Chemistry and resources are Coach Hercules’ main concern
By Calvin Chapman
Coach Hercules with Ray Victor (left) and Stanton Rose after winning the CBC men’s championship in 2018. (photo Calvin Chapman)
Less than two months remain before the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) makes its first appearance at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 2023 World Cup qualifier and head coach; Junior Hercules, during an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport has made it clear that team chemistry is his main concern when citing his confidence in having a very competitive squad.
The bugbear for the GABF has been limited in preparation over the years and although this year is no different with the National Covid-19 task force not yet approving the start of training by the 12-man temporary squad, Hercules is confident that the core of his squad is a good fit.
The coach, who set the winning tactics that allowed the ‘Golden Arrowhead’ to lift the coveted John Yates trophy for unbeatable play at the Confederation of Basketball Confederation (CBC) senior men’s championships 2018, with Kaieteur Sport to be about six ‘ The 12 temporary players are active players and have been doing well.
Among those players is skipper Stanton Rose, who recently moved to the NCAA division II side, St. Mary’s University. Rose, who turns 21 on Boxing Day, was the youngest captain in Guyana basketball history when he took the mantle in 2018. As the coach, the young star has voiced his concerns about team chemistry.
Co-captain Anthony Moe was one of the most influential players in the Nicaraguan professional league, while people like Ray Victor and Kevon Wiggins remain relatively active despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coach Hercules, who is also the GABF’s Technical Director, commented on the resources available to reigning Caribbean Champions to allow them to remain competitive.
In the past, basketball has been treated as a stepchild of oftentimes and it is expected that after making their first title in 2018 at the Caribbean Championships in which they have competed since 1981, the nation will be proud GABF and the older men’s team get the necessary support.
The Guyana senior men’s basketball team will compete in the FIBA 2023 World Cup pre-qualifier from Feb. 17-21 in El Salvador. The group raffle will be held on January 15th.