Category Archives: Bahamas

Bill Koch Journal Sports Writer BillKoch25

SOUTH KINGSTOWN They were celebrated as Atlantic 10 Tournament champions and NCAA Tournament qualifiers the last time the University of Rhode Islands players and coaches appeared in front of their fans at the Ryan Center in March.

Saturday marked what could be the last time those milestones are publicly discussed by the Rams, who held an open practice prior to their six-day trip to the Bahamas this week. URI is actively attempting to turn the page on the season.

E.C. Matthews will be sidelined for precautionary reasons after having his right knee scoped in April. Jared Terrell will return from Adidas Nations camp in Houston and play limited minutes.

It was such a fun year with so many great memories, but weve got a new season upon us shortly, URI coach Dan Hurley said. This is a good reminder.

The fact that they came out early in the morning to see us practice and see what we look like, it was a blessing, Matthews said of the fans. Were going to need them to make a good run this year.

URI officials generously estimated a crowd of about 1,000 on a rainy Saturday morning, a gathering that witnessed the Rams go through their usual offseason drills. Defensive closeouts, transition offense and halfcourt sets were the areas of emphasis, with reserve big man Andre Berry and junior college forward Ryan Preston among the standouts. Both players will be vying for minutes with sophomore forward Mike Layssard and redshirt freshman center Michael Tertsea in a frontcourt that graduated key pieces in Hassan Martin and Kuran Iverson.

These guys are a huge part of whether we can get back to where we were, Hurley said, also singling out returnees Cyril Langevine and Nicola Akele. So much of our focus on the trip and practice has been just bringing these guys along as much as we can this summer.

Matthews and Terrell will be replaced by a deep group of guards that still includes breakout NCAA star Jeff Dowtin, veteran point man Jarvis Garrett, Stanford Robinson and talented freshman Daron Russell. Christion Thompson (right knee surgery) will be sidelined.

Were really going to work on getting guys a lot of minutes who didnt get a lot last year, Hurley said. Well really focus on our frontcourt.

URIs traveling party leaves early Monday for the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. The Rams are expected to play at least two games, practice at least twice and perform community service at a local school. URI will also enjoy the resorts many amenities, including a formal team dinner and a boat ride before scattering for the final couple of weeks of summer break.

Itll be a nice six-day trip for us, Hurley said. Some sightseeing, some community service, some competition, the chance to practice a couple of times just great team bonding.

We want to do bigger and better things, Matthews said. Obviously what we did last year was good, but we want to set the bar even higher.

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URI basketball heads to Bahamas on working vacation - The Providence Journal

The Jaguars are going to paradise.

The Southern mens basketball team traveled to the Bahamas this weekend for a weeklong training session. The Jaguars will play three exhibition games against semi-pro teams in Nassau.

The NCAA allows teams to take a foreign trip every four years. The Jaguars visited Canada in 2013.

Over their five days there, the Jaguars will play the CTG Knights on Sunday, the Providence Storm on Monday and the IBA Elite on Tuesday.

It allows the kids to go see different parts of the world and see how the game is played in other areas, new coach Morris Scott said. For us, it gives us a little advantage. We get to come out and get a lot of days of practice before the season. It also gives us a chance to evaluate the team before anyone else can.

For many of the players, this will be the first time they go outside of the United States, but senior Jared Sam is an experienced traveler. Over the past few seasons, he took part in basketball programs that sent him to China and Croatia.

He said he's excited about this trip, because it'll allow the younger players to see a different style of play, which he said is more physical than what's found in the U.S.

Its basically a bonding trip, Sam said. Maybe we can all come together. Itll be a learning experience. Those (younger) guys can learn a little bit more and then just to go out and play basketball, something we love to do."

The Croatia trip, which Sam took last August, also was an important one for Scott, who received his first chance to act as a head coach, even though it was only for a few days. The trip was formed through an outside group, allowing Scott to coach Sam and former Southern teammate Tre'lun Banks.

Scott said this trip is more important, because it gives him a few games to prepare for the rigors that await in his first season as the Jaguars' coach. Scott was promoted to head coach this spring when Roman Banks accepted the full-time athletic director position.

Its huge, Scott said. Hopefully it'll get a little bit of the jitters out, maybe. Itll be the first time coaching a Division I game, and hopefully get a little bit of (the nerves) out and kind of learn the ins and outs of the team and find out which guys can help and which cant.

Unfortunately for the players, Scott said most of their time in the Bahamas will be spent on basketball activities, not at the beach.

