As the Guyana Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) tournament starts to wind down, many fans have been privileged to watch the UG Trojans compete in the U-23 league and climb the table, defeating some of the toughest opponents in the game.
When the Trojans first started out in the competition, many said that it was a fluke that they won their matches and as the season progressed, they would fall away and be at the bottom of the table. However, they have proved those nay-sayers wrong as they are one of the most dangerous sides in the Under- 23 division, only losing one game thus far.
Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, UG Trojans Coach Warren Wilson stated that he was very impressed with the U-23 side. He noted that their ability to focus has drastically improved as they were trying new strategies, but he still has to put in
Trojans Coach Warren Wilson
more work on the offensive sets, although he was happy that the team’s turnover ratio has decreased rapidly. This was on show when they crushed the Sonics 111-30. Wilson said he was also happy to see Alistair Lewis growing as a point guard throughout the competition and attributed it to him listening to the Coaches at practice.
He added: “Jabari [Joseph], Damani [Thomas] and Kadeem [Peterkin ]are very good players with a lot of potential, but whilst humble players, they still must know that even though they are talented, they aren’t bigger than basketball, as sometimes some players forget and they stop coming practice and that is one major downfall of players in Guyana. But I’m trying to keep them grounded and see how much more I can push them.”
He went on to state that young players now entering the game must be humble, always listen to their coach, and be good learners and listeners as these traits would take them far in life.
In closing, Wilson said he would continue to drill his team in more gameplay strategies, and was looking forward to the next series of games and the ending of the competition in which he was certain the team would achieve greatness.
Action in the GABA First Division, Second Division and Under-23 leagues continues at the Burnham Hard Court on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. (Timothy Jaikarran)
