This was revealed by national coordinator Junior Hercules, who spoke to Stabroek Sport during an exclusive interview. Hercules disclosed, “The objective of this initiative is to increase the GABF 3×3 capacity with a long term view of moving Guyana’s international ranking from Men (138th) and Women (166th) to top 5 in four years. Once we have all the present and potential basketball players registered on https://play.fiba3x3.com/.”
He revealed that the specific website which will be used for the signing up is https://play.fiba3x3.com/signup, adding that the process is very straightforward and simple and only requires the applicant to disclose information such as Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Nationality, Hometown, Email Address, Phone Number and Password via a form format.
According to Hercules, the plan will take a duration of two years to develop and properly implement, with the overall aim of qualifying for international tournaments.
Hercules further revealed that among the competitions that will be targeted for qualification following a successful implementation of the project include the FIBA 3×3 Universality Olympic Qualifying, FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup and the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup. “We can start to strategically create targeted FIBA sanction tournaments with the categories Recognized by FIBA”, he added.
He further posited, “We are hoping for a total of about 20 to 40 players in each category throughout this COVID-19 period. During this 3×3 registration drive, it will be my intention to strategically form 3×3 organizing teams to help with the tournament logistical requirement.”
According to Hercules, the program will target both males and females in several categories such as U13, U15, U18, U23 and Open Divisions, with the primary focus on student athletes for the lower age group and reputable and registered club players for the Open section. The registration program will also be conducted on a national basis.
He revealed that while the association is faced with several challenges in its attempt to promote this version, solutions can be realised and crafted through essential funding and consistent competitions.
The GABF’s emphasis on the development of the 3×3 format also comes on the heels of the association inking a historic agreement to be a member of the inaugural ‘Caribe 3×3 Under 19 League Championship’, which is tentatively slated for Barbados in January 2021.
It was revealed that pioneers of this movement are Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, St. Maarten and Guyana. The event is scheduled to be governed and coordinated by Barbadian group F1 Sports and Entertainment Caribbean under the auspices and guidance of CBC and FIBA.
