HAMILTON – One of the main attributes of the great basketball players of the world that carry their nations’ colors on their jerseys is their national pride. And that's exactly what the Bermuda Youth Basketball Federation (BYBF) is trying to foster.

Since 2012 the Federation has been working under the guidance of the Bermuda Basketball Association (BBA), the principal governing body of basketball in the country, and gives structure to the development of basketball players in the U10, U12, U14 and U17 categories. Between 40 and 50 boys take part in this annual program that also develops the game of girls from the age of 7 to the age of 18.

“We basically work to develop young players and the philosophy of our national program,” explained Chris Crumbler, BYBF Coordinator, to FIBA.basketball. Crumbler, besides being a FIBA Level 2 certified coach and director of Club Wolfpack Elite, the most recognized basketball club in the Bermuda Islands that prepares players since 2007. They have sent between 10 to 15 players to universities and schools in the United States.

“We try to not only involve the largest number possible of players in the sport of basketball, but to plant the seed in them of national pride in the game, and we also expose them to the highest training levels and basketball techniques. We also include our trainers (in these initiatives). Each year we invite a different coach, each year we talk about the illegal use of drugs, and we also teach good sportsmanship,” Crumbler added.

This year they invited Canadian coach Jeff Dosado, Director of the Best Coast Basketball Skills Academy in California. During his stay, Dosado worked with the senior national team and with the U19 team. He also offered a two-day free workshop for children eight years or older.

BYBF's sights are now set at the World Hoops Summit, a three-day camp that aims to work on dominating the ball, shooting mechanics, defense positions and two days of games among the different nations that bring teams to the Summit. The encounter will take place in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, within the facilities of Eastern University, and will welcome children from the U10 to U17 categories.

Bermuda Basketball Association President Rickey Watts explained that the entity is working on their reestablishment after a 10-year absence from FIBA. They are waiting for public funding to initiate their national youth development programs. One of Watts’ objectives is to have Bermuda host international tournaments and American universities, just like Bahamas and Jamaica already do. This is something that, according to him, would not only elevate their competitive level, but will also bring the people closer to their national team.

Recently, the Middle School Basketball Championship in the island concluded, where Warwick Academy won the girls’ category, and the boys of Mt. St. Agnes Academy prevailed in theirs.

The island of Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory located in the northern part of the Caribbean. Its total area is 53 kilometers and has a population of 71,100 inhabitants.

FIBA