Haiti's Historic Return to International Basketball
After eight years away from the global stage, Haiti made a decisive entrance at the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre‑Qualifiers, opening its campaign in Georgetown, Guyana. The tournament, held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, marks the nation’s first step in a broader effort to rebuild basketball on the island.
The occasion is more than a sporting fixture; it represents a beacon of hope for a country grappling with economic and social hardships. Officials and fans alike see the team’s participation as a catalyst for a long‑term revival of the sport within Haiti’s communities.
Coached by a roster of players who compete professionally or collegiately abroad, the Haitian squad trained at the University of Miami before heading to Guyana. Their preparation underscores a commitment to compete on equal footing with regional rivals.
Group B features Barbados, Grenada, the Cayman Islands and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with only the group winner advancing toward the FIBA AmeriCup 2029. Each match is approached with a deep respect for opponents, reflecting a disciplined mindset.
Sebastien Sanon, the General Manager of the Haiti National Team and a grassroots scout for the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, described the moment as the first rung of a ladder toward a sustainable basketball culture. He emphasized that the project aims to inspire the Haitian people and establish the nation as a competitive force in the Caribbean.
Beyond the immediate tournament, the initiative is part of a strategic program that seeks to develop infrastructure, nurture talent and create pathways for Haitian athletes to reach international platforms. The ultimate goal is to see Haiti regularly contending for medals in future editions of the AmeriCup.