The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

COACH Bacchus Rolle will get a good opportunity to showcase the development of his University of the Bahamas Mingoes men's basketball team when they play host to a double header against the visiting Florida College Falcons.

The Mingoes and the Falcons will clash at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Friday at 8pm and again on Saturday at 7pm in a rematch of a showdown between the two teams in Florida last year.

"We're excited. We will see how well our guys have developed," said Rolle, who is coming back to coach after undergoing surgery in September for what was diagnosed as a cardiac arrest.

"We are going to try and play to the best of our ability on those days. But we know it's going to be a big test because this team we are facing can really play."

Rolle, whose assistant coach Lavar Johnson ran the practice sessions during is time off to recuperate, said the Mingoes are a little more offensive minded than they were last year when they faced the Falcons.

"We have about five or six players who can shoot the ball, but we're not as strong defensively as we were. We have about five freshmen like Christoff McKenzie, Tamaris McIntosh, a big back-up point guard from Grand Bahama, William Brown and Deangelo Cornish.

"We want to see how well they adapt, but we are excited to see what they can give us. I think they are definitely a good base for us to work with for the future. But we just want to get them ready to play in their first big time basketball against a quality basketball team."

Last year, the Falcons defeated the Mingoes and they have added a couple players to their big line-up with the average size of about 6-feet-10, which should pose a threat for Rolle and his squad.

"We look to counter attack that with our speed and an uptempo game," Rolle explained. "We know that they can shoot the ball very well, so our guards will have to be able to defend them from the perimeter. "I know it's going to be exciting, but we are up to the challenge. They bring a style of play that is very systematic and they have some very disciplined players. We have a pretty good point guard, so it's going to be very interesting to see how well our players respond to the challenge."

Ramon Dames is the Mingoes' point guard, but Rolle said he's confident in the return of their shooting guard Justin Smith and their swingman Kimsey Sylvester.

"They have a huge task, a mammoth task because we have some injuries with Ramon Dames spraining his thumb and William Brown, post player injured his ACL in workout, so it's doubtful if they will be able to play at full strength," Rolle pointed out.

As this is their home game, Rolle said the University of the Bahamas is hoping to put together a good brand of basketball for the public as they also prepare for their participation in the upcoming New Providence Basketball Association.

Last year, the Mingoes finished the regular season at 12-5 but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Mail Boat Cybots, who went on to win the title.

The Cybots, coached then by Wayde Watson, are not expected to be back to defend their title. Instead, it's understood that the majority of the players have joined the other teams, including the Rockets and the Pros.

"This NPBA season is going to be totally different as far as the talent is concerned," Rolle projected.

"But we are hoping to use these games this weekend to see exactly where we are going into the season."

All UB students will be allowed to enter the gym free of charge with their identification. Admission for adults is $5 and children under 12 will be charged $3.

Music will be provided by DJ A.I. and the Emanji Circus will provide the halftime show.