Timothy Jaikarran
The University of Guyana Trojans have had a see-saw 2019 season. Once 2018 under-23 GABA champions and 2018 champions of the University Games held in Curacao, they are currently preparing to defend their title once again with the University Games being held in Colombia from May 22-27.
In 2019, the Trojans won three of their four games in February against the Rose Hall Jammers, the Eagles and Plaisance Guardians. But to their dismay, that form was not taken in to the recently concluded GABA/ Let’s Bet Sports competition, as they settled for third place in the under-23 division and were knocked out of the first division in their first game.
Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, coach of the UG Trojans, Warren Wilson, said, “Well, selection of the squad will not be affected by our performance in the knockout tournament, as we have been having our separate squad training. We have been going through the paces in our practice session, and basically seeing who is adapting well to the systems put in place”.
Wilson also noted that despite not focusing on the results of the knockout tournament, the team have gained a vast amount of knowledge during their participation. He relayed that the team has learnt to focus more on their shot selection and their ability to shoot from the mid-range, as it was a key factor in the games they lost. He placed major emphasis on the teams that were able to take away the Trojans ability from getting to the rim.
Wilson said that, from the competition, he as a coach has learned how to improve on his game management, and he feels he is now better equipped to prepare the team for pressure games such as knockout tournaments.
When asked who would be a key factor in the University Games, Wilson said, “Well, Dwight McKinnon of the first division has finally found his rhythm, and I think that once he is clicking the team will follow his lead. Also Kwesi Roberts, who recently joined the team, has great potential, and I’m working on getting him up to speed”.
The Trojans coach said that as the team prepares for the games, which are a few months away, all he requires of the players is to give of their best in every game, and put great effort into the preparation.
