Sports

Team Bahamas Falls Short Against Spain In FIBA Qualifier

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Bahamas basketball has come a long way, from a 9th place finish in the Pan Am Games in 1975 to taking it to global powerhouse Spain for a chance to make the 2024 Olympics.

Published

1 year ago

July 7, 2024

Taige Adderley

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas National Basketball squad came up short today in the finals of the FIBA Pre-Olympic qualifier against Spain. Despite, great work by Team 242 getting to this point. No matter the results, our entire nation is proud of them.

But, Bahamas basketball has come a long way, from a 9th place finish in the Pan Am Games in 1975 to taking it to global powerhouse Spain for a chance to make the 2024 Olympics.

We’re going to take a look at how a country of our size became a global basketball powerhouse.

The Bahamas Basketball Federation was first officially recognized by FIBA in 1961, before majority rule.

Historical Achievements

In 1975, the team came 9th in the Pan American Games in Mexico City, and we also came 5th in Centro Basket.

We joined the Caribbean Basketball Confederation in 1981, quickly becoming a regional powerhouse, winning seven gold medals, two silvers, and two bronze since then.

Notable Players

The Bahamas has produced dozens of Division One and professional basketball players since then, including Mychal Thompson, the NBA’s No. 1 pick in 1978. Deandre Ayton would follow in his footsteps 40 years later, going 1st in 2018. Buddy Hield went 6th overall in 2014, and Kai Jones was also taken in the first round in 2021.

Bahamian Pride

Bahamian pride runs deep around the world. This includes Thompson’s sons, Mychel and Klay, NBA player Eric Gordon, and NBA coach LJ Rose, who have been heavily involved in advancing Bahamas basketball.

Recent Developments

In 2019, the team hired head coach Chris DeMarco, an assistant for the Golden State Warriors. In 2023, the team added Gordon, who propelled The Bahamas to a stunning victory over Argentina on their home court in the 2024 pre-Olympic qualifiers.