Tuesday, August 4, 2020

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#THE Florida Gulf Coast Eagles are excited to add Franco Miller Jr to their programme and look forward to the incoming transfer combo guard to have an impact whenever he steps on the floor.

#Eagles head coach Michael Fly discussed several issues, including Miller’s recruitment process amid the COVID-19 pandemic

#“There’s a recruiting ban on guys right now and for the foreseeable future. We weren’t able to truly scout [Franco] in a traditional way. We watched all the high school tape we could. Actually, coach Davis’ staff at Ole Miss sent us practice tape of him so we could evaluate him more. They were extremely complimentary of him on and off the court. We do a lot of our recruiting based on connections we have made and continue to make and we have a great relationship with his prep school and Coach Davis‘ staff,” Fly told Screecher Report in their Summer Flyer/Fresh Faces Series.

#“We are excited to add a student and player of Franco’s calibre to our programme. He is an experienced guard who can play the point guard position or slide over to the wing as a scorer.”

#Miller’s tenure with the Ole Miss Rebels came in March when he announced he would be leaving the programme. He will have three years of eligibility remaining in his NCAA career. “The three years of eligibility was huge for us. We were looking at other transfers who had one year as well but Franco having three was a factor. We think it gives him time to join the programme and get his feet wet and really contribute in big ways over the course of his time with us. His addition should strengthen our backcourt for the foreseeable future in combination with our other newcomers and young players.” Fly said.

#“We think he can play both positions (PG & SG/Wing). In high school he was a scoring combo guard and we think he can get back to that. He’s got a pure shooting form. We’ll see, when we get the guys back [on campus], how he does with the ball in his hands and taking charge of the offence vs how he does without it.”

#According to the Eagles, Miller becomes the 6th newcomer for the Eagles roster heading into the 2020-21 season, joining four early signees and one graduate transfer. Eagles will return 70 per cent of its scoring back in the line-up along with seven players who saw significant action in 25-or-more games during the 2019-20 season.

#“We’re finally at a place, from a roster standpoint, where we could have Jalen [Warren], Caleb [Catto], Cyrus [Largie], Sam [Gagliardi] and Justus [Rainwater] start for us and they would all be starters from last year. But we like what our newcomers bring to the table,” Fly said. “We think Eli [Abaev] can contribute right away for us and we like the new guys we got coming in and we like our returning players. It’s safe to say that there will be a lot of competition in a lot of different areas.”

Friday, July 31, 2020

NASHAD Mackey

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#NASHAD Mackey will return to the Embry-Riddle Eagles men’s basketball programme, but will transition to the sidelines in a new role as a member of the coaching staff.

#Mackey will re-join the team this fall as a graduate assistant coach.

#“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to be back in the Embry-Riddle environment, surrounded by all these amazing people, the staff and this wonderful group of guys,” Mackey said in a statement to ERAU Athletics. “I am truly grateful to be an Eagle again and work side-by-side with a talented coaching staff and do big things for this university.”

#The Eagles are coming off their best NCAA II season in 2019-20, finishing 20-10 overall while earning a berth to the NCAA National Tournament before the season prematurely ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

#Mackey concluded his collegiate basketball playing career as one of the programme’s all-time leaders.

#In his two-year run with the Eagles, he was a two-time Sunshine State Conference All-Conference performer.

#He registered 39 double-doubles in 50 career games in an Eagle uniform, averaging 17.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks per game – the only Eagle to average a double-double for his Embry-Riddle career.

#Mackey’s scoring average ranks fourth all-time in Eagle history, while his 12.2 boards per outing is easily the top mark in 31 seasons of ERAU basketball. His career totals also include second all-time in free throw percentage (.870) and eighth in blocked shot average (1.1). “We are extremely excited to add one of our all-time great players in Nashad to our coaching staff. From the very first day he committed to our university and basketball programme, Nashad earned the utmost respect and trust from his coaches and teammates in his leadership ability at the very highest level.”

