Semi-Pro basketball poised for return
It’s been reported before, but this time, hopefully it’s for real. Semi-pro basketball is coming back after a two year hiatus. Plans are underway for clinics to enhance the skills of players on the court and moderate their behavior off the court. Commissioner Troy Gabb, says that within the next six weeks we will be entertained by a brand new league.
Troy Gabb, Commissioner, B.B.A. Semi-Pro League
“The Belize Basketball Association Semi-Pro League, is presently in its beginning form during the course of this year. We are presently looking at about six teams, namely BTL, Orange Walk, Corozal, the Raiders, a team coming from the University of Belize, as well as we’re in discussion with the Penta Lakers management and a Dangriga team. Hopefully we will get at least one of those teams.”
Jose Sanchez
“Last year you had some problems getting started, is that all ironed out? Are we definitely going to have basketball this year?”
Troy Gabb
“At this time I’d like to firstly apologise to our fans for not having a season last year. I think they certainly were looking forward to a season. I want to assure them that all of the kinks that occurred last year are going to be ironed out and we are going to provide them with one of the best seasons that they’re ever going to be seeing here in Belize in the 2001 season.
“During the course of the ’99 season, the champion is the Raiders and they will be back to defend their championship. If you can remember, many of the fans who were there, it was certainly a fan packed night when the game ended with a spectacular play by Keith Acosta, with no seconds on the clock when that dunk happened. The game was between the Raiders and BTL, so it certainly was a dynamic finish for that season, and we can assure the fans that come opening night they can expect more of the same.”
Gabb says that you won’t have to wait until the end of April to see the action, as the Belize District Basketball league is starting its amateur tournament at Bird’s Isle on Friday night and it will feature a number of well known semi-pro players.
