The Bahamas basketball programme is gearing up for a pivotal fixture in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers, a match that could determine its progression to the second round.
Just days after a dominant 123‑74 victory over Jamaica on July 3, the team will host Puerto Rico on July 6, with the top three nations in Group B advancing.
Headlining the coaching staff, Mikhail McLean, formerly an assistant at Kentucky, has taken the reins as head coach, while Dame Wall, who recently rose to assistant director of player development at the University of Miami, serves as an assistant coach.
LJ Rose, the Miami Hurricanes’ general manager and a veteran of the program’s basketball operations, doubles as the general manager for the Bahamian side, linking the two institutions.
The recent win showcased a breakout performance from VJ Edgecombe, who contributed 26 points, nine rebounds and five steals, underscoring the team’s depth.
Canada currently tops the group at 5‑0, setting a high bar for the Bahamas as they aim to join the second‑round contenders.
Home‑court showdown with Puerto Rico
Playing on home soil adds a psychological edge for the Bahamas, who will look to leverage familiar surroundings and the momentum from their Jamaica win. A victory would not only improve their standing but also cement the new coaching staff’s early impact.