FIBA 3X3 AmeriCup Basketball: Vincente, Smith looking to improve on decision-making ahead of tournament

Dominic Vincente is making his debut appearance in the AmeriCup international 3×3 basketball competition, while Nikkoloi Smith will be making his second appearance in the tournament, but they are both looking to gain qualification for Guyana in the main draw of the tournament, which commences in Puerto Rico on December 12th.
The last time Vincente and Smith paired up in a 3X3 tournament was in last July, when they rose above the competition to win the Guyana Basketball Federation’s (GBF’s) 3×3 Championship. They were accompanied by Travis Belgrave and Jude Corlette on that occasion.
On the eve of their departure from the Land of Many Waters, Guyana Times Sport spoke with Vincente and Smith, who expounded on the fast style of play needed in the 3×3 format, as they emphasized that decision–making is their key focus in terms of improvement in this tournament.
Vincente said, “So, the key aspect that I’m looking to improve on is leadership, whether it be on the court with teammates or making sure that everything is done as we want it to (be done). And off the court, in terms of training and so forth, that’s one of the key areas that I want to improve on —leadership on and off the court.

“And the second area that I’m looking to improve on is decision-making. Decision-making, knowing how 3×3 is very fast-paced, pushes you to think quickly. So even though the game is sped up, you can now think things through better and see how best you can come up with a win. So, it’s going to help (if I master) those two areas for me,” Vincente divulged.
“Some of the key aspects that I’m looking forward to improving on when it comes to my game is making good decisions. My decision making, and being consistent on both ends of the court, because 3×3 basketball is fast-paced. So, it could go both ways, it could go anyway. So, it’s all about making the right decision on both ends of the court, and I think it’s going to be key to our team, you know, pushing to make the qualifiers and getting into the major.”
Vincente and Smith have lauded the international exposure as a basis to improve their skills mentally and physically, given the playing field being among consistent 3×3 international players. Vincente said, “It’s going to be a big impact, because now I can use that experience to help not just me, but people around me. To help improve their skills mentally and physically, because who we normally play (against) is at one level, and to be exposed to another level of basketball, it’s going to have a great impact not just for me, but for my teammates as well.”
“Because I will impart some of the knowledge that I learned when that happens, I think it will have a major impact getting to compete against players who get to play 3×3 on a regular (basis); who are more seasoned; who are exposed to this competition daily. It kind of gives you a measuring stick to see where you’re skilled at, where your skill is, and see where you need to improve on. I think it’s going to be a major impact getting to play 3×3 at the international level, and see which area of my game I need to improve on more when coming back, going back into training,” Smith said.
Team Guyana at these championships comprises Travis Belgrave, Harold Adams, Dominic Vincente and Nikkoloi Smith. They will come up against the Cayman Islands, Aruba, and Haiti in Group A. To secure a spot in the main draw, Guyana must finish atop their group, potentially setting up matchups against tournament heavyweights Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. (Omar McKenzie)