least one 3-pointer dating to November 3, 2019, the NBA’s longest active such streak.

#The Kings host the Chicago Bulls Wednesday to begin a season-long stretch with seven straight home games.

#Stephen Curry followed up his career-high 62 points a night earlier with another 30 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Curry had 23 points at halftime on 7-for-11 shooting, including 4 of 7 on 3-pointers — nine fewer than his total at the break the night before but impressive nonetheless on a winning back-to-back. He finished with five 3s.

#Golden State jumped to a 19-7 lead and the Kings called a timeout after Curry’s first 3 of the night at the 5:24 mark in the opening quarter. With Draymond Green back and healthy playing his third game this season, the Warriors again showed more effort and energy on the defensive end as they did Sunday to split a two-game home set against Portland.

#The Kings, coached by former Warriors top assistant and Kerr close friend Luke Walton, dropped their third straight.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#With the emphasis on the return of face-to-face instruction in schools, Government Secondary Schools Sports Association president Varel Davis said they will put safety first as they follow all protocols with regards to after-school sporting activities.

#Davis confirmed that after a series of meetings, it was confirmed that if there is any sport that the GSSSA would engage in this year, it would be track and field.

#Hopefully, she said they can host the meet at the end of February.

#“We’re just hoping and praying that things will open up for the kids, especially those kids who are in grade 12 and are looking at obtaining scholarships to go to college,” Davis said.

#“We don’t know if the other sports will take place due to COID-19 and the health officials protocols for contact sports so we hope to get them to do something. Not being able to do anything would be a loss for them and in the long run could hurt their chances of getting their scholarships.”

#Once the students return to school and they are given the go-ahead from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, Davis said they will begin their after-school practices for track and field.

#“We will have to follow the guidelines from the Ministry of Health on how we can start our after-school practices,” Davis said.

#“All of the coaches are eager to get their practices started.

#“We have sent in a proposal to see how best we can actually open up with practice with the protocols in place.

#“So once we get that, we will get started for our track and field season in February.”

#With the majority of schools using their inter-house track and field meet to select their teams, Davis said the physical education teachers and coaches may have to resort to their practice sessions without sufficient time to organise their individual meets.

#“If we have to go with this then we will only participate in the GSSSA Track and Field Championships,” Davis said.

#“Nothing is normal due to COVID-19, we just have to adjust to what is going on in the country until we get back to normal,” added Davis.

#“The idea is we just want our kids to be able to participate in atleast one major sporting activity instead of just not being able to participate at all.”

#With the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) indicating that the CARIFTA Games, which was postponed last year, will more than likely return this year in Bermuda, Davis said they want to ensure that their athletes are also prepared for the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ Nationals and final CARIFTA trials.

#Already, the BAAA has hosted their Odd Distance Track and Field Meet on Saturday, December 19 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium and the first meet for 2021 is expected to be staged Saturday as the T-Bird Flyers Track Classic is all set to take place.

NEW Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram shoots over Phoenix Suns centre Deandre Ayton.

Thursday, January 7, 2021

#DEANDRE Ayton has placed a greater emphasis on the defensive end of the floor as a part of the Phoenix Suns’ transition to their new look roster.

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#Ayton’s offensive numbers are down from previous seasons, but the Suns headed into last night’s game with the Atlanta Hawks at 5-2, second in the Western Conference standings.

#The third year centre has averaged 13.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.

#“I really don’t care about offence. I’m just the anchor for the defence. I let the game come to me. Finding my way around the offence is just being more of a threat, I’m not really tripping about offence,” he said following a New Year’s eve win over the Utah Jazz.

#“Our defence is winning games. That’s what the Suns need to have. When we get punched in the mouth, what do we do? How do we answer back? We already got offence. I’ve never seen so many shooters on one team. The offence isn’t my thing, I’d rather defence more than anything.”

#The Suns are currently first in the NBA in opponents-points-per-game (100.6), fifth in defensive rating (104.4), and seventh in opponent field goal percentage.

#“It’s us being together and going out there and competing. That’s just us being together, going out there and competing. We’re just putting our heads down, not believing in the hype, playing hard every night, playing together, making sure our defence is winning games for us and we’ll be fine,” Ayton said. “We want to compete from the beginning to the end of the game and we will run you into the dirt, it doesn’t matter.”

#Despite his improvement on the defensive end, Suns head coach Monty Williams wants to see his centre taking advantage of his mismatches on the offensive end as well.

