Basic Basketball Serves

BASIC BASKETBALL

The term Basic Basketball is a clear representation of what the vision and ideals of this program are. Although Basketball is a well-loved sport and among the more popular of sports within the Bahamas and the region, it is really a lot more to young aspiring youth, with a dream of making it to College and the ultimate vehicle to achieving a better education and a career.

With this in mind and having been a benefactor of this same opportunity, Gary McIntosh, Founder and President, set out to make a difference in the lives of youth in and around the communities of West Grand Bahama. Mr. McIntosh started working with the youth the summer of 1983, when he saw a need for more meaningful and positive activities to occupy and influence the youth, who were home from school on summer break. His program continued to evolve and gain focus over time until in 2015, he, along with his wife, Mr. Dwight Garvey, Ramon Dames and Justin Munroe (PE Teachers/ coaches) came together and launched the Basic Basketball Club.

BASIC BASKETBALL IMPETUS

The Club, which is otally nonprofit, targets youth from as early as 3 years old and up to 16 years old, and trains them in the basic principles and disciplines of basketball. Mr. McIntosh believes that when youth are taught the game from an early age, they have a better chance of developing into more skillful, talented and intelligent athletes with a deeper understanding of the game.

LOCATION AND REACH

Although the Home venue of the Club is at the Eight Mile Rock High’s gymnasium, the club is very dynamic in reaching out to youth in all communities from Eight Mile Rock to West End Grand Bahama. In that, training sessions are moved around from community to community every Saturday, between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm.

MENTORSHIP

Basic Basketball also aims to mentor and develop youth holistically, and as such, the youth are also mentored in performing civic duties and community development services. Regularly, they volunteer cutting and cleaning the yards of the elderly and people in need, in around their communities. They also help painting and cleaning homes for people in need.

TRAINERS AND MENTORS

Over the years Basic basketball has been blessed with some extraordinary trainers and mentors who weekly give of their time and energy to develop the youth. The coaches, teachers and other resource personnel that offer training and mentorship, do so voluntarily with great pride and purpose. Just to mention a few, Mr. Dencil Swain, former National Basketball team player; Mr. Kyle Edwards -professional basketball player from the US; Jonquel Jones and Buddy Hield- professional Basketball plays in the WMBA and MBA respectively (both played as children in the Basic Basketball program)

Basic Basketball continues to evolve and to be driven by a desire to see more and more professional athletes unearthed through its initiatives. The club has a special dream to network with other similar clubs throughout the Caribbean region and create opportunities for cultural exchange; by allowing the trainees to travel inter island, engage in friendly competition, and share their cultures and traditions.

THE BASIC BASKETBALL INTERNATIONAL CLUB TOURNAMENT

Basic Basketball is currently engaged in plans to annually host The Basic Basketball International Club Tournament in the summers. The tournament will provide the perfect opportunity for trainees to develop and showcase their skills in friendly rivalry. The upcoming inaugural event will feature both local and overseas club teams with both male and female players. The First place team will be awarded first place medals, watches and luggage sets.The second place team will be awarded, second place medals and t-shirts, the third place team will be awarded third place medals.

LET US GET TO KNOW THE PRESIDENT OF BASIC BASKETBALL

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