IBA Bahamas seeks assistance ahead of Las Vegas trip

Thu, Jul 7th 2016, 01:36 PM


Some of the players on the IBA  under-15 team that's looking to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada to play in the Bigfoot Las Vegas Classic. (Photo: IBA Bahamas)

The International Basketball Academy (IBA) of The Bahamas plans to take 14 boys, all under age 17, to participate in the Big Foot Hoops Las Vegas Classic this month in Las Vegas, Nevada.

However, they've recently run into some financial issues that are hindering their travel plans, and are now calling out to corporate Bahamas and other private sponsors for assistance with the trip.

The tournament is set for July 20-24, and is a marquee event on the boys' summer basketball recruiting calendar.

The tournament has been put on by Bigfoot Hoops for the past 20 years; last year, it featured over 900 teams from around the world.

IBA Bahamas Founder Denycko Bowles, who is also the head coach of the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins boys' basketball team, is spearheading the trip. The students who will be traveling held a cookout last Saturday to help raise funds, but came up short.

"This is a world renowned event," said Bowles. "There will be a lot of high school and college coaches looking to add to their programs, and as a part of IBA, it's my job to expose these kids to this level of play.

"Going up against this level of competition and talent allows them to see what they have to do to get to the next level and push themselves to that level."

To prepare for the trip, the boys have been polishing their skills at Bowles' Elite Skills basketball camp, which is being held daily at the old Bahamas Academy gymnasium on Wulff Road.

"These kids are playing with the goal of taking their games to the next level and I want to guide them as they fulfill their dreams," Bowles added.

To donate to the group's trip, message the International Basketball Academy or Denykco Bowles on Facebook, or drop in at the BA gymnasium this week before the camp comes to an end.

Randy Smith, Guardian Sports Reporter

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