NY Soundview bringing the Bronx to One Guyana 3×3 Quest
When you think of the Bronx in New York and basketball overall, the community of Soundview undoubtedly stands out.
Soundview has produced legendary players like NBA Hall of Famer Nate “Tiny” Archibald and former NBA star Kemba Walker. Now, in the world of 3×3 basketball, they are making a name for themselves.
Marcel Esonwune would lead NY Soundview into battle at the One Guyana 3×3 Quest
With their sights set on competing in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour event in Edmonton, Canada this August, NY Soundview will first head to Guyana for the One Guyana 3×3 Quest, on April 5-6 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The tournament marks the first-ever 3×3 Quest to be held in the English-speaking Caribbean, and it features 20 teams from 17 countries, including host nation Guyana, battling for a coveted spot in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour and the winner’s cash prize of US$5,000, plus four airline tickets to Canada.
NY Soundview has been placed in Group D, alongside Trinidad and Tobago’s Maloney Pacers, Team Phillipsburg of Sint Maarten, Ecuador’s Fit Storm, and Grenada’s Spice Boyz.
As one of the most experienced teams in the tournament, NY Soundview would be led by Marcel Esonwune, who represents Nigeria in international 3×3 competitions. A seasoned player in the professional 3×3 circuit, Esonwune has made his mark on the FIBA World Tour, having played for NY Harlem, a team currently ranked 15th globally by FIBA.
Esonwune previously led Nigeria to the finals of the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup, where they fell just short against Egypt.
Last year, he finished fourth at the FIBA 3×3 World Tour event in Edmonton with NY Harlem. However, to return to Canada this year, this top-ranked Nigerian 3×3 player must now navigate the competitive One Guyana 3×3 Quest.
Esonwune’s teammate are Brent Jones and Akeem Ellis, both experienced 3×3 players. Additionally, Robert Ukawuba, another Nigerian international 3×3 player, would add depth to the NY Soundview roster. Ukawuba played alongside Esonwune at the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup, and together they would aim to form a formidable duo in Guyana.
Tournament coordinator, GBF Vice President Rawle Toney, has expressed excitement at the level of competition by stating, “Having some of the world’s top 3×3 players in Guyana is a testament to the credibility and impact of the One Guyana Quest.” Highlighting the significance of the event, Toney said, “This tournament is a great opportunity for Guyana. It shines a spotlight on 3×3 basketball in our country and highlights the GBF’s ability to organize international tournaments, which is crucial to our long-term plans for the sport.”
Fast-paced and exciting, 3×3 basketball is a variation of traditional basketball that has rapidly gained global popularity. Officially recognized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and featured in the Olympic Games, this format promotes accessibility, entertainment, and dynamic gameplay.
In Guyana, 3×3 basketball has been a catalyst for grassroots development, providing young players with greater international exposure and professional opportunities.
The One Guyana 3×3 Quest will feature teams from Ecuador, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, the USA, the Cayman Islands, Grenada, Bermuda, and Suriname.
With over 150 players and officials travelling to Guyana, this will be one of the largest international basketball tournaments ever hosted in the country.