Daily Archives: August 8, 2023

By Cesare Milanti /info@eurohoops.net

Ahead of the 2023 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament, 34-year-old veteran shooting guard Eric Gordon is set to join the Bahamian national team.

Eric Gordon already played for Team USA at the 2010 FIBA World Cup averaging 8.6 points per game, but according to 10th Year SeniorsUSA Basketball granted Gordons release and FIBA approved his change of country representation due to Article 22 of its internal regulations.

The 34-year-old experienced shooting guard will likely join Phoenix Suns DeAndre Ayton, Indiana Pacers Buddy Hield, and Charlotte Hornets Kai Jones, who already gave their availability to represent the Caribbean national team.

Over the course of his career, which started back in 2008 when he was selected with the 7th overall pick in the NBA Draft, the Indiana Hoosiers product played for the Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Hornets and Pelicans, and Houston Rockets.

In the 2022-23 season, he had 11.0 points for the team who drafted him, earning a two-year deal for $6.5 million with the Suns with a player option the second year.

The Bahamas are set to face Cuba, Panama, and Argentina in Group A of the 2023 Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament to keep on hoping for a spot at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. In Group B,Chile, Colombia, the Virgin Islands, and Uruguay will clash.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

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Eric Gordon to reportedly represent Team Bahamas - Eurohoops

It wasnt just what Geron Sands said. It was how.

Texas Rangers assistant general manager Ross Fenstermaker had known Sands for years, almost as long as the decade-and-a-half Sands had been training baseball players. Many a time, Fenstermaker had visited his International Elite academy in the Bahamas to scout prospects, and the two had built a mutual trust. Theyd even done some deals together, although this time Sands was invoking the specter of one that never came to pass.

Ross, Sands had said, his voice serious, dont miss out on the next Jazz.

Jazz was Jazz Chisholm, the vibrant Miami Marlins star who made the All-Star Game last year at 24 years old. Eight years ago, the Rangers had indeed missed out on him. Theyd been focused on another Bahamian prospect, shortstop Lucius Fox, but didnt get him, either. The Giants had signed Fox for $6 million, while Chisholm went to the Diamondbacks for just $200,000. Fox has been a disappointment, but Chisholm has become a marquee attraction, enough to serve as a reminder of why major-league clubs are increasingly flocking to the Bahamas despite little baseball tradition and a population of only 400,000.

To label a Bahamian kid as the next Jazz is high praise, but thats the tag Sands placed on a tall and lanky teenage shortstop named Sebastian Walcott. The kid could really hit, Sands boasted. He also had a cannon for an arm. The Bahamas has produced plenty of tantalizing athletes who now populate the minor leaguesalthough only Chisholm and Fox have broken through to the majors in the last decadebut Sands insisted that Walcott was something exceptional.

The next Jazz.

The one that got away, now back within reach.

The tone in his voice every time he would come up indicated to me that he felt he was a special, special player, Fenstermaker says. When you hear that, you take notice.

The Rangers did more than notice. Back then, Walcott was an intriguing 13-year-old years away from being eligible to sign a professional contract. Now, only a handful of games into his professional career, he is considered one of the best prospects in the game. Baseball America and MLB Pipeline rank him just inside their top-100 lists. The Athletic slots him at No. 42. The game is catching on to what the Rangers already knew and what Sands was so eager to tell themthat Walcott has a chance to be a star.

If he fulfills that potential, hell be a likely heir to Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford as the Rangers top position player prospect. Hell also represent another leap forward for a small country that is punching above its weight as a baseball factory. But even among that deepening pool of talent, Walcott stands apart.

He signed for $3.2 million, the second-largest ever awarded to a Bahamian amateur, and the highest since limits were placed on international bonuses in 2017. Its also the second-highest bonus the Rangers have given any international amateur in the same period. Almost everybody missed the first Jazz, but MLB teams have caught on to the Bahamas since. To get the next Jazz, you have to pay.

It was an investment for Texas that already looks prudent. Walcott signed this January and has already hit .292/.352/.566 in the Arizona Complex League. Just 17 years old, he may finish the season at Low-A Down East. Walcott is aiming for a rapid ascent. I told Ross on the day of the signing that I want to be in the big leagues by 19 or 20, Walcott says. As young as he is, that doesnt seem out of the question.