#Ayton had back-to-back 20-point games for the first time this season when he posted 22 points and 11 rebounds on January 1 against the Denver Nuggets and 24 points and eight rebounds against the LA Clippers. “He’s starting to dominate in the paint, especially on the switches. It kind of takes him a minute to figure out what teams are doing on the pick and roll but then once he figures that out his steals have been fundamental and offensive rebounding has helped us,” Williams said. “We just have to figure it out from the jump and take advantage of his ability to score down there and generate offence for our shooters. That’s what DA can do, he can punish switches and generate open threes for our guys.”

Thursday, January 7, 2021

Mike Strachan

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#MIKE Strachan’s recruitment profile is set to receive a boost with his invitation to the 2021 National Football League Player Association (NFLPA) Collegiate Bowl.

#The 10th edition of the annual all-star game was cancelled in November 2020, but the organisation will host a virtual programme for draft prospects and invitees, January 13-14.

#The game traditionally invites approximately 100 draft prospects either targeted late in the draft or undrafted free agents.

#“Although we will not hold your typical showcase, we are confident that our alternative approach – an innovative, virtual experience intended to educate, equip and empower participants — will still allow us to strategically engage with this year’s class of prospects as well as our stakeholders, broadcast partners and NFL club personnel.”

#Notable alumni from the bowl include Tarik Cohen (Chicago Bears), Shaquil Griffin (Seattle Seahawks), Kendall Hinton (Denver Broncos), Marquez Valdes- Scantling (Green Bay Packers), Avery Williamson (Pittsburgh Steelers) among others.

#According to its website, the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl showcases players for nearly 200 scouts, player personnel staff, general managers and head coaches from all 32 NFL teams.

#“Unlike other all-star games, the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl not only provides future union members the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of professional coaches and scouts but also equips them with knowledge of the business side of football. As the union for NFL players, we believe our messaging, guidance and holistic approach will best prepare participants for their future professional football careers. We also take pride in providing the premier platform for collegiate talent from major Division-I schools as well as smaller universities and HBCUs.”

#Strachan, the Grand Bahama native and former University of Charleston Cougars wide receiver, declared for the draft in December.

#The 86th edition of the draft takes place April 29 – May 1, 2021.

#Strachan signed with DEC Management in November and also recently joined The Society brand and marketing agency.

#The 6’5” 225-pound two sport star (athletics), was recently listed among Yahoo! Sports’ top “small school” prospects for the 2021 NFL draft and a preseason All-American.

#In his junior season, Strachan rewrote the record books and boosted his stock for pro scouts.

#He was named an NCAA Division II Second Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association and to the 2019 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-America team.

#He finished with 78 receptions for 1,319 yards and 19 touchdowns in his final season with the Golden Eagles.

#He finished his career with a share of the all-time Charleston touchdown record of 27. He set new school records, led the Mountain East Conference in each category and was second in all of DII in both receiving yards and touchdowns. He currently holds school records in receiving yards, breaking his own previous record of 1,007 set in 2018. His 19 receiving touchdowns broke the 70-year record of 13 held by Charlie Hubbard in 1950.

#His 78 receptions broke the record of 60 set by Terrance Spencer in 2006. He also achieved Division II Top-10 marks for the 2019 season in receiving touchdowns (second), receiving yards (sixth), receptions (ninth), and receiving yards per game (fifth).

PETER Gilcud presents Fredrick King Jr with his Andros shirt.

As of Thursday, January 7, 2021

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FREDRICK King goes up for a block against a Doris Johnson player in the GSSSA Championships. Photos: 10th Year Seniors

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#Fredrick King Jr will make Bahamian basketball history as the country’s first student athlete to enrol in one of the National Basketball Association’s global academies.

#King is set to leave New Providence today en route to the NBA Academy Latin America programme in Mexico City, Mexico.

#NBA Academy Latin America is an elite basketball training centre in Mexico City for the top prospects throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Canada and South America.

#The academy is a partnership between the NBA, CONADE (Mexico’s National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport) and the Mexican Basketball Federation.

#King made the official announcement at the Bahamas Elite Sports Academy campus yesterday.

#“I just want to thank everyone who has helped me on this journey, I appreciate the support and the love. I was very happy, I just had no idea I could get this far in the game yet.

#“I feel confident, I just need to pick up on things quickly and work even harder now.”

#The 16-year-old 6’9”, 210-pound forward said he patterns his game after the reigning two time NBA MVP, but looks to expand his development at the academy.

#“I try to pattern my game after Giannis Antetokounmpo,” he said. “I can rebound, run the floor, play above the rim and just be athletic. I can play inside or out, but I know I have to learn how to shoot better.”

#A native of Mangrove Cay, Andros, King matriculated to New Providence and joined Mark Hanna’s programme at DW Davis.

#As a member of the Royals, King helped the team to multiple GSSSA and Father Marcian Peters Tournament championships.