#Head Coach Steve Ridder said to ERAU Athletics: “Nashad is a born leader who has a tremendously high basketball IQ, relentless work ethic, discipline, great communication skills and a burning desire to impact other people’s lives as a servant-leader. He is a tremendous example of what Embry-Riddle University, and specifically our athletic programme, is all about. I know he is both passionate and grateful to have this opportunity for him, his wife Simone and their children Noah and Malayah.”

#As a junior, Mackey produced a number of career milestones and postseason awards. He was named to the All-Conference second team as well as the All-Newcomer team when the Sunshine State Conference office announced the 2017-18 men’s basketball postseason awards.

#Mackey made school history when he became the first Eagles player to earn an All-Conference selection. He had an immediate impact on the programme as they transitioned to NCAA Division II with his record-breaking junior season.

#He averaged 17.3 points and 12.5 rebounds per game, both team leads. In 28 starts, he also set a new single-season double-doubles record with 23 on the year and ended the season with 13 such consecutive games. He posted a total of 350 rebounds, another school record, ranked second in NCAA Division II.

#Mackey transferred to the Eagles and NCAA Division II level after he posted stellar individual numbers and garnered postseason awards at the JuCo level. During his stint with the Daytona State College Falcons, he was named the Mid-Florida Conference Player of the Year and was also named First team All-State in the conference as a sophomore.

Thursday, August 27, 2020

FRANCO Miller Jr

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#WHEN the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles take to the court for the 2021 season, Franco Miller Jr could have an immediate impact with the programme.

#Miller has been granted an NCAA waiver for immediate eligibility and will not have to sit out a season after he transferred from Ole Miss to FGCU in June.

#“Having Franco be immediately eligible is a big boost to our line-up this season and adds another veteran player who has experience in high-level competition,” said Eagles head coach Michael Fly.

#“As a mature player, this announcement helps Franco stay in his basketball timeline without being away from game competition for a year and strengthens our backcourt for the foreseeable future when you look at our roster make-up.”

#Miller’s tenure with the Rebels came in March when he announced he would be leaving the programme. He will have three years of eligibility remaining in his NCAA career.

#“The three years of eligibility was huge for us. We were looking at other transfers who had one year as well but Franco having three was a factor. We think it gives him time to join the programme and get his feet wet and really contribute in big ways over the course of his time with us. His addition should strengthen our backcourt for the foreseeable future in combination with our other newcomers and young players.”

#Fly told Screecher Report in their Summer Flyer/Fresh Faces Series: “We think he can play both positions (PG and SG/Wing). In high school he was a scoring combo guard and we think he can get back to that. He’s got a pure shooting form. We’ll see, when we get the guys back [on campus], how he does with the ball in his hands and taking charge of the offence vs how he does without it.”

#According to the Eagles, Miller becomes the sixth newcomer for the Eagles roster heading into the 2020-21 season, joining four early signees and one graduate transfer. The Eagles will return 70 per cent of its scoring back in the line-up along with seven players who saw significant action in 25-or-more games during the 2019-20 season.

#“There’s a recruiting ban on guys right now and for the foreseeable future. We weren’t able to truly scout [Franco] in a traditional way. We watched all the high school tape we could. Actually, coach Davis’ staff at Ole Miss sent us practice tape of him so we could evaluate him more. They were extremely complimentary of him on and off the court. We do a lot of our recruiting based on connections we have made and continue to make and we have a great relationship with his prep school and coach Davis’ staff. We are excited to add a student and player of Franco’s calibre to our programme. He is an experienced guard who can play the point guard position or slide over to the wing as a scorer.”

#FGCU competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference. They come off a 10-22 season that concluded with a loss in the quarter-finals of the conference tournament. FGCU is best known for their run in the 2013 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament, their first since moving up to Division I. They became the first 15th seed to advance to the Sweet 16.

