Ten teams to compete in 3rd Brush B’ball Classic

Oct 14, 2011 Sports

Ten of the Nation’s best Basketball clubs will compete in the third edition of the Brush’s Basketball Classic which will bounce off on October 22 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden.
Ravens, Courts Pacesetters and Maccabees will represent Georgetown; Berbice Warriors is the lone side from the Ancient County, while defending Champions Wismar Pistons will lead Linden’s challenge apart from the Kashif and Shanghai Kings, Amelia’s Ward Jets, Victory Valley Royals and Retrieve Raiders. Kwakwani will make their debut.
The winners of the tournament will pocket $100,000, with $60,000 going to second placed team while the third place has attracted $40,000 along with trophies and medals. Tee Shirts will also be given to all of the teams and officials, compliments of the organisers.
At Wednesday’s launching held at the LEAP Building in Linden, the organisers and the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) took the opportunity to discuss the rules and regulations and what is expected of team’s during the competition.
Under the ‘Brush’s Basketball Foundation’, the tournament is being played in honour, Mike, James and Clifton Brush, all former senior National Basketball players, hailing from Linden.

Organisers Ashton Angel Jr. (left) and Cloyde Brush along with LABA Vice President Rawle Toney (right) at the head table during the launching of the 3rd Brush’s Basketball Classic.

Of the three, Mike is more popular being a former Guyana’s National Coach. Only last week, Mike had the newly constructed dressing room/facility at the MSC Hard Court named in his honour. It was funded by Ansa Mcal Trading.
Speaking on behalf of his brothers, Cloyde thanked the teams for availing themselves, especially those from Berbice and Kwakwani. He stated that basketball is now playing again in Guyana and hopes that the players will be hungry for this tournament.
“If you noticed, we are playing all of our games mostly in Linden because this community has been starved when it comes to basketball due to not having a proper venue to play.”
LABA Vice President Rawle Toney, speaking on behalf of the association, stated that his administration sees the Brush’s Classic as a jumpstart to what the LABA has planned for the remainder of the year now that they have a proper facility.
“I take the time to thank all the clubs and players for their patient and support during our time away from the Court but we have been working behind the scenes to make sure that when basketball starts, there will be none-stop action.”
Toney added, “LABA sees the Brush’s Classic as an important event because of the significance it holds, given the fact that past players are giving back something to basketball in Linden. We are offering our full support to the event.”
After the opening on October 22, games are scheduled for October 26, 29, November 2, 4, 5 and 6. According to Brush, only one playing day is scheduled for the Burnham Basketball Court in the City.