Basketball fans in Guyana are set to witness a thrilling spectacle as Puerto Rico’s team Carolina, one of the world’s top 3×3 teams, heads to Georgetown for the historic One Guyana 3×3 Quest. This highly anticipated tournament, scheduled for April 5-6 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, promises to bring together some of the best 3×3 teams from across the Americas.
Team Carolina’s Profile
Carolina, ranked 14th globally by FIBA and third in the Americas, is spearheaded by Antonio Ralat, a renowned player who led Puerto Rico to gold at the 2023 AmeriCup and a runner-up finish in the 2024 edition. Ralat, ranked 47th globally and the top player in Puerto Rico, is joined by Luis Cuascut, ranked 58th globally and second in Puerto Rico. Together, they form a formidable duo with extensive international experience, including a second-place finish at the 2023 World Tour in Edmonton.
The One Guyana 3×3 Quest
The One Guyana 3×3 Quest is not only a major event for participating teams but also a historic milestone for the Caribbean. It marks the first-ever 3×3 Quest held in the English-speaking Caribbean, aiming to elevate the profile of basketball in Guyana and the broader region. The tournament’s winner will secure a coveted spot in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour in Edmonton, Canada, a prestigious stop on the circuit.
Competitive Field
Carolina will face stiff competition from other top-tier teams, including Lausanne from Switzerland, ranked 11th globally by FIBA. Lausanne boasts a roster featuring Spain’s top-ranked 3×3 player, Carlos Martinez, and Swiss standout Gilles Martin. The tournament will also feature teams from the Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Bermuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, the USA, Ecuador, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and Grenada.
Significance of the Event
The participation of teams like Carolina and Lausanne significantly enhances the tournament’s prestige, according to the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF). The GBF views the One Guyana 3×3 Quest as a landmark event that will shine a spotlight on basketball in the Caribbean, providing a platform for regional teams to compete against global talent.
As the One Guyana 3×3 Quest approaches, anticipation is building among basketball enthusiasts. The event promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, showcasing the best of 3×3 basketball and cementing Guyana’s position as a hub for sports in the region.
