The upcoming start of the 2010 SKABA Basketball League will not only mark the Official Opening of the annual national basketball league but it will also be the beginning of the Horsfords Horsfords Ghetto Roots quest for a 7th SKABA Title. Horsfords Ghetto Roots won the title in 1982,1986,1992,1993,1996 and 2009. The team had a very successful year in 2009 with a convincing clean sweep victory over the defending champions Rams Hitters in the Championship finals. The team capped a fairly good season by normal standards but a mediocre season by Horsfords Ghetto Roots standards taking into consideration the immense talent of the team. Horsfords Ghetto Roots for many years were labeled as the ultimate under-acheivers boasting some of the most talented players in the league but perennially falling short of the ultimate prize. However two critical off season moves before the 2009 season by Manager Wallis Wilkin may have very well been the difference that turned the under-acheivers into champions. Former Coach of the BHS Junior Team Dr. Garfeild Alexander was brought in along with National Guard Levi By-By Fyfeild . The presence of these 2 instantly changed the fortunes and possibilities of the team. By-Bys exciting play enabled teammates like Rymal Bally Brown and Troy Jasbo Wattley to step up their game to higher level. Browne in particular benefitted as the presence of Fyfeild lifted some of the burden of having to carry the full weight of the teams backcourt. Bally strived with the presence of BY-BY and his eventuall coronation as league MVP was not a surprise to anyone. Horsfords Ghetto Roots also had the benefit of the return of Carlos Monzac (193-F). Monzac was away from the team for 2 years but returned and instantly made a difference. His exciting play is only exceeded by his tremendous talent and athleticism. Carlos had an exceptional season despite suffering for most of the latter half with a knee injury. In addition to Monzac team Captain Bertram Richards and Quincy Puppet Taylor were the defensive glue and inspiration that kept the team motivated throughout the season and particularly in the playoffs. Taylor also had a phenomenal finals with a shooting display that will forever etch him as one of the top shooters in SKABA. Horsfords Ghetto Roots crown was no doubt William Natta. The 66 presence of the hard-nosed US based Bellevue University player was a major component of the Horsfords Ghetto Roots Championship puzzle. Asim Method Jenkins complemented Natta,Monzac, Fyfeild and Browne with his hard nosed defensive type play which gave the scorers the room and ability to score. Vincent Hicks, Aki Crosse, Akil and Akeem Henderson ,Dennis Berridge and the oversees based Trevor Stevens (198-F-73) and Ronnie Simmons all together became the formula that enabled a Horsfords Ghetto Roots championship in 2009. But is that formula still potent? That is the question that every basketball pundit and fan will be asking. Horsfords Ghetto Roots have had some changes since the 2009 championship run. Role player Vincent Hicks has left the team along with the young Henderson twins. However former National Players Lyle Dixie Duggins, Kiethley Hicks, Ruel Craigy Nero and Halstead Hally Isles have all returned to the team after absences for varying lengths of time and varying reasons. All four have represented the country on the national Junior and or Senior level . These additions will no doubt make Horsfords Ghetto Roots , at the very least, an even as potent a team as they were in 2009. The Horsfords Ghetto Roots biggest challenge will likely come from the Rams Hitters who will be celebrating 30 years in St.Kitts basketball and will be hoping for an unprecedented 18th SKABA Title. Only Hitters has won more championships than the Horsfords Ghetto Roots over the years. Hitters boasts an almost unchanged team to their 2009 finals squad . The team is undoubtedly going through a transisiton period and may very well feature some of their talented young players. The team ultimately however will revolve around Marlon Jah Love Powell and the veterans Shawn Shabba Forbes and Trevor Marty Hugginsin addition to the overseas based Marvin Davis . Shabba is till one of the most dominating players in the league and Marty is easily the leagues best shooter. Powell maybe considered one of the top guards in the league along with Horsfords Ghetto Roots Fyfeild and Browne. Hitters have not made any major additions to the team that fell short in 2009. However they are still without a doubt Horsfords Ghetto Roots most formidable challenge. Tuff Knots will likely provide Horsfords Ghetto Roots and Hitters with their most significant challenge. Tuff Knots features 2 of the leagues young talents in Clayton Powell and Naran Maynard. Tuff Knots is also the home of college based Nasharn Maynard. Nasharn single handidly won the 2007 season for the tuff knots when he literally carried the team to a memorable victory over the Hitters . The other teams in the Premeir division are Cayon,newly promoted Ghaut Bucs, Cotton Ground ReBELS AND Figg Tree. Ghaut Bucs returned to the SKABA league