Just to get the chance to leave the United States for a little bit and see something different for a change, said senior guard LaQuentin Collins, who has never traveled outside the country. Im somewhat anxious to get over there and see how it is (to play overseas) and see how this team looks.

Follow Mike Gegenheimer on Twitter, @Mike_Gegs.

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Bound for the Bahamas: The Southern men's basketball team - The Advocate

Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State basketball departed ontheir week-longforeign tour in the Bahamas yesterday. The team will get to play three games against professional teams local tothe islands,butthey'll also spend plenty of time soaking in the sun. These tours aren't intended to be any more ofabusiness tripthanavacation for the coaches and players.

However, the program announced during football's media day that one vital player was left behind. Redshirt sophomore Mike Watkins did not travel with the team this week. Ashort statement releasedby head coach Pat Chambers seems to describeWatkins' exclusion asa disciplinary action.

With Watkins already expected to rejoin the team next week upon their return, it's likely this remains an internal matter.But missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience at aBahamas resort with your teammates is a strong message to send by the head coach. This is a disappointing setback for a playerwhose progress on the court and in the classroom had been praised over his first two years in the program.

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Mike Watkins Held Back from Foreign Tour in Bahamas | Roar Lions ... - Roar Lions Roar

Centre Daily Times

Penn State men's basketball set for trip to Bahamas Centre Daily Times Lamar Stevens is looking forward to competing with his teammates and heading to the beach during the Penn State men's basketball team's trip to the Bahamas. From Friday through Aug. 11, the sophomore forward and the Nittany Lions will play three games ... Fredrick Scruggs, Cathedral Prep, Center (FB) - 247 Sports247 Sports all 86 news articles »

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Penn State men's basketball set for trip to Bahamas - Centre Daily Times

Its that time of the year and teams are starting to head out of the country to participate in their exhibition trips, with Penn State already leaving the country this Friday. The Nittany Lions left this weekend for the Bahamas, where they will spend a week playing some basketball and enjoying the sun.

Penn State will play three games over the trip, all of which will be held at Sir Kendal Isaacs National Gymnasium inside of the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre in Nassau. Their first game will tip off Sunday against the New Providence Basketball Association All-Stars. The Lions will also play the Providence Storm on the 8th and the Bahamas All-Stars on the 9th.

Besides playing several games throughout the week, the team will also hold a clinic for kids in Governors Harbour, as well as the traditional sightseeing fare that occurs on these trips.

The team has been looking forward to the event as a way to bound and come together as a team.

Im just going to look at it more like a vacation trip and just try to bond with my team and get closer as a unit, mentioned guard Tony Carr.

As Penn State has left already, you can track their trip on their twitter account (or Instagram if thats your thing), which has already been posting photos of the trip:

Well have more on Penn States trip to the Bahamas throughout the week as they compete. The trip will offer a first look at the teams incoming freshmen, as well as Virginia Tech transfer Satchel Pierce, who will be eligible for the 2017-18 season.

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97 Days to B1G Basketball: Penn State Heads to the Bahamas - BT Powerhouse (blog)

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Bahamas, August 4, 2017 Nassau A Bahamian will head up a major international organization in these parts and will not only represent The Bahamas, but the entire Caribbean region for the group known for its development in the arts, culture, business, trade, education, youth and communities. Former Grand Bahama Port Authority Vice President, current Immerse Bahamas President and CEO Ginger Moxey is announced as the country representative for Sister Cities Internationals Board of Directors and won the role at a July meeting in Virginia Beach.

The new role, a media release explained, allows SisterCities International to promote peace through mutual respect, cooperation, and understandingone individual, one community at atime, said Chairman Tim Quigley. Though it is early yet, Ms. Moxey hopes to establish an annual regional conference in 2018 tospecifically cater to reinvigorating existing sister city relationships between Caribbean and U.S. cities.

#MagneticMediaNews

#GingerMoxey

#SisterCitiesInternational

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Bahamian heads up Sister Cities International for Bahamas and Caribbean - Magnetic Media (press release)

With music blaring and the aroma of home-cooked Bahamian food filling the air, anyone and everyone on the block could tell that there was a party going on.

The reason for celebration was simple Buddy Hield had returned home.

After a strong finish to his rookie campaign for the Kings, Hield returned to his native land of The Bahamas to make good on a promise to give back to his home country.