If hes as good as the Rangers hopeand as quickly as he hopesone things for sure: the label of the next Jazz will soon seem outdated.

Eight years ago, Sands noticed a 9-year-old at a Little League game in the Bahamian capital of Nassau. Every other kid on the field was two years older, and yet the clear star was the one who could still count his age on his fingers. That was Walcott.

Every time I watched him, Sands says, I would get goosebumps.

Sands has been around long enough to know how to recognize a special ballplayer. Hes trained them since retiring in 2007 from a brief playing career, and when it comes to turning the Bahamas into a baseball hotbed, hes played as big a role as anyone. First with an academy called Maximum Development, and for the last 11 years with his own outfit at I-Elite, he has guided the development of nearly every Bahamian who has signed a professional contract in the last 10 years.

He trained Chisholm and Fox, as well as former top-100 prospect Kristian Robinson of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Others who have come through I-Elite include two-way player Janero Miller (Marlins), pitcher Tahnaj Thomas (Pirates), and outfielder DShawn Knowles (Angels). Many more populate the lower minors, representing a pipeline of talent that had been previously untapped.

Before Chisholm cracked the majors in 2020, no Bahamian had played in MLB since Antoan Richardson in 2014. The last Bahamian big-leaguer before Richardson had played in 1983, lasting only seven games. Until recently, few Bahamian kids grew up playing baseball, a sport that isnt offered through the school system. Now Sands and partner Albert Cartwright train a significant number of them with an eye on a professional career.

When Walcott turned 11, he joined I-Elite. By age 13, scouts were coming around, and Rangers evaluators were among the most serious. Walcott was too young then to signinternational amateurs cannot sign contracts until they turn 16but the Rangers kept him in their sights. They scouted Walcott in the Bahamas and in tournaments in Florida. They saw a tall player with a frame to add strength and the athleticism to play shortstop. At the plate, he unleashed a powerful right-handed swing.

It looked right, says Fenstermaker.

But right enough? The Rangers had dipped into the Bahamian well before, with limited success. They signed shortstop Keithron Moss for $800,000 in 2017, but he never advanced past rookie ball; Texas released him earlier this year. The Rangers gave $835,000 to outfielder Zion Bannister in 2019, and Bannister was only promoted to Low A this season. A deal for another Bahamian prospectDVaughn Knowles, the twin brother of the Angels prospectwas scuttled due to medical concerns. And Walcott would require a higher level of investment than all of them.

Because of all this, like many teams, the Rangers remained both intrigued and cautious when it came to evaluating Bahamian players. Chisholm is still the only recent signee to establish himself in the majors; many others have flamed out. Kids do not play year-round in the Bahamas, and while athletes abound, the country produces few notable pitchers. Its a big experience gap to bridge. For many, the adjustment to pro ball proves too big a leap. Scouting them is really challenging, Fenstermaker says. Ive made mistakes in the past.

So far, Walcott doesnt look like one of them. Sands is careful to not overhype his players to teamsyou dont want to be the trainer who cried All-Star too oftenand Fenstermaker knows Sands will give it to him straight. With Walcott, though, the straight assessment was still a glowing one. The way that he said that to me was: Basically, Id put everything on this kid. Hes special, Fenstermaker says. He got the message, and the Rangers held off a runner-up bid from the Padres.

So far, Walcott might be better than the Rangers thought. And Sands might be right.

This past spring, two days before his 17th birthday, Walcott dug his feet into the right-handed batters box, stood tall in his stance, and stared down Rangers right-hander Alex Speas, a pitcher eight years his senior. A few seconds earlier, hed received a brief scouting report. The highlight: a fastball that sat between 97 and 101 miles per hour.

The first pitch zoomed in at the bottom end of that range. Walcott flashed his bat through the zone and deposited the ball over the outfield fence.

That was the first time I ever saw 97 in my life, he says.

Hed been a pro for less than two monthshad yet to play in an actual gameand already Walcott was dropping hints that he might be more polished than the Rangers had assumed. He has proven adept at hitting fastballs, to the point that he says pitchers recently became less willing to throw one his way. His power is eye-opening. Rangers rookie-ball manager Guilder Rodriguez recalls Walcott walloping a pitch foul over the offices of the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. It had to go 480 foul to left field, Rodriguez says.