last year and made the A division a very popular division. They lost just 2 games but the premier league will not be as easy. Bucs forward Kemo Liburd was easily the best player in A division for 2008 but in the Premeir division almost every team can present at least 2 forwards who can neutralize Liburd . Liburd certainly will not be as dominant a force as he was in the A. The team will do well but whether they will be in contention for the championship is debatable. However it must be said that the teams significant fan base may very well provide the boost they will need to contend for the title. Cotton Ground is the team that beats almost every team they meet in the first 3 and half quarters but could never hold on to win on a consistent basis. The team has not improved since winning the A division 3 years ago. However they have remained good enough to maintain their spot in the premier division and this will undoubtedly not change. Figg Tree has not been the same since losing Shane Shuba Hendricks after their title run in 2006. The team was on top of the world in 2006 when they blew out Hitters and then Trotters to win their first Title. However the exit of finals MVP Eston Williams and the career ending knee injury to Hendricks left a massive void in the team. Despite having two national players in George Goolay Gaton and the overseas based college player Kemo Duncan the team has not been able to duplicate their success of the 2006 season. The team will no doubt contend but whether they have the personnel to win another title is questionable. Cayon will once again be the most dangerous and unpredictable team in SKABA. Cayon has made a name for themselves of losing to so called light teams and beating the so called big teams. The Achilles heel for Cayon has been inconsistency. Thus despite having talented players Dave Zenga Pondt, Geron Browne and Ty OLoughlin the team has failed to reach the playoffs for the last 4 seasons . Cayon will have to recruit younger players and also a coach and manager to raise the burden off the shoulders of OLoughlin who is not only is the teams top player but also the team Coach, Captain, Manager and sponsor. With a big and proud community such as Cayon the team needs to recruit and beef up their administrative and player personnel. The SKABA 2010 Premier division will be another exciting year. Many teams have the potential to win but only a few teams can say they have a good chance. Based on off season transfers and the return of former players, Horsfords Ghetto Roots seem well on their way to a 7th title. However history has shown that its not always the team with the best players that win. So it is still left to be seen . source: ST.KITTS SPORTS NEWS
Jeffers new St Kitts-Nevis President - 2 months ago
Business Executive Mr Glen Jeffers has moved into the leadership of the new management of the St.Kitts-Nevis Amateur Basketball Association St.Kitts-Nevis Amateur Basketball Association voted unanimously to appoint former President of the SKNAAA on Thursday, in a step toward reform for an organization which has in the past few years has seen a significant decline in the level and quality of management, operations, officiating, development and transparency. Jeffers and his new team were... [read more]
Business Executive Mr Glen Jeffers has moved into the leadership of
the new management of the St.Kitts-Nevis Amateur Basketball Association
St.Kitts-Nevis Amateur Basketball Association voted unanimously to
appoint former President of the SKNAAA on Thursday, in a step toward
reform for an organization which has in the past few years has seen a
significant decline in the level and quality of management, operations,
officiating, development and transparency.
Jeffers and his new team were all elected unanimously and unopposed.
There were two possitions that were not voted on and those were the
posts of Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary. Those positions
will be voted on during the association next general meeting. In comments after the vote, Jeffers said that his teams focus will be
on grassroots development in addition to improvements in Officiating,
Public Relations, Discipline, Financial Accountability and Transparency
and Facility development.
Jeffers stated that his new team will pursue reforms that would
cover all aspects of the game in St.Kitts-Nevis, from the national team
to youth and grassroots programs.
PRIDEKINGS reign as the 2017 SKNABA Premier League Champions! The Sandy Point PRIDEKINGS won the 2017 St. Kitts Nevis Amateur Basketball Association (SKNABA) Championship on Thursday night. In the fourth game of a possible five-game series, PRIDE defeated the 2016 champions - the St. Paul's Tuff Knots, 84-79. And the victory gave the PRIDE organization it's first premier league championship and second SKNABA title in just 2 years of existence. It is a satisfying end to a season for a t... [read more]
PRIDEKINGS reign as the 2017 SKNABA Premier League Champions!
The Sandy Point PRIDEKINGS won the 2017 St. Kitts Nevis Amateur Basketball Association (SKNABA) Championship on Thursday night.