In an effort to fulfill his vow, Buddys Buddy Buckets Basketball Camp & Clinic is in its second year, with an emphasis on presenting youth in The Bahamas with opportunities to grow their game on and off the court.

No. 24s camps were spread over the course of several days on two different islands - one in Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, and the other taking place in Hields hometown of Freeport.

Between his duties in hosting these camps and coaching up the youngsters, Buddy made it a point to spend time with family and friends in his former neighborhood of Eight Mile Rock. This included a visit to his grandmother, whose house would become the hub for the festivities on his first day back in the community.

Following an introductory press conference held at the very same park that Buddys childhood NBA aspirations stemmed from, Hield declined a ride in a vehicle to his grandmas house, instead opting to stroll through the neighborhood.

As he walked, past memories of home quickly took hold of the guards mind. With each step, Buddy Buckets was pointing out familiar places to friends alongside him, eventually leading to a detour that would shorten his trek.

Upon arrival at his grandmothers house, Buddy was greeted by smile upon smile, with each individuals admiration and affection pouring out with every hug and handshake.

No person in sight went unacknowledged by Hield.

The soon-to-be second-year player would go out of his way to talk to whoever was present. Even as cars would pass by on the narrow street, Buddy met every hand extended out the window with a warm handshake and conversation. The proud son of The Bahamas was home.

While fans of Buddy see him as the basketball star who dominated during his college days or a budding up-and-comer in the NBA scene, those surrounding him at Eight Mile Rock on this humid afternoon saw him as a member of their community who they were just glad to see come home - even if only for a while.

Buddys origins are rooted in humble beginnings for the 23-year-old.

Growing up with six other siblings, Hield shared a bedroom, bathroom, and a bed with all of his brothers and sisters - even waking up before sunrise to ensure he was the first one to bathe or risk getting stuck in a queue and being late for school. His family struggled with poverty, as his mother worked two jobs to keep them afloat. But as much as they saw the struggle in their day-to-day lives, Buddy never stopped loving life.

Despite how hard my mom worked, laughter was everywhere in our house, Hield wrote in his article for The Players Tribune. When I got to OU, people said, Buddy, youre always smiling, whats up with that? And I always tell them where it comes from.

Buddys hoop dreams were spawned at a young age, similar to his fellow players in the Association. However, his hometown of Freeport did not have many options for children to practice their basketball skills - so Buddy took action. He would gather whatever materials he could scavenge to create makeshift hoops that would maybe only last days at a time.

One of his creations still lives on in the backyard of one of his old homes in Freeport, where Buddy stopped by recently to reflect on his craftsmanship and his journey with a simple photo and caption to accompany it.

Once the outdoor court at Eight Mile Rock opened up, it became near impossible to keep No. 24 away from it. Known for his tireless work ethic throughout his young career, it was apparent very early on how relentless Buddy was and remains to be while working to accomplish his goals.

His mother recalls literally having to drive her van onto the court at the park - sometimes past midnight - in order to finally convince Buddy to call it a day and head back home.

He loves basketball, he loved to be out there, she said. Basketball freed him from a lot of pain and a lot of things. It wasnt easy growing up.

Buddys skill combined with his dedication would help propel him into a successful college career - becoming one of the top players in the nation as senior, then into a top 10 selection in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Now, as an integral member of the Kings young core, the future continues to look brighter and brighter in Sacramento, with No. 24 ready for the challenges ahead while motivated by the times of his past.

Excerpt from:

Bahamas to Buckets: Buddy's Inspiring Journey - Kings.com (blog)

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Bahamas, August 4, 2017 Nassau Cost cutting announcements coming in now and on Thursday the Ministry of Tourism revealed that it will be cutting staff. In a statement it was explained, it is critical that we implement cost-cutting strategies within the Ministry of Tourism as in this re-organizational phase, it is imperative that costs are reduced and inefficiencies increased Unfortunately, a component of this plan is a workforce reduction strategy that must be executed as we strive towards creating a leaner and more streamlined and efficient organization.

During his National Address last week, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis announced that there was a freeze on public sector hiring and it was shared that a 10% across the board cut to government ministries was to be enforced. Next Tuesday, Government begins a 23 day government employee head count across all islands.

Tourism added that their cuts will mean, reassignments, dissolution of certain departments, repatriations, retirement and terminations. The Ministry of Tourism is calling it a right sizing exercise.

