Three Bermuda Players Invited To Global Squad
Team Hurricane Basketball Academy is continuing to make its mark in the international basketball community, with three of its players invited to participate in Global Squad, an intensive summer basketball program run by the Alexander Basketball Academy.
The students invited include Bryce Gonsalves, Jorel Smith, and Rye Ahronson.
A spokesperson said, “For the second year in a row, three players from Team Hurricane Basketball Academy havebeen invited to participate in Global Squad, an intensive summer basketball program run by the Alexander Basketball Academy.
“Bermuda student-athletes, Bryce Gonsalves, Jorel Smith, and Rye Ahronson are attending the month long academy held at The Hill School, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. The elite basketball training program began June 27th and will continue until July 27th.
“Each summer the Global Squad provides international student-athletes, representing dozens of countries, with an opportunity to get recruited by U.S. colleges and universities, by putting them in front of college coaches, while providing elite training required to play at the next level.”
Bryce Gonsalves getting into rebounding position during Global Hoops Challenge Tournament:
“The Global Squad has an excellent recipe for success when it comes to helping international basketball players get recruited to play in the United States. In four years they have helped more than 40 players get recruited by colleges, universities, junior colleges and top prep schools.
“Team Hurricane players are being trained by a coaching staff that consists of professional players, current and former NCAA basketball players. Global Squad also has several NCAA college coaches and strength training experts on staff. Such a diverse staff makes for a unique environment for Bermuda student-athletes to learn the game and advance their skills.
Team Hurricane’s Rye Ahronson said, “Global Squad is helping me to improve my game. The coaches are very demanding, but we are learning about responsibility and how to push ourselves. It’s been an awesome experience so far. I’m thankful for Team Hurricane providing me with this opportunity.”
“In addition to having Rye, Jorel and Bryce participating in this elite summer intensive program, additional members of Team Hurricane were able to take part in a specialized recruiting event organized by the Alexander Basketball Academy – the Global Squad Third Annual International Showcase, held July 6 thru July 8 also at the renowned preparatory academy, The Hill School, in Pottstown, PA.”
Jorel Smith, the floor general, during the third annual Global Squad International Showcase:
“Christian Liyanage, Yontz Sutton, Jalen Currin and Kobie Reid got to experience the college basketball recruiting scene that takes place during the all-important July Evaluation Period.
“This group of players joined up with Team Hurricane student-athletes, Bryce Gonsalves, Jorel Smith, and Rye Ahronson who are already attending the month long academy designed to provide international student-athletes with an opportunity to get recruited by U.S. colleges and universities.”
Team Hurricane Founder/Head Coach Doug Reed said, “There were numerous coaches in attendance. This impressive list included Division 1 programs like Arizona State, Marquette, South Carolina, George Mason, VCU, Seton Hall, George Washington, Drexel, Quinnipiac, Dayton, San Diego, Fairfield, UNC Greensboro, Longwood, Towson, NJIT, Mt. St. Mary’s, U of Milwaukee, and James Madison.
“Coach Tacklyn and I were proud of the way our boys competed and carried themselves in such a competitive setting. We won 3 out of the 4 games we played, dictating tempo and forcing teams to play at our pace throughout the tournament.
“The experience gained from this event is invaluable. For our players, they get a first hand look at the size, speed and talent level of players throughout the world who share the same dreams and aspirations as they do.
“For Team Hurricane Basketball Academy overall, it enhances our brand as we are becoming recognized by the international basketball community as a competitive program, with talented, tough-minded and disciplined student-athletes. Such an experience can only help motivate players, as well as Coach Tack and I, to continue to improve.”
“These summer programs and events reflect Team Hurricane Basketball Academy’s continued ability to provide a platform in which student-athletes can train, develop and reach their academic and athletic potential.
“Such tremendous, life enriching opportunities for their student-athletes are made possible by all who have contributed to the Team Hurricane Basketball Academy: ABWilson Photography, Ace Group, Allied World Assurance, Argus Group, Butterfield & Vallis, FIL Limited, Ironshore, Jardine Matheson International Services, Montpelier, The Peter Cundill Foundation, Tokio Millenium, Validus RE, XL Group, Zurich Insurance Company, as well as our individual donors.
“Their gracious support allows Team Hurricane to develop the youth of Bermuda through sports and education.
“To learn more about Team Hurricane Basketball Academy and how you can enroll your child in this free year round basketball program for youths 7 – 21 years of age, please contact Coach Doug Reed at 504-1962. Also, follow Team Hurricane on our Team Hurricane Basketball Academy Facebook Page, as well as on their blog, and on Twitter.”
