Sports

Mychal Thompson: “The Bahamas Should Be So Proud Of These Young Men”

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES – We had several opportunities last week to celebrate Bahamas basketball on the NBA stage, so we went straight to the source – our first to ever do it.

Published

2 days ago

December 17, 2025

10th Year Seniors

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES – We had several opportunities last week to celebrate Bahamas basketball on the NBA stage, so we went straight to the source – our first to ever do it.

Bahamian basketball legend Mychal Thompson continues to serve as a powerful ambassador for the game, both at home and on the world’s biggest stage.

Thompson, the first international player ever selected number one overall in the nba draft, reflected on the growth of Bahamian basketball while working as an in-game analyst for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Thompson was on hand for the Lakers’ matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers where he spoke about the pride of witnessing the current generation of NBA pros continue to make history.

Thompson emphasized the importance of visibility, mentorship, and representation, noting that each generation has a duty to open doors and inspire the next wave of Bahamian talent pursuing opportunities at the highest level of the game.

NBA

Deandre Ayton has been huge for the Lakers on the court and now the NBA has recognized the work he has done in the community.

Ayton has been named the NBA Cares Bob Lanier community assist award winner for November.

The league and the Players Association recognized him for leading hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica and supporting underrepresented youth since he made the move to LA.

In recognition of his efforts, the league and the Players Association foundation will donate $20,000 to the Ayton Family Foundation.

Through his foundation, Ayton helped reopen the Cedar Spring Community Center in St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica.

Following Hurricane Melissa, he committed $100,000 to relief efforts.

In LA, Ayton launched the Ayton Alley Oop program, providing game tickets and resources to youth from underserved communities.

Ayton’s philanthropy has always been on display here at home in The Bahamas.

His foundation committed $100,000 to the hurricane dorian relief efforts, annually supports the junior achievement program, and hosted an edition of the Jr. NBA camp.

Basketball

Bahamian Pro basketball players have been putting up impressive numbers recently in their respective leagues across Europe.

In France’s NM1 league, Dominick Bridgewater had a season-high 29 points and six assists for Fos-Sur-Mer, knocking down four three-pointers and shooting 9-of-17 from the field in a 91–85 loss to Pays Solanais.

Bridgewater is averaging just over 19 points and 5 assists per game this season, helping the Byers sit 3rd in group B with an 11–5 record.

Also in NM1, Lathaniel Bastian recorded a double-double for Poissy, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds in an 80–69 loss to Fougères.

While Poissy has spent much of the season near the bottom of the standings, Bastian continues to be a bright spot, averaging 10.3 points and a team-leading 7.5 rebounds per game.

Meanwhile in Spain, Danrad Knowles impressed in his debut for his new team, Salou – the Segunda Feb.