#MagneticMediaNews

#jobcutscomingatMinistryofTourism

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Job cuts coming at Bahamas Ministry of Tourism - Magnetic Media (press release)

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Bahamas, August 4, 2017 Nassau A staggering 36 counts of crime were hurled at the former PLP Labour Minister Shane Gibson, who today limped his way into the Magistrates Court amidst shouts of support from PLP supporters and other former ministers who lined the walk of shame into the court house. Gibson was arrested yesterday after turning himself in at the CDU.

By minutes to 2pm today, dressed in what many would call, island chic and with hands cuffed at his back, deep frown on his face but occasional warm facial greetings to those reaching out to him. Gibson hopped up the small flight of stairs to hear that his alleged corrupt connection to Jonathan Ash is what sparked the bevy of charges, the most charges of any of the PLPs arrested to date.

One charge of misconduct in public office, 16 counts of bribery, 2 counts of conspiracy to commit bribery, 2 counts of conspiracy to commit extortion and 15 counts of extortion all of these concerned with Jonathan Ash. Bail was denied the former NIB minister at the lower court, but the Supreme Court gave Shane Gibson $40,000 bail and by now, he is released.

One of Gibsons attorneys, Wayne Munroe QC objected to his client being held overnight, even told media that the Police would have had to come and pick him up, that he would not have voluntarily reported to them. Munroe had said that the charges would not be linked to NIB, though many throughout the day Thursday were promoting that notion. Munroe clarified that the charges would likely have been linked to Gibsons time as the Hurricane Czar following the passage of last Octobers Hurricane Matthew.

During his budget contribution in late June, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis confirmed what political activist, Omar Archer had been reporting on social media. PM Minnis had said, that the transactions linked to Ash Construction would be given to the Auditor General for investigation after records showed 46 payments of over $8M were paid to Jonathan Ash, to clean up after Hurricane Matthew. The figure was put at exactly, $8,113,908.24 from the public purse to Ash Trucking, Heavy Line Services, Earth Movers Incorporated Industrial and Heavy Equipment Company; some of these companies were unregistered but all are owned by Jonathan Ash.

Later this month, former Environment Minister, Kenred Dorsett and former Senator Frank Smith are due to reappear in court in connection to their alleged misdeeds while holding public office.

#MagneticMediaNews

#Gibsonfaces36countsofcrime

#AshConstruction

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Former Bahamas Govt minister Gibson faces 36 counts, linked to $8.1M to Jonathan Ash - Magnetic Media (press release)

Aug. 4, 2017

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -

The Penn State men's basketball team departs for the Bahamas today where it will meet three locally based teams in competition during its foreign tour trip August 4-11. All games will be played in Sir Kendal Isaac's National Gymnasium, Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre in Nassau.

NCAA basketball teams are permitted to take an international tour to play exhibition games once every four years with the Lions' last trip, to Belgium, France and England, taking place in 2013. During this 2017 tour, the games will be governed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and follow those contest rules.

On Sunday, Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. ET, Penn State will play the New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) All-Stars. Back-to-back games will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. ET against the Providence Storm and following evening, Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. when the Bahamas All-Starshost the Nittany Lions.

In addition to playing in the exhibition games and participating in shootaround sessions, several team members are scheduled to conduct a clinic for children in Governor's Harbour, the capital of Eleuthera, on Saturday. Sightseeing and touring opportunities will also be available at and around the resort.

Visit GoPSUSports.com for exhibition game recaps and follow the Penn State men's basketball team on Twitter at @PennStateMBB, on Facebook and Instagram at @PennStateMBB for frequent updates of the Nittany Lions' travels and activities in the Bahamas.

The Bahamas will also host other American collegiate basketball teams this upcoming week, including Boston College, Colorado State, Rhode Island, Nicholls State, Providence, Southern Mississippi and Southern University.

Deposits for new 2017-18 Penn State Men's Basketball season tickets can be made by calling 1-800-NITTANY (weekdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern time) or by visiting gopsusports.com/tickets/m-baskbl-tickets.html.

Penn State Men's Basketball Bahamas Exhibition Games

Sunday, August 6 vs. NPBA All-StarsSir Kendall G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium, Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre 2 p.m. ET

Tuesday, August 8 vs. Providence Storm Sir Kendall G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium, Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre 8 p.m. ET

Wednesday, August 9 vs. Bahamas All-StarsSir Kendall G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium, Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre 7 p.m. ET

2017-18 Penn State Nonconference Schedule | 2017-18 Roster |

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Lions Embark on Bahamas Trip - GoPSUsports.com