In the field, Walcott impresses with his glove and his arm strength, leaving evaluators with the impression that he might stick at shortstop despite his size. Along with his plate disciplineWalcott is striking out 36 percent of the time in the ACL and has more multi-strikeout games (18) than games with one or fewer (10)size is the biggest question mark hanging over his development. At 6-foot-4 and a lanky 190 pounds, Walcott has the frame of a shooting guard. (Indeed, his father was a semi-pro basketball player.) The more he fills out, the tougher it will be to avoid a move to third base.

If that move comes, Walcott has the arm to excel there. But the Rangers feel confident hell stick in the middle of the diamond. Hes surprisingly athletic, surprisingly agile, and he has a 70-grade arm, Fenstermaker says. Theres a lot of reasons to believe that he stays at shortstop long term. In that way, Walcott invites obvious comparisons to another long, powerful shortstop: Reds top prospect Elly De La Cruz. The 21-year-old De La Cruz is now in the majors, helping to power an upstart Cincinnati team. Two years ago, he was destroying the ACL, just like Walcott is now.

Matching De La Cruzs timeline would be quite the feat, but Walcott relishes the challenge. I feel like I can make a big impact on the big-league team, he says. Notably, when the Rangers did their trade deadline shopping for starting pitcher Max Scherzer, it was a different top-100 shortstop prospect the team flipped to the Mets:Luisangel Acua, who is well-regarded and closer to big-league ready but doesnt boast Walcotts ceiling.

There is much left to prove, but Walcott has the games attention. If he clicks, teams will show even more interest in the Bahamas, where the development machine is becoming increasingly sophisticated. I-Elite now takes players abroad to Florida for four months in the summer, practicing on weekdays and playing in tournaments every weekend. Its expensive, but its the best way to close the experience gap between the Bahamas and other countries with stronger baseball traditions.

In fact, as Sands glows about Walcott in a phone interview, he sits in view of a Florida ballfield. There are no scouts at this game, but if anyone is hot after the next Sebastian Walcott, he has a player to recommend. Hes a four-year-old tee-baller, and Sands admits hes particularly biased in this case, but the name might be worth remembering. Be looking for Storm Sands, if you want to put that on paper, the elder Sands says with a laugh. Storm Sands is going to be coming, for sure.

After all, his advice has been worth heeding before.

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Sebastian Walcott Is the Rangers'and the Bahamas'Future - D Magazine

The Bahamas is a dream destination for most people, but so many people visit and aren't sure what attractions the islands have. Places with names like the Exuma Cays or Bimini typically come up in discussion, but don't sleep on Grand Bahama Island! Grand Bahama, the fourth largest of the islands, boasts several easily approachable activities. It doesn't matter if a visitor is there for a few nights or a couple of weeks. There's always something for them to entertain themselves with.

Grand Bahama itself is the northernmost of the Bahamian islands, a mere 55 miles from the southeastern coast of Florida. Pulling into Freeport, the main city on Grand Bahama, is something most cruises do to give their passengers a chance to explore the delights there. While most people know about Grand Bahama in passing, this list will provide visitors with a more practical approach to exploring the best things to do on Grand Bahama Island.

Related: Discover The Ultimate Escape: 10 Spa Resorts In The Bahamas That Offer Pure Bliss

Our recommendations for places to stay on this list rely on several factors. Among the most crucial are the rating (no accommodations below 7.0 are considered) and the ease of getting around Grand Bahama. These places to stay also boast amenities that visitors to this Caribbean getaway spot will need while soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches of the Bahamian Islands.

Aerial View on Cruise Ship in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas

Sharks in their natural habitat in Grand Bahama, The Bahamas

A scuba diver and a small lemon shark at Tiger Beach, Bahamas

An aerial photo of the greenery of The Bahamas

Ocean in Freeport, Bahamas

Aerial View on Cruise Ship in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas

Shopping districts are always a great place to visit on Caribbean islands, and Port Lucaya Marketplace in Freeport offers a lot for anyone willing to check it out. With its colorful architecture and lively atmosphere, it provides an array of boutique shops, local craft stalls, and duty-free stores, making it a shopper's paradise. Visitors can indulge in Bahamian cuisine at various restaurants and experience live music and cultural performances. The marina also provides an opportunity for boat tours and water-based excursions. This spot is a must-see, especially to get in some early souvenir shopping!