#Miller had his true freshman season in 2018-19 cut short due to a stress fracture in his kneecap that eventually led to surgery. He was granted a medical redshirt. In 2019-20 campaign, he played sparingly as a redshirt freshman and appeared in just 13 games.

#In those few appearances, he reached double figures in minutes just three times.He scored four points in his season debut against Alabama State, but would go scoreless for the remainder of the season.

#Despite falling out of the rotation, Miller made an impact off the court and was named to the 2020 SEC Men’s Basketball Community Service Team.

Samuel Hunter shoots during a training session.

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#After spending time here at home since March during the suspension of school because of the coronavirus pandemic, Samuel Hunter has returned to the University of Mississippi for his sophomore year as a member of the Rebels men’s basketball team.

#“It’s been good. We’ve been working out, but I have to get used to breathing in the masks that we have to wear,” said Hunter, who went back to Mississippi in July to prepare for the upcoming season.

#“I think we have a good team. I think we have a good chance to win a lot of games and hopefully get to the NCAA Championships. It’s going to be a lot of fun playing with these games.”

#In preparation for his return to the Rebels’ line-up where he hopes to move from the bench to the starting line-up, Hunter spent some considerable time working out here at home with some top Bahamian players like Zane Kmowles, Michael ‘Furly’ Bain, Detarrio Thompson, Jeffery Henfield and Adam Johnson to sharpen his game.

#“I know the work will pay off,” said Hunter, a 6-foot, 6-inch forward.

#“I am just glad to be back here. Hopefully everything will go full stream ahead from here.

#“I just have to continue working on my game and hopefully I can get to start this year. I just have to be ready for whatever happens this year.”

#If all goes well, the Rebels, coached by Kermit Davis, are scheduled to open their season on November 10 against New Orleans in the first of three home games.

#That will be followed by North Carolina A&T on November 15 and Charleston Southern on November 18 before they play their first game on the road in Niceville, Florida against La Salle on November 23.

#Having started classes on Monday, Hunter said he’s looking forward to duplicating or surpassing the 3.8 grade point average he maintained as an honour roll student last year as he continues his studies towards a degree in sport and recreation administration or sports management.

#“They gave us a lot of help with our tutors and stuff, but you just have to stay focused,” said Hunter, who graduated from British Columbia Christian Prep in Canada. “I just have to stay focused on basketball and school and still have some fun.”

#While there is still a lot of concern about the coronavirus, Hunter said he’s taking it in stride.

#“You only can control what you can control, so you just have to put your mask on, do your hand sanitising and so I want to encourage everyone in Nassau to put their masks on,” Hunter said.

#“You can’t save everyone, but you can try. Just stay safe and mask up. That’s all I have to say. We have our protocols to follow over here and I’m trying to follow them. So I want to encourage the Bahamian people to do the same over there.”

#Hunter, who turns 20 on November 28, is coming off a freshman year with the Rebels, having played in 27 games, primarily off the bench, averaging 12.1 minutes per game. In his only start versus Butler, he logged a career-high 31 minutes with 12 points and three rebounds.

#He finished the season with a tally of 2.9 ppg and 1.4 rpg. He shot 40.8 per cent (29 of 71) from the field, 12.5 per cent (1 of 8) from beyond the arc and 70.4 per cent (19 of 27) from the free throw line.

#Additionally, Hunter scored a career-high eight points in the win over Western Michigan (11/15). He also helped Ole Miss earn a victory over Vanderbilt (2/29) with seven points and a career-high three blocks, tying for the most blocks by a Rebel in a game throughout the season. And he recorded a career-high three steals in a win over Missouri (3/4).

#The son of Andrew and Sophia Hunter was ranked as the No. 184 prospect, according to 247Sports, averaging 27.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 3.0 apg as a senior at British Columbia Christian Prep.

