MIAMI (USA) - After a whirlwind year of leading the Bahamas national basketball team to a solid FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Pre-Qualifiers performance and finishing second after missing out on a spot in the AmeriCup qualifiers in February, Travis Munnings is just getting started on his breakout career.

The 26-year-old, who led Bahamas in scoring in both tournaments as well as led the team in rebounds during the World Cup Americas Pre-Qualifiers, has proven that he not only wants to make a name for himself in basketball, but also elevate the Bahamas men’s national team.

“Us being able to play against various teams, gives us a chance to show that we can hang with those guys and that we can compete on the highest level, and most definitely I think it’s helping us make sure to continue to develop our game and move forward in the right direction,” said Munnings. “We just want to try to get Bahamas basketball known around the world.”

Having one of the toughest draws during the AmeriCup qualifiers in a group with USA, Puerto Rico and Mexico, Munnings still managed to average a team high 15.5 points per game, including a 22-point performance against a dominant USA.

When the Bahamas had another chance to prove their growth as one of the up-and-coming teams in the Americas, Munnings once again showed his leadership and strength for his teammates. He tallied an average of 14.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, showcasing his two-way style of play with his defensive boards on top of his shooting.

Munnings was recently invited to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League, representing the Golden State Warriors. His tenacious defending and ability to score from the 3-point line, has caught the eyes of NBA talents and has shown not only his game, but also his perseverance, continuing to put in the work to get noticed.

Munnings credits the work and responsibility that the Bahamas national team provides as a route for the opportunity, and the team’s success has helped him grow as a player.

“I can play with the best in the world, it’s a great opportunity and I love it and I’m just taking advantage of each and every moment.”

Other NBA players such as Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton and Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield show a glimpse into what Bahamian basketball’s growth looks like, and Munnings not only wants to be the next in line for the league, but also grow the national team while doing so.

With the Bahamas advancing to the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers, Munnings has a busy schedule ahead, but the qualifiers are light work for Munnings who put up an average of 11 points and 5.5 rebounds during the 2018 qualifiers at age 23.

"Trying to continue to develop our players and our game so we can one day compete in the Olympics, I feel like it starts with me, and once we get Buddy and Ayton on this train, we will be a good team to be able to qualify one day."

FIBA