The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

It’s not how you start, nor how you get there. Most importantly, it’s how you finish

• The Finish Line, a weekly column, seeks to comment on the state of affairs in local sports, highlighting the highs and the lows, the thrills and the spills and the successes and failures.

THE WEEK

THAT WAS

FOR quite some time, I’ve been agitating for more recognition of our athletes and sports administrators, who deserve the accolades for a job well done.

Last week, we saw 38 so-called legends’ portraits placed on the Walk of Fame on the outside of the new Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

I say “so-called” legends because not all of the recipients quite fit the bill when we consider that there are so many others who have accomplished a lot more than some of those have achieved and have not been recognised for their accomplishments.

Not taking anything away from the list because they are all prestigious Bahamians in their own rights, but there has to be a call for more scrutiny of the selection process.

I heard the cry of Waltiea Rolle, the first Bahamian to be drafted into the Women’s National Basketball Association. She has a right to complain because she should have been considered. When asked by Jonquel Jones about her inclusion, she aptly put it in the right perspective.

“I still have a lot to accomplish. Me and Buddy had great college careers. We’ve accomplished a lot,” said Jones, who is still being celebrated at George Washington as one of the greatest players to play for the Colonials women’s basketball team. “Some of the people in the Hall of Fame were people who solidified themselves throughout their careers.

“I appreciate it and I am honoured to be a part of it, but I just feel that I can’t let that get me complacent and stop me from becoming the player that I want to be. I appreciate it, but I still have a lot to accomplish too.”

At least she was able to accept it in stride.

A few weeks ago, I participated in a memorial service for the late Kevin ‘Kimbo Slice’ Ferguson and I echo the sentiments of noted journalist Fred Sturrup, who through presenter Cleveland Eneas III, called for the first Bahamian mixed martial artist to not only be included on the Wall of Fame, but also added to the Wall of Fame at the Lynden Pindling International Airport and inducted into the Bahamas Hall of Fame.

I’m sure if we go through the list of sporting disciplines, we can come up with any number of names of athletes who should have been included.

But the bottom line is that not everybody should be included or, if they are, there should be a process in terms of when they should be considered for the period of time that they competed or have stopped competing.

Let’s give honour where honour is due.

RED CARPET

At the same token, it was a pleasure to be in Grand Bahama over the weekend as Jonquel Jones returned home and received a “red carpet” treatment by the Grand Bahama Power Company, HOYTES, the Ministry of Grand Bahama and the Bahamas Basketball Federation.

The 22-year-old six-foot-6 forward made it back to Grand Bahama for the first time since she began playing in the WNBA with the Connecticut Suns. She was greeted at the airport and, despite the rain, was escorted on a motorcade to Holmes Rock where she began playing as a little girl on the renovated community park.

It was a great gesture for the humble gentle giant, who is averaging 14.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.3 blocked shots per game.

HOYTES founder Gladstone ‘Moon’ McPhee said the recognition was long overdue for Jones, who has also been drafted to play in the Korean League in November once the WNBA season is completed in October.

The recognition for Jones came a day before Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield returned to Grand Bahama and was treated the same way. Hield had spent the past week being heralded in the capital for his draft selection (6th pick) by the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA.

What is significant is that they were both drafted in the first round with the sixth pick and will be called upon to play a vital role in the success of their respective teams.

THE WEEK AHEAD

It’s on the road to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the 2016 Olympic Games.

I will be heading with Team Bahamas to bring you coverage of the performances of the 32-member team. It’s an interesting mix of new and veteran competitors in the three disciplines that the Bahamas will be participating in.

Next week, I will provide an overall view on the projection for the team and the expectations for Team Bahamas. We want to wish them every success in their endeavours.