In the fourth game of a possible
five-game series, PRIDE defeated the 2016 champions - the St. Paul's
Tuff Knots, 84-79. And the victory gave the PRIDE organization it's
first premier league championship and second SKNABA title in just 2
years of existence.
It is a satisfying end to a season for a
team that saw their roster significantly reduced for a number of
reasons, including the loss of one of it's brightest and youngest stars Secada Garroden,
but on Thursday night, when time ran out at Basketball City, the KINGS
and all its fans could finally celebrate a championship.
The win represents the ascension of a
team that had only joined the SKNABA league in 2015, who in it's first
year ran the table at the A-Division level to go an impressive 19-0.
Then after being promoted to the island's premier league, recruited
other seasoned talented front court players to join its nucleus of back
court assassins.
A balanced offensive attack helped to
seal the deal, with five KINGS scoring in double digits for the 5th
consecutive game of their 2017 playoff run. Taslin Dont-Cheat Hodge, the early favorite for finals MVP tallied 22 points 2 steals and 4 assists.
The youngest and arguably one of the fiercest competitors on the King's championship roster- Cha Vez Belboda also played a key role with 22 points and 5 steals.
Graeme Browne
, the hero from Saturday's overtime Game 4 win, finished with 13 points
10 rebounds 2 steals and 2 blocks. National front court player and
PRIDE center Jazbu Troy Wattley registered a solid double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds. While the team's floor general - Javal Hodge clocked 10 points 7 assists 4 steals in 37 minutes of directing on court traffic and pushing the pace.
While the two sides were close in a
low-scoring first quarter, a 7-0 run helped the KINGS to gain the early
advantage to take a 4 point lead into half.
The momentum stayed with the lions, who
weathered a valiant effort from the Tuff Knots big men and seemed to
make a big play whenever St. Paul's tried to come back.
The fourth-quarter defensive focus and
game management was all that was needed for the KINGS to slam the door
on any chance of a comeback and secure it's first championship!
It was truly a magical run which
culminated on Thursday night with chants of 'Hub hub hub' and an
overwhelming display of PRIDE by all in attendance.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Sports and SP PRIDE KING Big
Fan Hon. Shawn K. Richards was on hand to witness the historic victory.
In commenting DPM Richards said 'I must express my tremendous PRIDE and
joy in the achievement tonight of the SP Pride Kings. In this their
inaugural entry in the Premier Division the Pride Kings are Champions .
It is a great achievement by a tremendous sporting organisation group
and basketball team.'
All hail the PRIDEKINGS, your 2017 SKNABA Premier League Champions!!
The concept of an NBA prospect having a 'high ceiling is something that's often discussed, but rarely defined. Is this the most exciting thing we can say about a player on draft night, meaning that, someday, he could become that franchise cornerstone every team needs? Or are we saying that a player has the physical attributes and the athletic prowess to round into a phenomenal basketball player, if he puts in the hard work and gets some lucky breaks? Or is that term a backhanded complime... [read more]
The concept of an NBA prospect having a 'high ceiling' is something
that's often discussed, but rarely defined. Is this the most exciting
thing we can say about a player on draft night, meaning that, someday,
he could become that franchise cornerstone every team needs?
Or are we saying that a player has the physical attributes and the
athletic prowess to round into a phenomenal basketball player, if he
puts in the hard work and gets some lucky breaks? Or is that term a
backhanded compliment of sorts, where a talent evaluator is saying that,
yes, the player has enormous natural abilities, but that he never
reached that high potential in college?
Is 'high ceiling' the best thing you can say about a prospect, or is
it the worst? A blessing or a curse? Leading into the 2014-15 college
season, Karl-Anthony Towns was spoken about as a high-ceiling player. Turns out he's reaching that ceiling in the NBA already. But remember: Cliff Alexander
was considered a better college recruit than Towns, and he was spoken
about in the same high-ceiling sort of way. Alexander had a miserable
college season at Kansas, went undrafted, and was last seen playing for the Nets - the Long Island Nets, that is, of the D-League. He never even sniffed his high ceiling.
And so it is with both excitement and a bit of trepidation that I'm slapping the 'highest ceiling in the 2017 NBA Draft' label on Jonathan Isaac, the tall, athletic, versatile one-and-done forward from Florida State.
He fits the 'high ceiling' bill: Isaac has the athletic abilities to
wow people in the NBA. He has the body that ought to fill out, a rangy
6-11 frame that his college coach told me could still be growing. And he
has a skill set that is rare for a big man, as a late growth spurt
turned him from a slender 6-foot-6 high school wing overlooked in the
top tier of college recruiting into a near 7-footer with the playmaking
and shooting abilities of a guard.
