Rose Jr optimistic of team’s chances in El Salvador

…Team Guyana depart

By Timothy Jaikarran

The Guyana national basketball team have officially departed these shores after months of preparation for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Pre-Qualifiers, which are scheduled to be played in El Salvador. The qualifiers will take place at the José Adolfo Pineda National Gymnasium and Guyana will face Nicaragua on April 15, 2021 in their first match-up.
Before the team departed, Guyana Times Sport sat down with the Captain of the side, Stanton Rose Jr who elaborated on the team’s journey from the beginning of preparations to where they currently are. When asked what was the atmosphere like in the camp, Rose Jr said, “It feels great: we can’t wait to meet there; everyone is excited to go and play, the camp is good. Like any other camp we have ups and downs, nevertheless, we always talk through stuff and get back on track. The team is ready, everyone is prepared mentally, emotionally; as captain I will make sure that we all are on the same page when we hit that arena. For me, I’m mentally prepared, I’ve prepared myself for whatever challenges may come, I’ve also been looking at different things and ways to lead this team.”

Rose Jr went on to state that going forward it was not going to be easy, in fact it was going to be tough, but he was confident that the team can overcome any challenge placed before them. He also related that in terms of the readiness of the team, it is his belief that the team would do fine once they communicate. He was also adamant that it was his wish for the first game everyone could be in sync as he knew the squad was right where they needed to be as a team.
“Going up against Nicaragua, I think it’s a statement game. We have to go and show that we are here to stay and here to compete against the best and to show why we are the highest ranked team in the group as we want to come out victorious,” Rose Jr opined.

Rose Jr was also asked what were his expectations of the players and what role he expected them to play, he responded:
“In terms of the local players, I believe they have that dog mentality. Everyone has that chip on their shoulder and want something. Because I know for sure that they will bring that mentality to the game and I know that they will play hard.
“As for the professionals, I expect them to play not like everyone, even though they may be, but to show that level of respect on the court and help be a leader on and off the court and bring the team together.”
Rose Jr also reiterated that everyone on the team knew their roles, such as the guards, shooters, etc. He also said that while everyone was aware of the role they play, they were ready to take on whatever play called by the Coach and to bring the trophy home to Guyana.
The top three teams will advance to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 – Americas Pre-Qualifiers in July 2021. The participating national teams include Costa Rica (CRC), El Salvador (ESA), Guyana (GUY), Jamaica

(JAM) and Nicaragua (NCA).

Guyana’s Game Schedule:
• Game 1: Thursday, April 15 – 21:00 GYT – Guyana v Nicaragua
• Game 2: Friday, April 16 – 18:00 GYT – Jamaica v Guyana
• Game 3: Saturday, April 17 – 21:00 GYT – Guyana v El Salvador
• Game 4: Sunday, April 18 – 18:00 GYT – Costa Rica v Guyana

* Guyana is two hours ahead of El Salvador, hence the games set for 21:00h and 18:00h will be played at 19:00h and 16:00h local time.

All Guyana games will be broadcast via the E-Networks E1 Channel.