#He was named the MVP of the Signature All-Canadian Showcase, competing among the top seniors in Canada, by scoring 18 points to go along with five rebounds and two blocks. He also recorded 13 points, four rebounds and two steals in the BioSteel All-Canadian Game, featuring the top 24 male Canadian high school basketball players who are either Canadian-born or enrolled in a Canadian institution.

#Also, he averaged 18.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg for the Bahamas in a pair of exhibitions against ACC teams, including an 18-point output versus North Carolina and he earned a spot on the Caribbean Tip-Off Classic All-Tournament Team by averaging 33 ppg throughout the tournament that included a 40-point outburst.

#Hunter also competed in the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games for the Bahamas senior national team and he averaged 14.6 ppg and 6.8 rpg for the Bahamas junior national team at the 2017 Centrobasket Under-17 Championship. He was also a member of the Bahamas 2016 CBC U-16 Championship team.

Lathaniel Bastian

f Friday, July 31, 2020

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#After missing out on his first opportunity to secure a major division one basketball scholarship, Lathaniel Bastian is hoping that his dream comes true this time around.

#The 2016 graduate of Doris Johnson High School, where he helped the Mystic Marlins under coach Denycko Bowles win the school’s first championship title, will get a chance to display his skills at the All-American Junior College Showcase.

#The event, scheduled for August 15-16 at the International Sports Arena in Stone Mountain, Georgia, will feature the elite 80 players in the west (used to be invited to our Vegas event) and the elite 80 players in the east combined together for one big weekend.

#Each player will play up to four games throughout the weekend, concluding with the top 20 All-Star showcase where the top players from the event will advance.

#This showcase is designed for the top rising junior college sophomores in the country with games being played in front of a national audience on ESPN, CBS Sports and Rivals with NBA personnel and numerous other national media and scouting services on hand.

#Each player will be evaluated and considered for the 2021 JucoRecruiting.com Top 100 Rankings.

#Having had his student visa denied at least five times by the American Embassy, Bastian missed out on an opportunity to play for the Gillette Proghorns in Gillette, Wyoming.

#Instead, after he finally got his visa sorted out, he went to Rend Lake College in Illinois before he transferred to Trinity Valley College in Texas in January.

#Of course, he didn’t get to display his skills because of the shutdown of sporting activities worldwide in March because of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s all about putting in the hard work and being in the right position,” said Bastian, who is still in Texas preparing for the showcase after he got some exposure playing in the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s Summer of Thunder with the Commonwealth Bank Giants and the International Basketball Academy – Bahamas.

#“I feel like I’m in the right position. I had a lot of offers coming in, but they really want me to play in this showcase to see how I will fear against the potential college players. They are going to see me play.”

#The 21-year-old Bastian said the assistant coach art Trinity Prep have been working with him on his basketball skills, making sure that he is properly prepared to shine in the showcase.

#“My coaches just told me to continue doing what I’ve been doing and that is play hard,” said Bastian, who stands at 6-feet, eight-inches and play the small forward position.

#“I feel like I’ve been stepped over my whole life and having had a chance to come here to the United States to play last year, this is a good opportunity for me to really perform. So I’m really happy and excited. I just want to dominate”

#Calling it his second time around to shine, Bastian said he have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.

#“I have improved so much in the game, so I feel my chances to shine is great,” he insisted.

#Bastian thanked God for giving him the ability to get into the United States and top perform. He also credit his mother, Monique Jennings, for being there financially for him every step of the way.

#“I’ve put myself in this position to be successful,” he stressed. “My mom has tried her best with no help. I haven’t had to ask anybody to assist me in any way. But I’m glad to get this opportunity and I hope to make the best of it.”

#At present, the United States is under siege because of the rise in cases of Covid-19, but Bastian said while he is concerned about what’s going on, he’s not going to let it deter him from his ultimate goal.

#“It’s here and we have to deal with it,” he insisted. “But while I’m concerned about it, I have to do what I have to do. Follow the safety rules and hope that I am not affected.”

