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Feb 12, 2015 Sports
– As National Basketball Championships loom
By Edison Jefford
Newly appointed National Basketball Coach, Darcel Harris made it pellucid
during a recent press conference that high individual scoring during the upcoming National Basketball Championships will not feature highly in his psyche for national selection.
Harris was speaking at the launch of the National Basketball Championship, The Road to Mecca II last weekend at the New Palm Court on Main Street. The National Championship is scheduled to begin on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The National Basketball Coach was sending a warning to players, who will be vying for national selection, in an attempt to prevent them from focusing on just the offensive aspect of the game. It was his clarion’s call to players to fulfil their specific roles, which include playing five positions, as well as on both offensive and defensive ends of the floor.
“I am not a big fan of top scorers. I’m looking for role players; I like role players as well,” Harris told the media and clubs present. He said he wants players to play their natural games and not try to outdo their teammates, and team, seeking national selection.
The National Basketball Championships will be used to further identify players to add to a list of players already named to play Bermuda, here in March. In addition, Guyana will be competing at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships in June.
A preliminary list of players was identified to start training, because according to Harris, Guyana “must be equally ready to match Bermuda”. Harris said that waiting until the end of the National Championships to start training cannot get players “up to scratch”.
Mecca II concludes on March 1 with the Grand Finale. Nine days later, Bermuda arrives for their three-game series against Guyana. The National Coach believes that training has to commence as the national tournament is ongoing so that Guyana is ready for the challenge.
Notably, Harris indicated that there is room for youth in the National Squad, as well as ‘big men’ since the centre position is almost vacant. He, however, cautioned players to be reminded of their specific positions during the national competition.
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