Aerial View on Cruise Ship in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas

Sharks in their natural habitat in Grand Bahama, The Bahamas

One of Grand Bahamas' most ensuring attractions is the famed Lucayan National Park, which spans a massive 40 acres of ecological wonderland. With its unique limestone caves, visitors can embark on a mesmerizing journey through underground waterways and stunning crystal-clear pools. The park's Gold Rock Beach, known for its white sand and azure waters, offers a tranquil escape into paradise. Nature lovers can hike through the lush coastal forest, spotting various wildlife species. Visitors who experience the park all say it's one of the most unforgettable journeys.

Sharks in their natural habitat in Grand Bahama, The Bahamas

A scuba diver and a small lemon shark at Tiger Beach, Bahamas

When it comes to budget-friendly national parks, size doesn't really matter, especially since visitors can snorkel and dive in the pristine waters of the Peterson Cay National Park. This national park, the smallest in the Bahamas, offers diving opportunities to explore the vibrant offshore coral life. The park's rich biodiversity includes endangered species like the Schaus swallowtail butterfly. Accessible by boat, visitors can explore the pristine beaches, take guided snorkeling tours, or simply bask in the breathtaking beauty of this ecologically important and protected area.

A scuba diver and a small lemon shark at Tiger Beach, Bahamas

An aerial photo of the greenery of The Bahamas

Caribbean islands have a lot of greenery, even though most visitors think it's all sand and palm trees. Garden of the Groves is a captivating oasis of natural beauty and tranquility. This lush botanical garden features cascading waterfalls, winding paths, and diverse plant species from around the world. Visitors can meander through the tropical paradise, spotting colorful birds and butterflies amidst the vibrant flora. The garden also offers a glimpse into Bahamian history with sculptures and artifacts. It's truly a sight to behold, despite most visitors overlooking its existence as just another botanical garden.

An aerial photo of the greenery of The Bahamas

Related: 8 Things To Do In George Town: Complete Guide To Exuma's Hidden Gem

Ocean in Freeport, Bahamas

Despite the dour sound of the name, this is actually quite a lovely spot for visitors to experience in Grand Bahama. Accessible by boat from Freeport (which also has its own bustling visitor attractions), this offshore coral reef boasts an incredible diversity of marine life. Snorkelers can glide over vibrant coral formations, encountering schools of colorful fish and graceful rays. For those seeking adventure, scuba diving offers a closer look at the reef's impressive structures. The reef is one of the natural wonders surrounding Grand Bahama, and it is well worth a tour to see.

Ocean in Freeport, Bahamas

1 Royal Palm Way, Freeport 78062

A Sands Beer Road Sign in Grand Bahama

The Caribbean is better known for its rums than its beers, but the Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company might surprise visitors with the quality of its products. Established in 2007, the brewery is known for its signature beers, including Sands, High Rock, and Bush Crack, which embody the flavors of the Bahamas. Guided tours offer insight into the beer-making process, and visitors can savor the island's essence in each sip. Be prepared to leave the brewery with a different appreciation of Caribbean beer-making.

View of Paradise Island from another island in the Bahamas.

Female scuba diver swimming underwater near a shipwreck

Scuba-diving or snorkeling are two activities most visitors consider when the Bahamas enters their minds. Unexso Dive Center, situated in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, offers unique diving experiences for enthusiasts and underwater adventurers. With a team of experienced instructors, the center offers a range of diving courses for beginners to advanced divers. Explore the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, including dolphins, colorful fish, and fascinating shipwrecks. Snorkeling and swimming with dolphins are also popular activities.

A tiger shark at Tiger beach, Bahamas

Related: Island Adventures For Less: Discover 10 Affordable Cruises To The Bahamas

Aerial view of Freeport Port Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island

Grand Bahama also offers a bit of golfing for the enthusiast. Designed by renowned golf course architect Dick Wilson, the 18-hole championship course offers a diverse range of holes, from rolling fairways to strategically placed bunkers. With its lush tropical surroundings and scenic views of the ocean, the course provides an unforgettable golfing experience. Both beginners and seasoned players can enjoy the masterpiece that is Lucayan Golf Course, with the backdrop of the blue Caribbean Sea surrounding the lush green.

