Andrew Pogar: Dakota Mathias’ USA Basketball debut: 15 PTS. 9 REB. 4 AST. 3 STL. 1 BLK. +24 EFF. Mathias and the USA beat the Bahamas 93-77 in the FIBA AmeriCup Qualifying Tournament. #Purdue
Bahamas Rumors
Various ideas have been floated by players and executives. One is to consider using a sprawling casino property in Las Vegas, where everything could be held under one roof. Others have suggested playing in the Bahamas, where a ballroom could be converted into a playing court specifically for broadcast. There has even been talk of taking over a college campus in the Midwest, where reported cases of COVID-19 are lower for the moment.
Sending congratulations to Hield on behalf of The Bahamas and the Bahamian people via a press release was Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis. “Buddy Hield’s impressive career in the NBA is an inspiration to all Bahamians, especially the young men of this nation. His success is a testament that hard work and perseverance pays off,” the prime minister said. “Saturday’s dramatic performance is yet another example of his distinction in the sport of basketball.” The release also stated that Minnis looks forward to congratulating Hield in person on his visit home.
Team owner Robert Sarver, president and CEO Jason Rowley, general manager James Jones and Suns players Kelly Oubre Jr., Mikal Bridges, Elie Okobo and Booker joined Ayton at the Scottsdale restaurant. Ocean 44 looked to donate the proceeds raised from food and alcohol sales of the first 250 dinners to UNICEF on behalf of the hurricane victims. The restaurant ended up writing a check for 37,040.25 while Sarver donated $10,000.
Oubre stopped for pictures, smiled and joined Ayton inside Ocean 44 to be a part of the special event. “It’s like, team chemistry,” Ayton said. “Team coming together. It’s something new for me.”
