A New Chapter for Haitian Basketball
Haiti made a much‑anticipated return to the international basketball stage, debuting in the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre‑Qualifiers after an eight‑year hiatus. The team stepped onto the court at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown, Guyana, where they opened their campaign against a formidable set of regional rivals.
The appearance marks more than a statistical footnote; it signals the first step of a broader effort to rebuild the sport in Haiti and to offer a rallying point for a nation that has faced considerable challenges. General Manager Sebastien Sanon, who also scouts for the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, described the moment as the beginning of a rebirth that could inspire hope across the country.
Training at the University of Miami
Sanon’s vision extends beyond a single tournament. He assembled a training camp at the University of Miami, bringing together players who ply their trade professionally or collegiately abroad. The camp served as a crucible for chemistry, allowing the squad to fine‑tune tactics and build cohesion before the qualifiers.
Group B Competition
Competing in Group B, Haiti faces Barbados, Grenada, the Cayman Islands and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Only the group winner will progress to the next phase on the road to the FIBA AmeriCup 2029, making each contest a high‑stakes affair.
Despite an opening loss, Sanon emphasized that the team approaches every opponent with respect and a commitment to playing its best basketball. The long‑term project aims to transform Haiti into a consistent force in regional competition, laying foundations for sustained development.