#Hopefully, he said the virus will pass soon, but he’s more eager to be able to get to the showcase and display his skills. The officials have released the list of measures they will take for everyone as they participate in the showcase.

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Lathaniel Bastian (centre) in action for the Bahamas.

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#ANOTHER Bahamian basketball talent received an opportunity to further his academic and athletic career through basketball.

#Lathaniel Bastian is expected to join the Gillette Proghorns men’s basketball programme on a full athletic scholarship this fall.

#The 6’7″, 205-pound forward will join a programme with a rich tradition under head coach Shawn Neary.

#Located in Gillette, Wyoming, the Proghorns compete in the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association’s Region IX.

#In just eight years since its inception, Gillete is a three time national tournament qualifier, two-time Region IX champion and has produced 15 All-Region players.

#Locally, Bastian spent his high school years with the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins under head coach Denycko Bowles and was also a member of Bowles’ International Basketball Academy – Bahamas.

#“Coach Bowles was the coach at Doris Johnson, he saw that I needed work, he saw that I was shaky in the game and he did all that he could to develop me into the player I am now,” Bastian said.

#“He saw potential in me. I used to be nervous, with the crowd watching me I really want to play well for the crowd. Going over there [the United States] no one really knew so I realised I don’t have to play for the crowd I can play for myself and that’s where my game really elevated and I became more dominant. That’s where I started developing. My time at IBA helped my confidence and it helped me be physical and develop my game.”

#Bastian participated in a pair of showcases this offseason – the Darrell Sears Showcase in Grand Bahama and the IBA/Get Me Recruited Super 60, Hot 100 Showdown in New Providence.

#Following his career at Doris Johnson, he spent a year with the Game on Rise Academy, a prep school in Ocala, Florida.

#Game on Rise Academy is a year-round basketball training, recruitment assistance programme. The organisation boasts “85 combined years of academic tutoring, athletic training, weight training, counselling, mentoring, life skill and time management teaching.”

#The format of the prep institutions academic and athletic regimen is marketed to appeal to international students.

#Bastian was afforded the opportunity to compete against other academies, junior colleges and prep schools.

#It gives players an opportunity to train another year if the offers to colleges were unavailable immediately after high school.

#“There is a small niche in basketball where these guys finish high school and they are not good enough to immediately play in college or they simply just haven’t been recognised,” Game On Rise founder Mike Kirkland told the Ocala Star Banner.

#“So we have provided an area where kids can come to train and gain a solid extra year to help them earn a scholarship playing basketball. We have a loaded database of coaches and scouts that we contact regularly and help get these players to the next level.”

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Lathaniel Bastian (centre) in action for the Bahamas.

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#ANOTHER Bahamian basketball talent received an opportunity to further his academic and athletic career through basketball.

#Lathaniel Bastian is expected to join the Gillette Proghorns men’s basketball programme on a full athletic scholarship this fall.

#The 6’7″, 205-pound forward will join a programme with a rich tradition under head coach Shawn Neary.

#Located in Gillette, Wyoming, the Proghorns compete in the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association’s Region IX.

#In just eight years since its inception, Gillete is a three time national tournament qualifier, two-time Region IX champion and has produced 15 All-Region players.

#Locally, Bastian spent his high school years with the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins under head coach Denycko Bowles and was also a member of Bowles’ International Basketball Academy – Bahamas.

#“Coach Bowles was the coach at Doris Johnson, he saw that I needed work, he saw that I was shaky in the game and he did all that he could to develop me into the player I am now,” Bastian said.

#“He saw potential in me. I used to be nervous, with the crowd watching me I really want to play well for the crowd. Going over there [the United States] no one really knew so I realised I don’t have to play for the crowd I can play for myself and that’s where my game really elevated and I became more dominant. That’s where I started developing. My time at IBA helped my confidence and it helped me be physical and develop my game.”

#Bastian participated in a pair of showcases this offseason – the Darrell Sears Showcase in Grand Bahama and the IBA/Get Me Recruited Super 60, Hot 100 Showdown in New Providence.