Jonathan Isaac has the highest ceiling of any player in the NBA Draft. USATSI
Needless to say, Isaac's ceiling has NBA scouts drooling. One scout
told me Isaac is the one player in this draft he sees as being in the
rarefied air of 'freak NBA athletes,' a term the scout reserves for
players like LeBron Jamesand Paul George and just a handful of others.
So is this label a blessing? Or is it a curse, the idea that in the future this player could outperform his past?
The answer depends, I believe, on the individual. An arrogant young
man who hears this talk about himself can get lazy. He can see himself
as The Anointed One and not put in the work. This is the type of player
for whom the 'high ceiling' label will become a curse.
Luckily, this is not the case with Jonathan Isaac. And because of not
only his basketball attributes but also his grounded and humble
personality, I earnestly believe that five years from now we could look
back at the 2017 NBA Draft and say, 'How the hell did a player like
Jonathan Isaac last all the way until the seventh pick?!?'
'There's no question about it,' Isaac's college coach, Leonard
Hamilton, told me the other day, agreeing with me on both Isaac having
the highest ceiling in this draft and the constitution to live up to the
label. 'Jonathan is an extremely humble person, but he's also a very
hard worker, extremely focused. Of all the players I've coached, he
comes in as a youngster with an extremely high basketball IQ, one of the
highest basketball IQs I've seen. He sees the game through a mature set
of eyes, almost coach-like. He values all the little things that are
important about the game.'
That's exactly the type of mentality that turns a high-ceiling player
into an NBA All-Star. A nationally respected evaluator of high school
basketball talent - someone who has watched Isaac develop for years -
told me what jumps out to him most about Isaac's game is how unselfish
he is (he also referred to Isaac as a 'mini Kevin Durant,'
if that gives you any sense of Isaac's ceiling). He's not the type of
player who is so concerned about filling up the box score. He knows that
he'll get his. Instead, he's out there to make his team better, not
just make himself look good.
In an NBA that spreads the floor like it does, Isaac is the type of
player who fits the modern league like a glove. He's a near 7-footer who
can put the ball on the floor and knock down 3s, which he did at a 35
percent clip in college at an average of nearly three attempts per game.
He rebounds in traffic, he makes free throws, he doesn't pass up open
looks, he makes the pass that leads to the pass that gets the assist. He
was the most effective shot-blocker and rebounder for one of the
tallest teams in college basketball. But what Hamilton believes will
make him most valuable in the NBA isn't necessarily just his
effectiveness close to the rim. It's that he's as comfortable under the
rim as he is out on the perimeter - on offense, and on defense. There's
not a big man in this draft who'll be as effective switching on
pick-and-rolls as Isaac is.
'He has the versatility to be whatever a coach wants him to be,'
Hamilton told me. 'He's so rare in terms of having such a talented guy
who just really, really gets it. He's a confident person. He'll respect
authority and respect the culture of the team, but he'll speak up when
there's something that needs to be talked about. He's not a 'yes' man.
He respects right from wrong. He's the kind of young man parents want
their kids to grow up to be.'
Look, I am well aware that NBA teams
won't be making their selections on draft night based on whether a
player seems like a nice young man or a guy with a nose for trouble. The
fact that Hamilton raves about how enthusiastic of a cheerleader Isaac
was for his teammates when he was on the bench won't register with NBA
teams. But you better believe that in a draft that's chock-full of
players with all the measurable basketball attributes you'd ever want,
it'll be those personal intangibles that can turn a player from 'high
ceiling' into 'franchise cornerstone.'
I can't say with 100 percent certainty that Isaac will make that
leap. That's why the NBA draft is always filled with so much intrigue;
these young men are unfinished canvasses onto which we can project our
own hopes and desires. One of the highest ceilings in recent memory was
Greg Oden and, through a rash of misfortunes, he became a historic bust.
And nobody was talking about the high ceiling of a player like Draymond Green
on draft night. Green became one of the biggest steals in NBA draft
history. There are so many factors at play on whether a player falls
short of or far exceeds his potential.
But I do know this: When you take the whole package with Jonathan
Isaac - the phenomenal physical profile, the off-the-charts basketball
IQ, the humility, the focus - he strikes me as the rarest of
high-ceiling players. He's the high-ceiling prospect who could also be
the safest of bets. Times Caribbean
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