#He then went on to play for Kevin Johnson and the CI Gibson Rattlers.

#“My game, it’s gotten better everytime I practice, I just try to learn as much as I can and to get better with everything that I do, “King said.

#“[My coaches] They played a big role because I believed if I never made the move to Nassau I would not have become this good and I would not be here today.”

#King’s stepfather, Carson Lundy, echoed those sentiments and said he is just one example of the deep talent pool in the family islands.

#“The journey started from Mangrove Cay where coach Smith saw his talent and she said to me she thought he should further his skills.

#“So we took her advice and sent him to DW Davis with coach Hanna, then he went to CI Gibson with coach Johnson, then I got the call from Mr Curry here at BESA about this opportunity with the NBA Academy – so said, so done,” he said.

#“I want to give special thanks to the Smiths, Mr Craig Smith, his wife, their son Chad Smith, they took over the guardianship of Fredrick for two years and they did a wonderful job. I just want the Bahamian people to know there are a lot of elite athletes in the Bahamas. We just need to have persons who are able to look out for them and further their development.

#President and CEO of Bahamas Elite Sports Academy, Rodney Curry, said King’s opportunity came about as a result of the organisation’s amendment to the COVID-19 pandemic and hosting a virtual showcase.

#“It’s an historic event to have our first Bahamian student athlete go abroad to attend an NBA Academy. Every year at Bahamas Elite we host our basketball showcase, where we showcase some of the best talent in The Bahamas.

#“But this year we were unable to because of COVID-19 and we had to take a different direction and do a ‘Cyber Showcase’ and today the result of that showcase is this young man having the ability to further his studies and his skills,” he said. “Hats off to this young man and we hope that he continues to work hard as he has been doing throughout his years.”

#He added that any donations towards King’s cause can be made at www.bahamaselite.org under the “donate” tab on the home page. “It is very expensive for this young man and his family. Any assistance that corporate Bahamas can lend will be appreciated,” Curry said.

#“We are trying to help this family as best as we can so if anyone wants to assist they can contact the academy because we need to invest in our athletes, and this family can use as much assistance as possible.

#Bahamas Basketball Federation President, Mario Bowleg, said King is well on his way to being the latest Bahamian on the path to the NBA.

#“The BBF is proud of Bahamas Elite Sports Academy for having the platform for Fredrick King to showcase his talent and give him the opportunity to be the first Bahamian student athlete to attend the NBA Academy. As we are aware in this country, we have two NBA players, many in the NCAA in the pipeline that will be in the NBA. I believe this opportunity for Fredrick will allow us to have another player in the pipeline that stands a great chance of making it to the NBA,” he said.

#“It shows the great improvement in the development of the game and the players in this country. When I got the call from the NBA Academy I was excited and I’m just happy that this day is here and Fredrick has an opportunity to better his skills at a high level toward becoming a collegiate or professional basketball player.”

#NBA Academy is an elite basketball development initiative that provides top high school-age prospects from outside the US with a holistic approach to player development. The NBA Academy programme includes six academies across Australia, China, India, Mexico and Senegal for top male and female prospects from their respective countries and continents.

#The programme focuses on health and wellness, character development and life skills, and gives prospects the opportunity to learn the game from outside coaches who the NBA hires with professional, collegiate and international coaching experience.

#As part of the programme, the prospects compete against top competition throughout the year and have an opportunity to be selected for travel teams that play in international tournaments and exhibition games.

#Depending on the location of the academy, prospects either attend a local public school or receive a scholarship to a local private school, and receive additional academic support as needed.

#“We forged a close relationship with the NBA Academy and we have been trying for a number of years to see how we can get a Bahamian in the academy,” BESA Chairman Peter Gilcud said. “It’s a team effort that makes it happen. He is the latest in the lineage of great players to come from Andros.”

SACRAMENTO Kings guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield in action against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on Monday night. Last night against the Bulls, he scored 10 points with three rebounds, three assists and a steal in 35 minutes. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

As of Thursday, January 7, 2021

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#By MICHAEL WAGAMAN

#Associated Press

#SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Buddy Hield converted a four-point play with 38 seconds left to make up for a horrible shooting night, and the Sacramento Kings held off the Chicago Bulls 128-124 on Wednesday.

#Hield missed 12 of his first 14 shots and was 1 of 8 on 3-pointers before hitting one from the top of the arc and getting fouled by former Kings teammate Garrett Temple.

#Hield sank the free throw and finished with 10 points.

#First-round draft pick Tyrese Haliburton scored 15 of his season-high 17 points in the fourth quarter and made a key steal in the backcourt. Haliburton followed Hield’s pivotal 3 with one of his own against a pair of Chicago defenders to help the Kings end a three-game losing streak.

