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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
NCAA teams prepare for season in the sunny Bahamas during Summer of Thunder
NASSAU, Bahamas — When Marvin Menzies took over as head coach of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Running Rebels basketball team he knew the team needed time to bond and soon set his sights on The Bahamas for just that.
“It’s a big benefit,” he said of being in The Bahamas.
“[We have a] brand new coach, new staff and new players and so with all that newness we needed some time together.
“We needed some time to bond, to grow and to build some chemistry together both on and off the court.
“Where else would you want to bond except Nassau? This is the place to do it. There is so much to see and do and experience.”
The rebels were in Nassau as part of the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s Summer of Thunder, an opportunity for U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball teams to play against Bahamian teams in The Bahamas.
The Ministry of Tourism is a major sponsor of the Summer of Thunder.
Nineteen NCAA basketball teams are in The Bahamas to take part in a series of exhibition matches meant to improve team synergy before the seasons starts.
Menzies and his teams won two of their three games.
He said there is tremendous talent in The Bahamas.
“I think the talent in The Bahamas is really underestimated,” he said.
“They have really good basketball players.”
Tyrell Greene and Christian Jones, both of UNLV, said they enjoyed their time in The Bahamas.
“This is my first time in The Bahamas and I love it,” said Greene.
“The weather is great. Everyone is nice. It’s beautiful scenery. I’m enjoying it.”
Jones said the team has spent ample time bonding on the beach and jet skiing together.
Both players pointed out that while they are not on vacation, it can’t be helped but to enjoy everything The Bahamas has to offer.
President of the Bahamas Basketball Federation Charles Robbins said sports tourism in The Bahamas is “on the move”.
“I always say that basketball really is the number one sporting organization in this country,” he said.
The Summer of Thunder runs until August 31 and games take place almost daily at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium.
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