Bahamas Moves on Despite Loss to Puerto Rico

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Team Bahamas came up short against Puerto Rico on Saturday night, falling 115-92 in its final first-round FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifier.

Franco Miller Jr. led The Bahamas with 22 points and 8 assists, Domnick Bridgewater scored 18, and VJ Edgecombe had 19 points before he was ejected.

Despite the loss, there was still good news for The Bahamas.

When the results were finalized, The Bahamas secured one of the top three positions in group B and officially advanced to the second round of World Cup Qualifying.

The Bahamas now move into group F, where they will face Uruguay, Panama, and Argentina over the next three qualifying windows.

The second round begins August 27 on the road against Uruguay before The Bahamas returns home to face Panama on August 31.

The top three teams in group F will earn a place at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Miller Emerges in Leadership Role

One of the biggest bright spots for Team Bahamas during this FIBA World Cup Qualifying window was the play of Franco Miller Jr.

He’s averaging 19.4 points and just over five assists per game through five contests.

He erupted for 32 points in the first matchup against Jamaica, and had 19 points and seven assists in their first game against Puerto Rico.

In this window it was 18 points in the 123-74 win over Jamaica before following it up with a team-high 22 points against Puerto Rico.

Those performances continued what has been an impressive qualifying campaign for Miller.

Miller spent his first season of pro basketball in Spain and last year with the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA G-league.

Baha Mar Continues to Grow Raquet Sports

The John McEnroe Tennis Center at Baha Mar served up a successful inaugural summer slam mixed doubles tournament over the holiday weekend.

More than 30 players, including local competitors and visiting hotel guests, took to the courts for a day of friendly competition that featured a round-robin format before advancing to a knockout stage.

When the dust settled, Brezile Hamilton and Erika Knowles emerged as tournament champions after going undefeated in pool play before capturing the title.

The pair received a cash prize, gold medals, and a two-night stay at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.

Lesha Shephard and Jody Turnquest finished second, while Josh and McKenzie Herman claimed third place.

Director of Racquets Derron Donaldson said the success of the event reinforces the facility’s commitment to growing tennis and pickleball in The Bahamas, with plans already underway to host more tournaments in the future.