GBF secures certified hardwood court in major boost for basketball development

As Guyana prepares to host the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers from July 8-12 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has made a landmark investment in the future of the sport with the acquisition of its own certified hardwood basketball court.

According to a release from the Federation, the floor was purchased from NCAA Division I institution, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments made by the GBF in recent years.

The hardwood floor will be installed at the National Gymnasium and will be used exclusively for basketball activities, where it is expected to play a central role in Guyana’s preparations for the upcoming 10-country tournament, while also serving as a training and practice venue for visiting teams competing in the championship.

GBF President Michael Singh described the acquisition as a worthwhile investment that aligns with the Federation’s long-term vision of elevating the sport and eventually establishing a dedicated basketball facility in Guyana.

“The purchase of this court is a major step for basketball in Guyana,” Singh said.

“It’s considered a portable court, since the Federation intends to decentralise indoor basketball playing, where we can move the court. We can move it to Linden or Berbice, once we have a covered space.”

The portability of the court is expected to significantly benefit the development of basketball outside Georgetown, providing opportunities for players and communities in other regions to experience the game on a professional-grade surface.

Singh stressed that the investment goes beyond competition and player development, highlighting the importance of athlete health and safety.

“It’s a major addition and good asset to us when it comes to playing basketball at a high level. It will also do tremendously well for players because, for example, Suriname doesn’t play basketball on hard court anymore, to extend the longevity of the players, so we have to play catch-up in that regard when it comes to players’ health,” Singh explained.

The GBF President further noted that the court meets international standards and is certified for elite-level basketball competition.

“The court is certified, which means NBA and top professional players can use it as well,” Singh added.

For decades, basketball in Guyana has largely been played on concrete and other hard surfaces, which can place additional stress on athletes’ joints and increase the risk of injury over time.

The introduction of a certified hardwood court marks a significant advancement in the local basketball landscape, bringing Guyana closer to the standards utilised across major international competitions and professional leagues.

The acquisition also reflects the Federation’s broader commitment to strengthening basketball infrastructure throughout the country.

Singh revealed that the GBF intends to collaborate with both the Government and the private sector to pursue additional investments that will support the long-term growth of the sport.

Among the Federation’s goals is the establishment of a basketball-only facility that would provide a permanent home for national team preparation, youth development programmes, coaching clinics, and domestic competitions.

“While we enjoy use of the courts at the Sports Hall, because it’s a shared space, we are forced to either be considerate or work along with the plans and schedule of the National Sports Commission. We hope to change that and see basketball having its own space, and I think this court is a start in that direction,” Singh said.

The timing of the investment, Singh said, is particularly significant as Guyana prepares to welcome teams from across the Caribbean for the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers.

The GBF president believes that hosting the tournament presents a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s growing commitment to basketball and its ability to stage major international events.