Aerial view of Freeport Port Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island

Corner Coral Road and East Sunrise Highway, Freeport, Bahama

A pig swims in the waters of Exuma in the Bahamas.

First-time visitors are usually shocked to realize that there is an entire beach where they can swim with the local pigs. Pig Beach, located near Great Exuma in the Bahamas, is a unique and unforgettable adventure thanks to the animal companions visitors are likely to encounter. Tourists can feed and swim alongside these charming creatures, creating cherished memories and fantastic photo opportunities. The pigs' playful antics and the crystal-clear waters of Pig Beach make this attraction a must-visit destination for animal lovers.

A pig swims in the waters of Exuma in the Bahamas.

Rocky coastline in Freeport, The Bahamas

Visitors to Pelican Point Beach will quickly realize that it's one of the least populated places on the island, despite its natural beauty. This picturesque beach offers soft white sands and gentle turquoise waters, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and tranquility. The beach is known for its abundant wildlife, including pelicans and other seabirds that gracefully soar above the shoreline. Visitors can unwind in the peaceful ambiance, soak up the sun, and indulge in leisurely beachcombing. It's like many visitors' dreams come true and how most people imagine a Caribbean beach should be.

Rocky coastline in Freeport, The Bahamas

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These Are The 10 Best Things To Do On Grand Bahama Island - TheTravel

NASSAU, Bahamas, Aug. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Travellers will discover that The Islands of The Bahamas is brimming with exciting experiences this summer, extending beyond the iconic turquoise waters and pristine beaches. With the Goombay Summer Festivals, fresh culinary endeavours and limited-time vacation savings, now is the time to visit the 16-island archipelago.

NEWS

The Bahamas Hosts Goombay Summer Festivals The thrilling Goombay Summer Festivalshave returned to showcase the true essence of Bahamian heritage, featuring the pulsating sounds of Junkanoo, musical performances, and authentic cuisine. The festivals will take place throughout the month in Nassau, Grand Bahama Island, Abaco, Andros, Bimini, The Berry Islands, Long Island, San Salvador, Harbour Island, Eleuthera and The Exumas.

The Second Annual Grand Bahama Island Restaurant Fest Returns The Grand Bahama Island Restaurant Festonce again celebrates Bahamian lobster season. Throughout August, three-course prix fixe menus will be offered at more than a dozen of the island's most popular restaurants, incorporating the freshest local ingredients.

Tarpum Bay Hosts Back to the Bay Festival The beautiful Tarpum Bay in South Eleuthera hosts a weekend-long Back to the Bay Festival. From 3 to 7 August 2023, locals and visitors can enjoy live Bahamian entertainment, Junkanoo rush outs and delicious down-home cooking.

Atlantis Paradise Island Expands Its Dining Options Atlantis Paradise Island debuts two new culinary concepts this month. Paranza, led by Chef Michael White, offers an innovative expression of Italian classics with a passionate focus on The Bahamas' fresh seafood. Shake Shackalso opens with exclusive resort-only menu items.

Rosewood Baha Mar Presents In The Kitchen Summer Series The "In The Kitchen Summer Series" is the newest culinary offering at Rosewood Baha Mar. For $285 per person, guests can now book intimate cooking sessions with the renowned resort chefs to learn the craft of international cuisines, dish plating and wine pairings.

CARIFTA2023TriathlonChampionships Heads to Nassau The Bahamas has been selected to host the highly anticipated CARIFTA Triathlon Championships. Goodman's Bay, Nassau will provide a stunning backdrop as nearly 200 youth athletes representing 10 Caribbean nations compete 26 27 August 2023.

Beaches and Resorts in The Bahamas Rank Among the Best From Eleuthera and Harbour Island to the Exumas, popular destinations in The Bahamas scored top recognition inTravel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 2023, featured in competitive categories for "favourite islands" and "favourite resorts".