#Following his career at Doris Johnson, he spent a year with the Game on Rise Academy, a prep school in Ocala, Florida.

#Game on Rise Academy is a year-round basketball training, recruitment assistance programme. The organisation boasts “85 combined years of academic tutoring, athletic training, weight training, counselling, mentoring, life skill and time management teaching.”

#The format of the prep institutions academic and athletic regimen is marketed to appeal to international students.

#Bastian was afforded the opportunity to compete against other academies, junior colleges and prep schools.

#It gives players an opportunity to train another year if the offers to colleges were unavailable immediately after high school.

#“There is a small niche in basketball where these guys finish high school and they are not good enough to immediately play in college or they simply just haven’t been recognised,” Game On Rise founder Mike Kirkland told the Ocala Star Banner.

#“So we have provided an area where kids can come to train and gain a solid extra year to help them earn a scholarship playing basketball. We have a loaded database of coaches and scouts that we contact regularly and help get these players to the next level.”

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#ANOTHER group of young basketball players took full advantage of their opportunity to boost their recruitment stock at the Darrell Sears Showcase but the event could look to expand beyond the basketball court for future editions.

#Sears, the longtime coach of the St George’s Jaguars, said that while many student athletes earned opportunities through basketball, the personnel of the participants and their skillset may provide further opportunities on the football field.

#“The showcase started off a little rocky, but as always the coaches enjoyed it. Like I said, we had two official offers yesterday. We had a lot of kids get opportunities to even look at playing football now. So we’re branching off. The showcase could be moving into some football to try and give kids a better opportunity.” Sears said.

#“We have a lot of kids who are undersized. Here, they could be 6 foot four inches (6’4″) and play power forward, they may not progress to be a guard (in college), because the skill-set is not there. But they can go and play football, because they are so athletic and can get a scholarship in football. So we’re branching off and we’re going to start with girls again next year, boys and then football.”

#Two participants at this year’s event, Troy Trembly and Lathaniel Bastian, received offers while a host of other athletes received interest from colleges and high schools.

#This year’s showcase also expanded on the court as well and featured the promising group of junior players in grades 7-9.

#“The younger group is what the coaches were excited about. That’s why we wanted them to come in so we could make those coaches come back. You had so many of these kids who are younger, even someone who is out of school, never played high school, picked up and offered a scholarship.

#“This is a kid who is playing night league, we decided at the last minute to give him a chance because that’s what the showcase is about, giving them an opportunity.” Sears said.

#“We have some of the most naturally gifted players in the world. I’ve said the coaching has gotten better over the years, I’ve seen it. The coaches are getting better so they’re teaching their kids better. So the skill-set is starting to get better. But what we’re excited about is that it will bring these coaches back to see just how much they have improved since then. The more coaches we can get in the better it is for our programme and our kids.”

#Sears began the practice of travelling with his players to the US to gain exposure for his players in the late 1990s. Since then, he has been able to forge a network of connections that now affords a greater number of players those same opportunities by showcasing their skills at home. Over the course of the weekend, players engaged in individual skill development, as well as scrimmages.

#Since its inception, the showcase has facilitated over $2 million in scholarships to over 100 student athletes to attend various levels of colleges and high schools in the United States.

#Event sponsors included the Freeport Council, Nesbitt Rentals, Kosha and the Ministry of Tourism.

#At the end of the 2017 event, a record five participants were offered scholarships by representatives of visiting programmes.

#Approximately 60 players took part in the showcase which featured scouts, coaches, and representatives from 25 high schools and colleges in the United States, ranging from JuCo to Division I.

f Wednesday, May 3, 2017

ABOUT 60 players participated in the camp, which featured scouts, coaches, and representatives from 25 high school and collegiate coaches in the United States, ranging from JuCo to Division I.

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#THE Darell Sears Showcase continues to be a staple on the Bahamas’ basketball calendar and gains recognition by showcasing the best talent the country has to offer.

