The Bahamas national team has unveiled its extended 19-man roster for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, and it boasts five NBA players: Deandre Ayton, Buddy Hield, Eric Gordon, Isaiah Mobley, and Kai Jones. These impressive performers’ goal is to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
NBA Stars Lead the Charge
Trail Blazers’ big man Deandre Ayton, Kings’ shooting guard Buddy Hield, Rockets’ shooting guard Eric Gordon, Cavaliers’ big man Isaiah Mobley, and Clippers’ big man Kai Jones are some of the players on the list. These players contribute huge NBA experience as well as talent that places the Bahamas in a strong bargaining team.
Notable Absence of Klay Thompson
Of course, Klay Thompson is not on the team and will not play at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia, Spain. If the Bahamas makes it to the Paris Olympics, Thompson will need a letter of clearance from USA Basketball and FIBA to change sides.
Path to the Olympics
The Bahamas will swim in Valencia and his preliminary rivals will be Poland and Finland. The teams standing list from each group will qualify for the semifinals, and only the winner among the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament winners will get an Olympic ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games.
Complete Bahamas Roster for the Qualifiers
Here is the complete roster of players representing the Bahamas:
- DeAndre Ayton – Portland Trail Blazers
- Dominick Bridgewater – Union Sportive Avignon
- Franco Miller – Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (NCAA)
- A.J. Storr – Kansas Jayhawks (NCAA)
- Rashad Davis – Challans (France)
- Travis Munnings – Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France)
- Buddy Hield – Philadelphia 76ers
- V.J. Edgecombe – Baylor Bears (NCAA)
- Donnie Freeman – Syracuse Orange (NCAA)
- Eric Gordon – Phoenix Suns
- Lourawls Nairn Jr. – Bowling Green Falcons (NCAA)
- Kentwan Smith – Lulea (Sweden)
- Deyton Albury – Queens University Royals (NCAA)
- Garvin Clarke – Akron Zips (NCAA)
- Sammy Hunter – Akron Zips (NCAA)
- Isaiah Mobley – Cleveland Cavaliers
- David Nesbitt – Boca Juniors (Argentina)
- Jarauan Burrows – Andrezieux-Boutheon (France)
- Kai Jones – Los Angeles Clippers
With such a strong roster, the Bahamas has a real chance to make history by qualifying for the Olympic. The blend of experienced NBA players and rising stars from various leagues around the world creates a dynamic team ready to take on the challenge in Valencia.
The basketball world will be watching closely as the Bahamas national team strives to make its mark on the global stage.
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