The Bahamas Earns Top Travel Award Nominations The Bahamas has been nominated for the Caribbean's "Best Wedding Destination" and "Best Cruise Destination" in the 2023 Travvy Awards produced by TravelPulse. In addition, the archipelago also received several nominations in The Caribbean Boutique Hotel Awards by Caribbean Journal. Online voting is now open for both.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete list of deals and discounted packages in The Bahamas, visitwww.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Silver Airways Passengers Save at Pink Sands Resort When flying from Orlando to North Eleuthera on Silver Airways, travellers unlock exclusive 15% savings at Pink Sands Resorts that can be applied to stays of two nights or longer with promotion code "Silver". One-way flights begin as low as $99.

Tranquillity Under the Stars at The Cove, Eleuthera Travellers are welcome to swoon over the wonders found in dark skies. The Cove, Eleuthera is offering a special "Tranquillity Under the Stars" package that includes a minimum two-night stay in an oceanfront room, a personal telescope with constellation maps, and a private night-time yoga session for two. The travel window is now through 21 August 2023.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas atwww.bahamas.com or onFacebook,YouTube orInstagram.

PRESS INQUIRIES Anita Johnson-Patty Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation [emailprotected]

Weber Shandwick Public Relations [emailprotected]

SOURCE The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

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WHAT'S NEW IN THE BAHAMAS IN AUGUST 2023 - PR Newswire

The Bahamas has selected a star-studded team to compete at the upcoming Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA) pre-Olympics qualifiers in Argentina.

The Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) revealed that included on the team are Phoenix Suns centre Deandre Ayton, Indiana Pacers shooting guard/small forward Buddy Heild and Charlotte Hornetspower forward/centre Kai Jones.

The full team is Deandre Ayton, Domnick Bridgewater, Jaraun Burrows, Garvin Clarke, Kadeem Coleby, Radshad Davis, Buddy Hield, Sammy Hunter, Kai Jones, Danrad Knowles, Lourawls Nairn, Willis Mackey Jr, Franco Miller, Travis Munnings, Kentwan Smith, David Nesbitt, AJ Storr and Mychel Thompson.

Photo: The Bahamas Basketball Federation.

The Bahamas is in Group A with Cuba, Argentina and Panama.

They will open their campaign on August 14 against Cuba.

The tournaments winner will qualify for next years Olympic Games in Paris, France.

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Deandre Ayton, Kai Jones to rep The Bahamas at Olympic qualifiers ... - Loop News Caribbean

Michael Jordan, often hailed as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, is known not only for his exceptional skills on the court but also for his legendary trash-talking prowess. Recently, a snippet from his time playing pick-up basketball in the Bahamas has resurfaced, showcasing Jordans competitive spirit and sharp wit. The resurfaced footage serves as a reminder of Jordans unparalleled charisma and his ability to command the attention of both opponents and fans alike.

In the realm of basketball, few names evoke as much reverence as Michael Jordans. His impact on the sport is immeasurable, and his legacy extends far beyond his six NBA championships. Recently, a video clip emerged from one of Jordans pick-up basketball sessions in the Bahamas, capturing an intimate yet electrifying moment that perfectly encapsulates his charisma and competitive nature.

Jordans trash-talking abilities have become the stuff of legend. While he often used his skills to dominate on the court, his sharp tongue was equally potent in mentally rattling his opponents. In the Bahamas clip, Jordans off-the-cuff comment, You guys still have YouTube? Man, you better put on Michael Jordan [highlights], for real, perfectly exemplifies his playful yet competitive approach. Even in a casual setting, his desire to remind others of his greatness shines through, providing an insight into the mindset that propelled him to basketball superstardom.

Beyond his unparalleled basketball prowess, Michael Jordans charisma is a trait that sets him apart. His ability to engage, entertain, and connect with both his fellow players and fans has left an indelible mark on the sport. In the Bahamas pick-up game, Jordans offhand remark highlights his self-assuredness and sense of humor. He effortlessly brings a lighthearted yet competitive atmosphere to the court, demonstrating why he remains a beloved figure in basketball lore.

