The Bahamas national basketball team is gearing up for the Olympic Qualifiers with a major boost as three prominent NBA players, Deandre Ayton, Buddy Hield, and Eric Gordon, are set to join the squad. The news was shared by Marc J. Spears.
For 25-year-old Deandre Ayton, returning to represent Team Bahamas is a special experience. The Suns star expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m excited to be back playing for Team Bahamas and to see how much the program has grown. Can’t wait to play with my guys. It’s truly a special experience to compete with teammates – who are from where you’re from – with Bahamas on your chest.”
Joining Ayton are 30-year-old Buddy Hield, who had an impressive season with the Pacers, averaging 16.8 points per game, and 34-year-old Eric Gordon, who recently signed with the Suns after a stint with the Clippers. The talented trio brings a wealth of NBA experience and skill to the Bahamas national team, bolstering their chances in the Olympic Qualifiers.
The Bahamas, currently ranked 27th in FIBA rankings, has never qualified for the Olympic Games. However, with the addition of these NBA stars and the emerging talent of 22-year-old Kai Jones, their aspirations are higher than ever.
The 2024 FIBA Men’s Pre-Qualifying Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in Americas, scheduled from August 14 to 20, 2023, in Argentina, will be the battleground where the Bahamas will compete in Group A alongside Argentina, Cuba, and Panama.
As the Bahamian team takes the court, their quest to secure a spot in the 2024 FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments will be fueled by the presence of their NBA-caliber talents, eager to make history for their beloved country.