#The 15th edition of the event concluded Sunday at the St George’s Jaguars Gymnasium in Grand Bahama and a record five participants were offered scholarships by representatives of visiting programmes.

#Approximately 60 players participated in the camp, which featured scouts, coaches, and representatives from 25 high school and collegiate coaches in the United States, ranging from JuCo to Division I.

#The showcase hosted coaches from Southern Mississippi University, Arkansas State, Stetson university, Arkansas-Little Rock, University of Louisiana-Monroe, Stephen F. Austin, Texas A and M Corpus Christi, St Petersburg Junior College, Miami Dade Junior College, Paris Junior College and Edward Waters University. There were also four high schools out of the US and a representative from a Canadian college in attendance.

#In addition to the players to receive offers, an additional 10 drew strong interest and are on the fast track for future opportunities if they are unable to capitalise immediately.

#This year’s tournament also had another new addition as a pair of former participants signed their letters of intent to attend institutions in the United States.

#Shaquillo Fritz signed on to join the Arkansas State Red Wolves while Qyemah Gibson made it official with the Miami Dade Sharks.

#Fritz said it was fitting that his basketball journey came full circle and he was able to sign at the St George’s campus.

#“I’d like to thank my parents and this programme for helping me to get to this point. I’m very excited to be a Red Wolf and this is a perfect day. It’s great to see the family come out and support me because my support system has helped me to be a better person,” he said. “I advise the guys at the showcase to keep working, keep focused, believe in your self and chase your dreams. You just have to make the most of your opportunity when you get the chance.”

#Gibson added: “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I don’t take it for granted. I want to make the most of it and I’m very thankful for it.”

#Sears, the longtime coach of the Jaguars, began the practice of travelling with his players to the United States to gain exposure for his players in the late 1990s.

#Since then, he has been able to forge a network of connections that now affords a greater number of players those same opportunities by showcasing their skills at home. Over the course of the weekend, players engaged in individual skill development, as well as scrimmages.

#Sears talked about the improvements he has seen in the event since its inception. “My eyes are a bit diff so I always look for the little things. The coaches and the kids had a wonderful time and I think our people had a great job. There are improvements we can make and I think that I am learning more and more that if one child gets the opportunity at the next level then it’s a success,” he said.

#“The thing that the coaches have spoken to me about is the guys’ athleticism. What they are excited about, especially for the ones that have been coming the last two, three years and what they have recognised is that the skill set and IQ of the game has improved. We know we have guys that can attack but in years past one of the knocks has been guy’s wouldn’t know when to pull up or when they get to the rim they wouldn’t know the appropriate move, now they recognise defences better and their games have improved.”

#The age bracket for the showcase ranged from 9th grade to unattached. It also featured current Bahamian junior college players looking to progress into division I. “Hopefully we can reach a bigger audience and reach even more programmes in the future, particularly for those coaches who can not attend,” Sears said.

#Showcase alumni includes some of the most recognised names in Bahamian basketball over the past 15 years.

#Some of the past participants in the showcase includes professional players Magnum Rolle, Kadeem Coleby, Kentwan Smith, Garvin Hunt and current division I players Buddy Hield, Lourawls Nairn Jr, Kentwan Smith, Prince Cooper Jr, Travis Munnings, Nathan Bain, Kenneth Taylor, Andre Sands and Dwight Coleby.

#Several of those players were afforded an opportunity to join the Sunrise Christian Academy Eagles programme in Wichita, Kansas.

#Sunrise head coach Luke Barnwall was on hand once again at this year’s edition, scouting future talent.

#“Darell always has the best kids here. There is a lot of good young talent, I was talking to one of the Division I coaches, and I would say that the players are getting better, their skill level is getting better and I would say the talent level is better and it’s good to see,” he said.

#“This process, it works for them. We have had a lot of them come through our programme that have come through here and went as high as Buddy, Tum and Travis. They get a chance to play for us, then go on to Division I.”