The phrase you better put on Michael Jordan [highlights] in the context of todays digital landscape takes on new significance. The accessibility of platforms like YouTube allows younger generations to experience the greatness of Jordans playing days, enabling them to witness firsthand the skills and charisma that captivated fans around the world. The resurfacing of this clip serves as a testament to the enduring power of Jordans legacy and his ability to capture the imagination of basketball enthusiasts across generations.

Michael Jordans impact extends well beyond his playing days. As the owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets, he continues to contribute to the basketball world, shaping the next generation of players and leaders. His basketball IQ, combined with his invaluable experiences, make him a guiding force for those looking to excel both on and off the court.

The resurfacing of the Bahamas pick-up basketball clip, showcasing Michael Jordans trash-talking finesse, provides fans with a nostalgic glimpse into the mind of a true basketball legend. His remark about watching his own highlights on YouTube is a playful yet powerful reminder of his unwavering confidence and competitive spirit. Jordans charisma and impact continue to transcend time, ensuring that his legacy remains an integral part of the basketball narrative for years to come.

Excerpt from:

Reliving the Legend: Michael Jordan's Bahamas Pick-Up Trash-Talk ... - Landon Buford

On any given weekday, there is a statistically significant chance that Eric Adams, the mayor of Americas largest city, will be conducting official New York City business next to the upturned tail of the famed Charging Bull sculpture, engaging in what appears to be one of his favorite activities: raising flags.

He does it with such frequency that it borders on obsession: Since taking office in January 2022, Mr. Adams has raised flags for at least 31 countries representing 16 percent of the United Nations member states. He has honored some places twice: Haiti, Ireland, Ukraine and the Philippines.

His flag-raisings are not limited to countries. He has also raised the flags for one U.S. territory, two transnational organizations and one holiday, Juneteenth.

If he keeps his current pace, Mr. Adams is on track to raise flags for roughly 80 percent of the worlds countries by the end of 2029, should he win a second term in 2025 and serve it to completion.

At these ceremonies, Mr. Adams often extols certain characteristics that he attributes to the nation whose flag he is raising, characteristics that happen to be strikingly similar to each other, and to the mayors politically moderate, law-and-order brand.

To Filipino Americans, the mayor said: You believe in families. You believe in business. You believe in public safety.

To Croatian Americans, he said, You believe in family, you believe in business, and you believe in public safety.

And to Kazakh Americans: You understand the power of education, you believe in public safety.

Several top aides to Mr. Adamss predecessor, Bill de Blasio, could not recall him leading a flag-raising ceremony to honor a foreign country; Stu Loeser, a spokesman for Michael R. Bloomberg, who served three terms as mayor, said the same.

For Mr. Adams, flag-raisings are a proven audience-pleasing tactic, one that he honed over two terms as Brooklyn borough president, a largely ceremonial position. He has embraced the practice as mayor, with an even broader political purpose in mind.

By honoring as many ethnic groups as possible in this city of immigrants with a flag-raising in the citys oldest park by the haunches of the nations most famous bronze bovine Mr. Adams can woo voters in advance of his 2025 re-election bid. In 2021, he won the Democratic primary by just 7,200 votes.

When you do an analysis of how close our election was, the mayor said at a February flag-raising for Saint Lucia, the birthplace of 10,500 New Yorkers, you begin to really benefit and understand how 10,000 people unified together can send a powerful message.

That Mr. Adamss office devotes so much effort to this sort of thing has become the subject of bemusement among New Yorks political class. They acknowledge that the implicit political rationale makes sense, and that it is always fun to attend events where people say nice things about you and honor New York Citys diversity. But they argue that the mayors time is limited, and he is facing no shortage of problems: rampant homelessness, an influx of migrants, an affordable housing crisis, the erosion of the citys tax base.

Indeed, a flag-raising for Belgium was scheduled for an hour after the mayor announced new restrictions on how long asylum seekers could stay in city shelters amid a record-breaking homelessness crisis. A flag-raising for Guyana came the same day the citys first female police commissioner, Keechant Sewell, abruptly resigned because she felt the mayor had undermined her authority.

As someone who represents a very diverse district, I understand the desire to make every New Yorker feel like their heritage is valued, said Jessica Ramos, a state senator who attended a flag-raising for Colombia last year. However, at some point it starts to feel like an empty gesture when taken in the context of other things the city should be doing filling potholes, picking up trash, funding education.

