NEBL 2020: Meet the Benny’s Hurricanes
The 2020 season of the National Elite Basketball League kicked off last Friday with matches across the country. There have been many changes in almost all teams. There is also the return of a Punta Gorda team in the semi-pro basketball competition. Tonight, we feature the Benny’s Hurricanes which is boasting some new and veteran athletes. News Five caught up with the team this morning as they prepared for an upcoming showdown this Friday inside the Civic Centre in Belize City.
Ian Mariano
Ian Mariano, Marketing Manager, Benny’s Hurricanes
“Last year dah definite weh yo call wah bunnas and every good sensible Belizean know when you get a bunnas yo hafto come back. What we have done is prepared a lot. Immediately after the last game, we went back to our hotel room and we started to plan, we started to prepare because we know that we had disappointed out fan base and we are here to restore that. We put in all the pieces: coaching, playing, roles and positions and so forth and so we are definitely prepared for this season 2020. We feel like a child at Christmas; that is how excited we are because we want to see the execution of all this planning take place.”
Ashton Edwards
Ashton Edwards, Shooting Guard, Benny’s Hurricanes
“I come from a championship team, come across to a championship team as well. So with me and the other guys, weh we di bring to the Hurricanes, it is going to be a showdown. Whole after the holidays, we up here morning, night di put it in trying to get it going cause it is not going to be an easy game tomorrow, but we are going for the win.”
Alex Carcamo
Alex Carcamo, Benny’s Hurricanes
“What I am bringing to the table is experience. A lot of the teams bring Americans out here and they are young just like the young players so it is hard to adjust to a younger guy trying to tell you what to do for the older players. Now because I have such a big background, the players are pretty much respectful and listen and I feel like around the league, I will get the same respect. And I definitely can still play; definitely can still play so tomorrow night will be exciting. I am excited to put on a show for the fans. I am exciting to see what our team has put together in the last week.”
Ian Mariano
“We have increased tremendously in size; I mean our backline looks awesome, but also our three-point shooting has definitely been improved. We have acquired some key pieces to become a part of what we are doing here. We went superstar, we went local and we went across the ocean to find the pieces that we have and I must tell you Duane, we are totally happy. We are satisfied. Friday night is a must and trust me when I say that.”