#Marvin Bagley III had 21 points and 12 rebounds for Sacramento, which played most of the game without De’Aaron Fox. The point guard strained his right hamstring midway through the first quarter and did not return.

#Richaun Holmes had 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists for the Kings. Harrison Barnes added 20 points.

#Coby White had a career-high 36 points and seven assists for the Bulls. Zach Lavine scored 32 and Wendell Carter Jr added 11 points and a career-best 17 rebounds. Hield’s game-winning shot bailed out the Kings after Sacramento blew a 12-point lead in the first half and trailed with 6 minutes remaining.

#Haliburton’s 3-pointer was equally big, coming just before Harrison Barnes missed a pair of free throws for Sacramento.

#Lavine countered with a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 127-124 with 2.6 seconds remaining.

#Before the game, players from both teams locked arms with their teammates during the national anthem. That followed a pattern set by other teams around the NBA after a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying the results of last November’s presidential election.

#TIP-INS

#Bulls: Denzel Valentine had seven points in the final 3:51 of the first quarter. … Carter was called for defensive three seconds, resulting in a technical foul. … Temple scored 11 points in 33 minutes.

#Kings: Coach Luke Walton lost a challenge after Bagley was whistled for a foul early in the fourth quarter. … Jabari Parker missed a second consecutive game for personal reasons.

#UP NEXT

#Bulls: Visit the Lakers in Los Angeles on Friday.

#Kings: Host the Raptors on Friday. Toronto has won six straight against Sacramento dating to 2016.

\ Friday, January 8, 2021

FRANCO MILLER JR

Charles Bain

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#THE NCAA college basketball season continues to be in flux due to consistent cancellations and several Bahamian players continue to see their programmes affected.

#Franco Miller Jr’s Florida Gulf Coast Eagles and Charles Bain’s Robert Morris Colonials both had games postponed this week due to positive tests within their respective programmes.

#The Eagles have not played since December 22 and had their ASUN conference opening home series against North Alabama January 1-2 and a road trip to Liberty January 8-9 were postponed due to a positive COVID-19 result and contact tracing within the programme’s Tier 1 group.

#The official ASUN opener for the Eagles will now be January 15-16 against Bellarmine at home at Alico Arena in Fort Myers, Florida.

#“While we are disappointed not to be playing this week, this is an unfortunate scenario that has played out through all of college sports this year,” said Eagles head coach Michael Fly.

#“I appreciate all the work our Athletics Sports Medicine unit, the University medical staff, and the Florida Department of Health have done to keep our student athletes and staff safe. We will undertake the appropriate measures so that we can return to play following the 14-day period.”

#“Every missed opportunity to compete disappoints us. We want our student athletes to play,” said ASUN Commissioner Ted Gumbart. “Postponing play is the safe and responsible step, but always disappointing. We have plans to adjust and will work throughout the season to maximise the playing options for all ASUN student athletes.”

#In his first season with the Eagles, Miller – the redshirt sophomore guard – is averaging 6.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.

#Bain and the Colonials had a January 2 matchup against Milwaukee postponed and now the series between RMU and IUPUI this weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana has been cancelled due to positive COVID-19 tests within the RMU programme.

#Bain entered his senior season as RMU’s active leader in points (742) and rebounds (385) with a chance to become the 16th member of RMU 1,000- point, 500-rebound club.

#He has struggled this season and played in just three of six games. He has yet to score in double figures this season and has averaged 5.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game thus far.

Friday, January 8, 2021

Jonquel Jones

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#JONQUEL Jones celebrated her 27th birthday with a double double the following night to lead another dominant performance for her UMMC Ekaterinburg Foxes in the Russian Premier League.

#Jones finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds (both team highs) in a 99-42 win over Nika Syktyvkar Wednesday in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

#She shot 6-11 from the floor, made her only three point attempt and also added three blocks with three assists in just over 25 minutes.

#The Foxes are the only undefeated team in the league at 10-0. Eleven games remain in the regular season which concludes March 11.

#Through six games, Jones is averaging 19.8 points, 10 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game.

#The Foxes returned from the midseason break after they finished EuroLeague Group C first round play at 3-0 at the FIBA designated bubble in Girona, Spain. The second EuroLeague group round hub matches will be played January 19-22.

#Last season, Jones’ first with the club, Ekaterinburg captured their second consecutive and fifth EuroLeague title with a 91-67 win over Dynamo Kursk in Sopron, Hungary.

#She appeared in eight games averaging 19.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.

#UMMC has won five EuroLeague titles (2003, 2013, 2016, 2018 and 2019) and are perennial Final Four competitors.