Athletes to represent Belize at 2013 FIBA Americas U-18 Championship

Belizean athletes continue to compete on the international stage. The most recent contingent to leave is the National Under-eighteen three-by-three basketball team. The team departed en route to Washington DC to participate in the FIBA Americas Championship. The event will also feature teams from Canada, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Venezuela, and the USA in the men’s tournament. On departure, the hopeful team members spoke to News Five expressing confidence in their participation based on their past performance when they beat far more experienced teams from countries such as China that has a population of one point three billion.

Duane Moody, Reporting

Three basketball athletes along with their coach today departed from the P.G.I.A. en route Washington DC which is the venue for the FIBA America’s U-eighteen three-by-three championship. The talent-loaded event is scheduled to run from August thirty-first to September first and the trio of Brian Whyte, Brandon Flowers and Douglas Valley, as well as their coach, Matthew Smiling, is ready to take on the team from the other participating countries.

Brian White, Team Captain, National U-18 Team

“We are very confident because last year, me and him went and we did great to do a small country and beat big countries. We have the experience so I feel like we are going to do much better this time.”

Brandon Flowers

Brandon Flowers, Member, National U-18 Team

“During workout and thing, we do different plays and position on the court and coming on facing other teams. With we doing all of this it will make us a better team.”

Duane Moody

“Valley, this is your first time going out and competing with this team. What are your fears or anticipations for the tournament?”

Douglas Valley, Member, National U-18 Team

“Well I don’t really have any fears cause my other three teammates that I am going to play with, they went last year and I think that they are going to set the standard for me and I’m really confident and I think we are going to do well in this tournament.”

Matthew Smiling

Matthew Smiling, Coach

“It’s a different game from the five…it’s a faster game; no coaching allowed while games are playing. The players are basically on their own; they have to make their own decisions and the rules are a bit different form the full court.”

Belize’s good showing in last year’s three-by-three World Championship held in Spain has qualified team Belize to participate in this championship as well as the 2013 U-eighteen three-by-three World Championship scheduled to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia at the end of September. The team is motivated and because of the intense training, they believe they are ready for the international competition.

Brian White

Brian White

“My strength that I am bringing to the table is getting rebounds, score and help my teammates mentally to do the right thing.”

Brandon Flowers

“My strength is to help rebound as well; set screen for my teammates and talk to each other.”

Douglas Valley

Douglas Valley

“Well I’m gonna try be the best teammate I can. My strength is my shooting and I am also trying to match up with the bigger guys and also get some rebounds for my team.”

Duane Moody for News Five.

In 2012, Belize ‘turned heads’ when they beat China, the Netherlands, Poland and Slovakia losing to Canada, New Zealand and France.