Pairing local teams with top collegiate basketball squads from the United States of America (USA) can be difficult, but the executives in the local governing body for the sport believes that the Bahamian players can 'stack up'.
During the 3rd Annual BTC Summer of Thunder, hosted by the Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) several of the local teams that compete in the New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) will take to the hardwood with the USA-based squads. In fact, The Bahamas All-star opened the month-long tournament yesterday. They tipped off with Colorado State University. No results were available up to press time.
The Bahamas All-star is just one of five teams that will represent The Bahamas. The others include the Commonwealth Bank Giants, Grand Bahama All-stars, PJ Stingers, Real Deal Shockers and the Mailboat Cybots. High ranked teams from the USA, playing under the National Collegiate Association of Athletic Association's (NCAA) umbrella are in town. The teams, some of whom play Division I basketball are Colorado State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Norfolk State University, Cal State Bakersfield, Central Michigan, University of Arizona, Indiana State University, Tulane University, Morgan State University and University of North Carolina Charlotte.
Two more college teams are expected to be added to the line-up, according to Mario Bowleg, First Vice President in the federation.
"The word has gotten out that The Bahamas is the place to be for teams wanting to play basketball," said Bowleg. "All the local teams were preparing and they should play well against the college teams. But this is all about the college teams. It is great preparation for them so they can see what they have or look like heading into their season.
"This tournament has grown from five teams, to seven and now 10. We still have two teams wanting to come down and play. We are just awaiting confirmation which we should have by tomorrow. When you look at the competition level and the teams that have been here in the past and those who are coming, it says a lot and shows that this is a quality, high grade tournament. We expect that the Bahamian teams will compete well and we ask for support from the community. This is a high level competition, and these players are the future in the NBA."
With the extensive play Bowleg is expected to see a lot of improvements on the local fronts. He is hoping that tournaments like these will give them the exposure that is needed. That playing higher caliber teams will help when the national squads play in regional and international qualifiers.
Another point, noted Bowleg, was the refurbishment of the gym and improvements to the floor. Bowleg believes that the renovations will pay dividends in the long run.
"Some of the persons from the tour were here in Nassau earlier this summer and they saw the gym floor," said Bowleg. "Even though the floor wasn't that bad, they made several suggestions and we made the improvements. We want to see and host many more tournaments like this, so we decided that is was best to take their advice and make the necessary improvements. The federation worked closely with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Sports Authority. So the floor is finished and now ready for competition. "
Just because the local teams will be up against some of the top college squads doesn't mean that they are at a disadvantage, Bowleg believes. He revealed that the teams were matched-up based on strength. And all squads will benefit.

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