Fireworks expected at Rawle Toney 3×3 Classic tournament

-action set for this weekend

By Timothy Jaikarran

The highly anticipated 2022 edition of the Rawle Toney 3×3 Classic will commence this weekend (February 19-20) at the Burnham Basketball Court at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown. A total of sixteen teams are set to battle it out on the court.

This tournament has drawn international attention, and two teams out of New York and one each from Suriname and Martinique would be participating. Among the participating teams are defending champions Pitbull 3.0, Pacesetters, Linden, Q Ballers out of New York, and Royals.
In a sit-down with this publication, Rawle Toney, as founder of this tournament, shared a few insights on the tournament, and what fans can expect over the weekend.
Q: How do you feel with the competition on the horizon?
A: “I am very excited, knowing that the tournament is just a few days away. Of course, we have had a few setbacks, but no setbacks to say that the tournament won’t be a success; so, it is just a matter of putting things together and ensuring that everyone runs up on time, and we just have fun. I know a lot of people are anxious and excited to come out and watch a little basketball, as I’ve seen the enthusiasm at the launching last year. But with that being said, folks must be reminded that certain rules and regulations have been set in place by the National COVID-19 Task Force, one of which is wearing a mask, sanitising, and social distancing, which will be observed at the event this weekend. With the combination of the teams, it is going to be one of the most competitive basketball events in Guyana that we would have had for a number of years.”
Q: How is the preparation coming?
A: “Admission is absolutely free, all you have to do is turn up at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall! With regards to the players, they are excited! The teams (include those) from Martinique, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, New York, as well as some former national players who are coming back to Guyana to play in the 3×3. I think (that) with the winners having a gold ring, that adds a little more flavour to the tournament and makes it a bit more premium, and that makes me happy.”
Q: What can the fans expect when things kick off on Saturday?
A: “Fireworks when things kick off! the anticipation is so high in this tournament that it is not even funny. The referees are asking about security, which definitely will be there from the Guyana Police Force alongside private security. All in all, it is going to be two nights of fun and entertainment, and the people will just come and enjoy themselves. They are coming here to have fun and watch basketball, it’s music non-stop.”
Sixteen teams will be vying for a winner’s purse of $500,000. In 2019, Pitbulls 3.0, comprising Ryan Stephney, Jermaine Slatter, Ryan Gullen and Travis Belgrave, edged Team Smooth 22-12 in the finals to walk away with Gy$300,000 and the Rawle Toney 3X3 Basketball Classic Trophy.
Among the sponsors on board are Mackeson, Guyana Lottery Company, Hennessy, FireSide Grill, Bush Cook, Stuff, MVP Sports, FK Sports, Shi Oil, Brother’s Security, The Muse Bar, Pressy’s Gift Shop, Jacob’s Jewellery, 94.1FM.
The action will commence at 18:00h on both days. Admission is free, and all COVID-19 regulations will be in effect, as only a limited number of patrons would be allowed at the venue.