The Tribune

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN basketball standout Tavario Miller was part of history in Mexico, helping the Mineros de Zacatecas capture the Copa Value 2026 for the first championship in the franchise’s history.

Mineros defeated Astros de Jalisco 87-71 in the championship game at the Gimnasio Marcelino González on Sunday, with Miller making a significant contribution as the club secured its first title. The victory also made Mineros the first host team to win the Copa Value.

The 32-year-old, 6-foot-8 forward came out aggressively in the final, scoring 10 points in the opening quarter as Mineros established an early 25-18 advantage. The teams played to a 20-20 second quarter, leaving Zacatecas with a 45-38 lead at halftime.

Mineros then pulled away decisively in the third quarter, outscoring Jalisco 28-15 to take a 73-53 advantage into the final period before closing out the 16-point victory.

Miller finished the championship game with 15 points and seven rebounds, providing an inside presence for a Mineros team led by tournament MVP Romeao Ferguson, who finished with 19 points, four rebounds and five assists.

Miller’s contribution came after another productive performance in the semi-final, when Mineros defeated Dorados de Chihuahua 93-72 to book its place in the championship game.

He finished that contest with eight points and 10 rebounds, while Ferguson led Mineros with 18 points and Anyelo Cisneros recorded a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds.

The Copa Value success gives Miller another title at the professional level while adding another achievement to the career of one of The Bahamas’ experienced international players.

It also adds to his résumé with The Bahamas men’s senior national team, where he has been a regular contributor in FIBA competition.

FIBA lists Miller as a Bahamas senior international and confirms that he represented the country in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers earlier this year. He appeared in both games during the February window, averaging 12 points and 7.5 rebounds.

His biggest performance came against Jamaica on February 26, when he scored 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting while adding eight rebounds, two steals and an efficiency rating of 29 in 31 minutes.

Miller was also named to The Bahamas roster for the two World Cup qualifying games against Jamaica and Puerto Rico.

His national team history extends beyond the current World Cup qualifying campaign. FIBA records Miller averaging 16.2 points and 7.8 rebounds in six games during the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers.

His performances included 17 points and eight rebounds against Cuba in November 2024, followed by a 20-point, 10-rebound performance against the United States. In February 2025, Miller produced 26 points and eight rebounds against Cuba, shooting 12-of-15 from the field.

Those performances have established Miller as a consistent contributor whenever he has suited up for The Bahamas at the senior international level.

His latest championship came during a Mineros run that carried particular significance for Zacatecas.

The 87-71 victory delivered the franchise its first championship and made Mineros the first host team to win the Copa Value. The state government subsequently recognised the team following the historic victory and announced plans to construct and rehabilitate basketball facilities as interest in the sport continues to grow.

The championship also capped a tournament in which Miller made his presence felt at both ends of the floor. His 10-point opening quarter helped establish the tone in the final, while his seven rebounds and 15 total points helped Mineros maintain control on its way to the title.

Another championship has now been added to the Bahamian forward’s growing professional résumé.

Miller has played a prominent role in a championship-winning team abroad while continuing to represent The Bahamas at the international level, giving the country another player making an impact on the pro basketball scene outside its borders.