Team Bahamas Looks to Keep FIBA World Cup Hopes Alive

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – It’s a big night for Team Bahamas.

The Bahamian men’s national basketball team returns to the court on Friday to take on Jamaica in a crucial FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifier.

The Bahamas enters the game with a 1-3 record in Group B, knowing a victory over Jamaica is essential to keep its second-round hopes alive.

The national team will also need to defeat Puerto Rico by more than six points in its next game as it looks to finish among the top three teams in the group.

Leading the way for The Bahamas is a talented 12-man roster featuring VJ Edgecombe, Buddy Hield, Eric Gordon, Kai Jones, Kentwan Smith, Franco Miller Jr., Jaraun Burrows, Deyton Albury, Garvin Clarke Jr., Domnick Bridgewater, Leano Rolle and Sammy Hunter.

Fans are encouraged to come out and support the national team.

Tickets have been reduced to just $40 each when purchased in bundles of five or more.

Tip-off is set for 8 p.m., and if you can’t make it to the arena, you can watch the game live on the OUR TV Network.

It’s also important to remember that this is only Window 3 of 6 in the FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign.

The top three teams from Group B will advance to the second round, where they will join the top teams from Group D in Group F.

From there, the top three teams will qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

NBA

Deandre Ayton is on the move once again.

The former No. 1 overall pick has been traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Washington Wizards as the NBA offseason continues to deliver major roster moves.

In exchange for Ayton, the Lakers receive guard Jaden Hardy and two future second-round draft picks, a deal that further reshapes Los Angeles’ frontcourt after its recent acquisition of center Walker Kessler.

The trade comes just days after Ayton exercised his player option to return to the Lakers for the 2026-27 season, but his stay in Los Angeles proved to be short-lived.

Ayton is coming off a solid campaign, averaging 12.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and just over a block per game while shooting better than 58 percent from the field.

The move gives Ayton a fresh opportunity in Washington, the fourth team of his career following stints in Phoenix, Portland and Los Angeles.