Barbados to contest 2027 FIBA World Cup pre-qualifiers following USVI’s withdrawal

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

Barbados men’s senior basketball team will contest the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2027 Pre-Qualifiers in Mexico following the withdrawal of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI).

Barbados were named as replacements based on their FIBA world ranking and have been drawn in Pool A, where they will face host nation Mexico, Costa Rica, and regional rivals Jamaica.

The Barbados Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) on Thursday named a 12-member squad to compete at the tournament, which will run from August 8 to 10 in Ciudad Obregón.

President of the BABA, Francis Williams, said the opportunity was one which they could not pass up.

“While this tournament was not originally on our calendar for the year, we could not pass up the opportunity to give our players the chance to compete at an international level.

“We are honoured to represent Barbados on this stage and will make the most of the opportunity,” Williams said.

Head coach Devan Blair, who is returning to lead the team, expressed confidence in the group’s preparation and potential.

“It’s a testament to the hard work that the players and coaches put in before I got here. We are challenging these guys every day to be uncomfortable in a style of play that maximises our talent and athleticism,” Blair said.

“It’s an honour to continue having the opportunity to lead this group and we look forward to again representing Barbados on a global stage.”

SQUAD

BARBADOS: Akeem Marsh (co-captain), Keefe Birkett (co-captain), Deroni Hurley, Kiserian Adams

Kyrone Alexander, Rasheed Maynard, Carl Thorpe Jr., Simeon Maynard, Joel Hunte, Justin Bramao

Deveron Knight, Kemar Benn.