GT Ballers sweep to victory as GBF ramps up preparation ahead of Commonwealth Games

GT Ballers have been crowned Guyana Basketball Federation 3×3 champions, as the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) ramps up its preparations for the historic debut at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

With an unbeaten run, Anish Ramlall, Kimol Grimmond, Stephen George, and Shelroy Thomas secured the title with a commanding 21–14 victory over the Renegades in the final at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Sunday.

FULL SCORES: https://play.fiba3x3.com/events/cea1e8c4-350a-439d-b4e1-2c9dfab47d32/schedule

The Renegades, featuring the likes of Travis Belgrave and Nikkoloi Smith, provided a stern test but ultimately could not dismantle the eventual champions in a high-intensity conclusion to a four-day national training camp.

The tournament serves as the opening act of a rigorous preparation phase for Guyana’s debut at the Commonwealth Games this summer.

Guyana will be one of 12 nations competing at the Scottish Event Centre between July 24-29, marking the first time the country has qualified for a basketball event at the Games.

Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) president Godfrey Munroe hailed the achievement as a “landmark moment,” backed by a significant grant to ensure the squad is not just participating, but competing.

The national set-up has been bolstered by the arrival of Bronx-born professional Kidani Brutus. A veteran of the 3×3 circuit who has previously represented the USA, Brutus — whose mother is Guyanese — is leading the coaching efforts.

He is joined by Canadian-based strength coach Jason Melhado and physiotherapist Jana Edghill.

The GBF is set to dispatch two squads to Suriname for the FIBA 3×3 Lite Quest on May 1-2 to secure qualification for the FIBA 3×3 Challenger in Brazil and provide the players with the international minutes required to handle the expanded 12-team field in Scotland.

In Glasgow, Guyana will face a daunting draw that includes regional rivals Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, as well as powerhouses Australia, New Zealand, and host nation Scotland.