#Scores of other players have received scholarship opportunities to join high school, junior college, division II and division III programmes across the United States. “I saw a lot of talented kids, a lot of kids ready to join a programme to go and play basketball. It’s my first time here so I’m really excited about being here,” said Paris Junior College assistant coach Michael Scott.

#“I’m looking for some guys ready to work hard, looking to stay in the gym and get ready to play. This event is huge because I think kids here need an opportunity to understand what it takes to come over to America and play basketball. A lot of it is a basic fundamental, just understanding how to play and if you can do that you can play at our level.”

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#THE high school basketball season may be over, but aspiring student athletes still look to take advantage of the many recruitment opportunities like the Darell Sears Showcase.

#The showcase continues to be a staple on the Bahamas’ basketball calendar and gains recognition by showcasing the best talent the country has to offer.

#The 16th edition of the event is scheduled to be hosted April 27-29 at the St George’s Gymnasium in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

#Since its inception, the showcase has facilitated over $2 million in scholarships to over 100 student athletes to attend various levels of colleges and high schools in the United States.

#Event sponsors include the Freeport Council, Nesbitt Rentals, Kosha and the Ministry of Tourism.

#At the end of the 2017 event, a record five participants were offered scholarships by representatives of visiting programmes.

#Approximately 60 players participated in the showcase which featured scouts, coaches, and representatives from 25 high schools and colleges in the United States, ranging from JuCo to Division I.

#The showcase hosted coaches from Southern Mississippi University, Arkansas State, Stetson University, Arkansas-Little Rock, University of Louisiana-Monroe, Stephen F Austin, Texas A and M Corpus Christi, St Petersburg Junior College, Miami Dade Junior College, Paris Junior College and Edward Waters University.

#There were also four high schools out of the US and a representative from a Canadian college in attendance.

#In addition to the players to receive offers, an additional 10 drew strong interest and are on the fast track for future opportunities if they are unable to capitalise immediately.

#In a new addition as a pair of former participants signed their letters of intent to attend institutions in the United States when Shaquillo Fritz signed on to join the Arkansas State Red Wolves while Qyemah Gibson made it official with the Miami Dade Sharks.

#Sears, the longtime coach of the Jaguars, began the practice of travelling with his players to the US to gain exposure for his players in the late 1990s. Since then, he has been able to forge a network of connections that now affords a greater number of players those same opportunities by showcasing their skills at home. Over the course of the weekend, players engaged in individual skill development, as well as scrimmages.

#Sears talked about the improvements he has seen in the event since its inception. “My eyes are a bit different so I always look for the little things. The coaches and the kids had a wonderful time and I think our people had a great job. There are improvements we can make and I think that I am learning more and more that if one child gets the opportunity at the next level then it’s a success,” he said.

#“The thing that the coaches have spoken to me about is the guys’ athleticism. What they are excited about, especially for the ones that have been coming the last two, three years and what they have recognised is that the skill set and IQ of the game has improved. We know we have guys that can attack but in years past one of the knocks has been guys wouldn’t know when to pull up or when they get to the rim they wouldn’t know the appropriate move, now they recognise defences better and their games have improved.”

#The age bracket for the showcase ranged from 9th grade to unattached. It also featured current Bahamian junior college players looking to progress into Division I. “Hopefully we can reach a bigger audience and reach even more programmes in the future, particularly for those coaches who can not attend,” Sears said.

#Showcase alumni includes some of the most recognised names in Bahamian basketball over the past 16 years. Some of the past participants in the showcase include professional players Buddy Hield (NBA) Magnum Rolle, Kadeem Coleby, Kentwan Smith, Garvin Hunt and current division I players Lourawls Nairn Jr, Kentwan Smith, Prince Cooper Jr, Travis Munnings, Nathan Bain, Kenneth Taylor, Andre Sands and Dwight Coleby.