Newly-elected president of the Linden Amateur Basket-ball Association (LABA) Haslyn Graham says that his executive will stage competitions from U-15 to the U-23 age groups in an effort to arrive at a new breed of players.
“I have recognised that there is need for a new breed of players to take up the mantle when the present ones are gone and for this, there must be a programme for the continued strong showing of Linden to make an impression on the sport nationally,” he said following his election to the top post.
According to Graham, the plan is to play competitions at the various levels to attract the younger generation of players although LABA will still have the senior and Open basketball tournaments.
“We must make an impression and we have to encourage people, man woman and child to come and see the game played competitively and in good spirits,” he added.
Graham, who served as organising secretary in the previous LABA executive spoke of the need for the game to be integrated among the communities which, he opined, should ultimately bring more fans to the sport.
Touching on the topic of discipline, the LABA president said there will be no room for any indiscipline, be it among players, officials or spectators.
“We must enforce the law of the International Basket-ball Federation (FIBA) and, as such, there will be programmes to improve the areas of coaching, refereeing and general administration for the clubs in particular.”
Graham said that the association will do all within its power to ensure that indiscipline will not become a problem as all matters of misconduct will be addressed to ensure that basketball is played in an atmosphere of goodwill.
He warned against those who are bent of bring the game into disrepute as the LABA will not condone such actions.
He also spoke of the support LABA received last year particularly from the Mackenzie Sports Club, Trophy Stall of Bourda Market, Georgetown, BOSAI Minerals (Guyana) Inc., and beverage giants Banks DIH Limited who, he said, contributed in large measure to making last season a success.
