FIBA AmeriCup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers…
– James unable to compete
The Guyana Senior Men’s Basketball Team arrived safely in Colombia for the FIBA AmeriCup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers, but will be without the highly anticipated services of AEK Athens Power Forward Delroy James.
James, who chose to represent Guyana in international competition over his adopted country, the USA, was unable to have his Guyana passport renewed.
He was unable to present his expired passport in person because he was in Brazil with his club AEK, where he propelled them to victory in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup last weekend.
Guyana’s Team Manager, Alex Graham, upon arriving in Bogotá, said, “We tried everything to get Delroy’s passport. Everyone in the Federation called everyone
they know. I called everyone I know, and other people called people who know people. We were told different things at different times, but in the end we don’t have Delroy on the floor fighting for Guyana, and that is a major loss for the country.”
Pressed further, Graham said that he wouldn’t call names, “but I expected that those with the power to help would at least meet with us to discuss how, within the law, regulations, and practices, we could have worked together to find a way for James to represent Guyana. But we couldn’t make it happen.”
Guyana’s Head Coach Andrew Hercules said, “It is a huge disappointment to lose Delroy James, as Guyana is at this level for the first time and James’s experience in the USA, Europe, and South America would have been useful, along with his incredible skill set. However, my job is to win with the team I have, and that is my focus now.”
Disappointed, James opted to fly home to Greece rather than spectate. He’s hopeful for another opportunity to play in Guyana colours alongside his brothers.
Guyana were scheduled to play Paraguay on Friday, then Colombia and Bolivia on Saturday and Sunday respectively in Group B of the tournament.
Guyana’s participation has been made possible through the sponsorship and support received from the Government of Guyana through the National Sports Commission, Minister David Patterson in his personal capacity, John Fernandes Limited, KP Thomas, Demerara Distillers Limited, Alex Mendes, and NF Agriculture.
