The under-23 men’s 3×3 basketball team wrote a new chapter in Cayman sports history in their tournament debut at the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay.
Though the Cayman squad opened their campaign on 15 Aug. with a 19-9 loss against the host nation, they bounced back the following day, delivering an upset victory over a previously undefeated Mexico squad, winning 19–17.
That victory qualified them for the quarter-finals – “an achievement few predicted going into the tournament”, said the Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA) in a written statement to the Compass.
“This is a tremendous moment for Cayman basketball,” CIBA president Collin Anglin said.
“We’ve shown we can compete internationally, and we’ve taken the first step toward building something lasting and meaningful in 3×3 basketball,” he added.
In the quarter-final matchup, Cayman fell to regional powerhouse Argentina, “who used their size and international experience to control the pace” to secure a 21-10 win, said CIBA, adding, “Despite the loss, Cayman’s grit and composure earned praise from fans and coaches across the tournament.”
Cayman went on to play two additional placement games, losing 21-14 to Puerto Rico and, in a tight rematch for seventh place, they fell just short with a 16-12 loss against Paraguay.
The loss meant the Cayman men finished their run in eighth place among the 12 basketball teams that competed.
“The tournament showcased the emergence of new talent and the progress of Cayman’s basketball programme, which has placed greater emphasis on youth development and international competition in recent years,” said the CIBA.
“Players like Brad Lansdell, who had a breakout performance against Mexico, gave glimpses of the next generation of Caymanian athletes ready to take the sport to new heights.”
Anglin added, “This team represented our islands with heart, determination, and pride. We’re proud of what they accomplished and even more excited for what’s next.”
Cayman’s roster comprised captain Nathaniel Hurlston-Anderson and teammates Brad Lansdell, Alwin Buttrum Jr. and Bryan Ebanks-Perez.
With the Pan Am Games behind them, CIBA says they will now turn their attention to upcoming youth development programmes and the continued growth of 3×3 basketball locally, along with setting their sights on international competitions such as the International Basketball Federation 3×3 Americup set for 27-30 Nov. in León, Mexico.
