The Bequia Basketball Association (BBA) has launched an Elite Athlete Programme, an initiative it said that’s designed to identify, develop and prepare promising young basketball players from across the Grenadines for national team opportunities, regional competition and potential academic scholarships.
In a release, the BBA said the programme targets basketball athletes between the ages of 15 and 24, with the goal of providing them with skills development and training, mentorship and coaching, education assistance and practical experience needed to take their basketball careers to the next level, and to also develop them as rounded citizens.
The scouting for potential athletes began during the 24th annual Bequia Basketball Tournament, during which players were evaluated by performance on court, their potential, attitude, work ethic, teachability and willingness to develop.
Twelve 12 players from Bequia and Union Island were selected following the assessment. They are: Bremon Alexander; Kelon Alexander; Jontiel Burke; Bradley Farrell; Tristan Farrell; Javier Friday; Khade Gooding; Cassius Joseph; Elroy Joseph; Jomain Ollivierre; Ken-jay Phillips; and Xontea Shortte
These athletes will train alongside men’s senior national team player Jermaine John, and other top basketball talent from the Grenadines, creating an environment that encourages competition, mentorship and peer development.
The Elite Athletes Programme also will seek to develop the players’ fitness levels, mental preparation, community involvement, education and efficient identified as key facets of the programme.
Former Bequia All-Stars coach Cornelius Farrell, has been appointed Head Coach, and BBA President and FIBA Board Member Sabrina Mitchell, is Programme Director and Team Manager. They will be supported by assistant coaches in Denroy Hutchins; Jemuel Hutchins; Lennox Ince; Keithroy Lavia; Colson Peters; and Steveon Taylor.
The athletes have been engaged in one off-court session, a seminar with national team physiotherapist Shirnan Jacobs, who shared valuable knowledge on injury prevention, recovery and how athletes can better care for their bodies throughout their development. With respect to physical matters, the players have begun sessions at the Bequia Plantation Gym working with physical trainer Rex Pollard.
The BBA said a major component of the programme will be ensuring that the selected athletes develop into well-rounded individuals who can contribute to basketball and the Bequia community in multiple ways. They will be encouraged to become involved in BBA youth camps and development initiatives, while also learning practical aspects of basketball administration, including table official duties and game operations. The Association said it believes that exposing young athletes to these different areas will give them a greater understanding of the sport and create future coaches, officials, administrators and mentors.
