A rising star joins the Caribbean campaign
Preston Merrick, a recent graduate of The Hotchkiss School, will begin his collegiate career at Harvard University this fall. The New York native earned First Team All‑NEPSAC Class A honors and captained his high school to a championship and league title, finishing his prep career with more than 1,000 points.
From July 8 to July 12, Merrick will don the Antigua and Barbuda senior men’s national jersey at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown, Guyana. The team is placed in Group A alongside Bermuda, Guyana, Dominica, and Turks and Caicos, with each side meeting every opponent once in a round‑robin.
The top finisher from each group will move on to the next stage of the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Pre‑Qualifiers, scheduled for November 2026. Merrick is expected to play a pivotal role for a squad that aims to advance beyond the opening round.
A milestone for Harvard and the region
Merrick’s participation marks a rare crossover for an Ivy League recruit, blending his upcoming Harvard commitments with international competition. His experience as a two‑time captain and championship leader is seen as a valuable asset for Antigua and Barbuda’s campaign.
Harvard’s basketball program has a history of producing players who gain global exposure, and Merrick’s involvement underscores the university’s growing influence on the world stage. The collaboration also highlights the increasing mobility of talent within the Caribbean basketball circuit.