By BBF WRITER, For the Guardian

According to Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) President, Lawrence Hepburn, the federation is moving toward several events.

The Junior and Cadet men and women's national teams are in preparation for their upcoming tournaments, the first of which is to be held in the Dominican Republic starting on June 23. The federation is still awaiting word as to where the Cadet tournament will be held.

"We really want to promote the game of basketball," Hepburn said. "We want the public to know that if they want to travel with the team please let us know early, so we can see how we may assist. Many of the young players are putting tremendous efforts forward at something positive with hopes of representing their country. Even if they do not make the teams, I want us to convey to them how proud we are of their efforts and to encourage them to keep trying."

Hepburn said that they will host a group of coaches from the California region from May 16-18, in a coaches clinic and scouting combine.

"Here coaches will take a close look at the players we have and access whether they can use them in their programs now or in the future," he said. "We want to encourage coaches to attend and register their players. Profiles of the players are being received by the federation to be posted on the Coalitions website. Again, we invite as many persons to sign up via e-mail, hepburnlawrence@hotmail.com, or have their coaches send profiles to that address."

A FIBA referee certification clinic will be held May 9-11, at the College of The Bahamas. Two of the best instructors in FIBA will be in town to conduct the clinics and certify the candidates who pass the exams.

"At present, we only have three referees who are FIBA certified. We hope to increase this number after this clinic and so we ask our participants to be on their game and reach those passing grades and conditioning requirements," said Hepburn.

Hepburn also said that their summer calendar will soon be released, in reference to the visiting teams and the tournaments which will be held.

"We are eagerly awaiting the Independence Tournament where island associations and collegiate teams will square off in some good keen competition," he said. "Only the best of the best will do. We look forward to seeing our players who are presently in school come home and showcasing their talent at this event."