The flag-raisings persist because, the mayor says, symbolism matters. And what are flags, if not rectangular pieces of cloth embroidered with symbolic and emotional meaning for sizable portions of New York Citys electorate.

He micro-targets, said Richard David, a district leader from Queens who attended the mayors Guyana flag-raising. Little things like this for some folks might seem superficial, might feel performative, but if youre a part of this and being seen for the first time, it does mean a lot. And the mayor knows that.

In a statement, Fabien Levy, a spokesman for the mayor, cited the citys multiculturalism and Mr. Adamss career-long dedication to honoring these different immigrant communities that make up this city. Mr. Levy said that participation by members of the mayors staff in the flag-raisings was voluntary, and that Mr. Adams took pains to highlight the communities shared values.

The mayors flag-raising routine has an identifiable rhythm.

His team cordons off the area where the ceremony will take place, just 13 blocks south of City Hall. The events are often underway by the time the mayors motorcade arrives. They have something of a pep rally feel.

Typically, a mayoral staff member or close ally steps forward to praise the mayor to a crowd of onlookers with ties to the country whose flag the mayor will hoist. That staff member or ally often has ties to the same country.

When he hoisted the flag for the Philippines in June, Maria Torres-Springer, his Filipina-American deputy mayor for economic development, vouched for the mayor. He has always been and will always be a true champion of the Filipino community, she said.

When Mr. Adams raised the Bangladeshi flag, his Bangladeshi American chief administrative officer, Mir Bashar, also vouched for the mayor, publicly thanking his boss for his support and tireless efforts and his commitment to improve the lives of all New Yorkers.

Generally, a consul general attends, alongside representatives from the local community. They often give the mayor gifts: a bracelet, a scarf, a framed painting, socks. He sometimes gives them a mayoral proclamation. Then he repairs to a set of two flag poles, and as the national anthem rings out, he raises the so-called Betsy Ross flag, its circle of 13 stars representing the original U.S. colonies. The foreign national anthem follows, followed by the flag-raising for that nation.

The two flags are each identical in size 12 by eight feet. To have flags of different sizes would be a breach of protocol, according to John Hartvigsen, a flag historian and former president of the North American Vexillological Association.

To fly another nations flag next to the American flag signifies an alliance and honors New York Citys diversity, Mr. Hartvigsen said. But putting one on top of the other on the same pole would be bad, he added, signifying one nation conquering the other.

On a blazing hot day in June, Tara Seetaram, a Guyanese American who immigrated to the United States 35 years ago, said the mayors hoisting of the red-green-and-gold Guyanese flag, known as the Golden Arrowhead, gave her goose bumps.

Its beautiful, said Ms. Seetaram, who was wearing a flag-themed dress her daughter had bought her on Amazon. It makes me feel that, you know what, we have representation in New York City.

It was one of the mayors eight flag-raising ceremonies in June and July. (The others were for Belgium, the Bahamas, Kenya, the Philippines and Italy, as well as in honor of Juneteenth and The Caribbean Community, a organization of 20 member states.)

On Friday, Mr. Adams raised the Bolivian flag; three more flag-raisings were scheduled for the following week, according to Arthur Piccolo, the chairman of the Bowling Green Association. In his comments on Friday, the mayor seemed eager to defend his presence. He said the events carried a symbolic message to people who left their countries for New York. I appreciate what you bring to the city, he said.

Mr. Piccolo said he has been raising flags at the two flag poles since the second flagpole was installed in 1996 a gift, he said, from the Greek community.

Since then, Mr. Adams has been the only mayor to participate in a flag-raising ceremony at the Bowling Green site, Mr. Piccolo said, asserting that it was too inconsequential for any previous mayor to care about this.

After The New York Times contacted Mr. Piccolo, he sent an email to the mayor and his chief adviser, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, praising Mr. Adams for establishing a new tradition he believed future mayors will uphold. Then he forwarded the email to The Times.

Your dedication and commitment to this simple yet powerful symbolism have not gone unnoticed, and I believe it exemplifies a very, very good use of your time as the mayor of our great city, Mr. Piccolo wrote.

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For Mayor Adams, Any Day Has the Makings of Flag Day - The New York Times