Category National Programs

A Statement Win in Santiago: Cayman U23 Stuns Chile!

The Cayman Islands National Men’s Basketball team showed grit, growth, and undeniable promise at Stop 4 of the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League in Santiago, Chile. The headline moment belonged to our men’s squad, who stunned the host nation with a thrilling 21–17 victory.


CIBA President Collin Anglin emphasized the magnitude of this achievement. “This is huge. This is another David and Goliath story,” Anglin said. “Anytime we come up against countries that have millions and millions of people—Chile has a population of over 20 million—and then you’re talking about Cayman, this little speck on the map. To overcome and defeat countries that are top three in our region—it’s massive.”


The victory was a testament to the team’s resilience, coming after a tough opening loss to Canada. A key moment of the day was the selflessness of Daric Ebanks, who played through an ankle injury to provide his teammates with critical rest in the physically demanding 3×3 format. “Daric was nowhere near a hundred percent,” Anglin noted. “But he still came in for little pockets of time, putting his body on the line. It was a true team effort.”


Cayman’s tactical evolution also played a major role. Known for their outside shooting, the team added a new dimension to their attack. Bryan Ebanks provided the spark from long range, while Nathaniel Anderson was relentless in driving to the basket. Defensively, Lance Welcome anchored the paint, battling bigger opponents to shut down Chile’s post threats. “Our ability to be two-dimensional played a massive role,” said Anglin. “Bryan came out super aggressive, and Nathaniel made things very difficult for Chile because they didn’t know what to expect.”


Perhaps most impressive is the youth of this squad. With Nathaniel Anderson at 21, and three other players just 18 years old, the team is competing—and winning—in a 23-and-under international competition. This success is even more remarkable considering Cayman has only been competing in international 3×3 since 2023. Currently ranked 35th in the world in the U23 Men’s category, Cayman is proving they belong among the elite.
“This is still a very young group,” Anglin added. “The fact that they’re doing this in a 23-and-under competition—the future looks bright.”


The women’s team also showed significant progress, battling hard against elite opposition and closing the competitive gap. Both squads continue to gain invaluable experience on the world stage, building a foundation for the future of Cayman basketball.

Cayman Islands U18 National Team Opens AAU World Championships with Perfect 2-0 Record

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – The Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA) is proud to celebrate an outstanding start by our Under-18 National Team at the 2026 AAU World Championships, as the team opened tournament play with two impressive victories on Day One of competition.

Representing the Cayman Islands on the international stage, our young athletes demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and determination as they secured back-to-back wins to remain undefeated heading into the second day of competition.

Day One Results

🏀 Game 1
Cayman Islands 57 – 45 Tampa Bay Titans

🏀 Game 2
Cayman Islands 55 – 44 Puerto Rico Ballers

The two victories showcased the growth and development of Cayman basketball and reflected the hard work the players and coaching staff have invested in preparing for this prestigious international tournament.

Building More Than Basketball Players

Participation in the AAU World Championships provides our athletes with the opportunity to compete against some of the best youth talent from around the world while gaining invaluable experience on one of the largest basketball stages in North America.

The tournament also offers increased exposure to college recruiters and scouts, creating pathways for our young athletes to pursue basketball opportunities beyond the Cayman Islands.

At CIBA, our mission is to use basketball as a tool to positively impact lives, and performances like today’s demonstrate the tremendous potential of Caymanian youth when provided with opportunities to compete at the highest levels.

Looking Ahead

With a perfect 2-0 record, the Cayman Islands U18 National Team will look to carry its momentum into Day Two as they continue their pursuit of success at the AAU World Championships.

The Cayman Islands Basketball Association congratulates the players, coaches, team staff, and supporters on an exceptional opening day and thanks everyone back home for their continued encouragement.

The journey is just getting started.

Go Cayman! 🇰🇾🏀

Stay connected with CIBA throughout the tournament as we bring you game results, player highlights and photos, from Orlando.

#CaymanBasketball #AAUWorlds #U18NationalTeam #CIBA #CaymanStrong

Cayman Islands National 3×3 Teams Set to Compete at the 2026 FIBA Americas U23 3×3 Nations League in Chile

The Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA) is proud to announce that our National Men’s and Women’s 3×3 Teams have arrived in Santiago, Chile, where they will represent the Cayman Islands at the 2026 FIBA Americas U23 3×3 Nations League from June 27 through July 3.

Hosted in Ñuñoa, Santiago, the Nations League brings together many of the strongest young basketball nations from across the Americas, providing Cayman’s athletes with an incredible opportunity to compete against elite international competition while continuing their development on the world stage.

Representing the Cayman Islands with Pride

This year’s event features six consecutive competition stops over seven days, with both our Men’s and Women’s teams playing a total of 24 games against some of the region’s top basketball programs, including the United States, Canada, Chile, Puerto Rico, and Argentina U21.

These matches provide invaluable experience for our athletes as they continue preparing for future regional and international competitions while showcasing the continued growth of basketball in the Cayman Islands.

Women’s National Team

Representing Cayman on the women’s side are:

  • Soleya Manzanares
  • Jamie Rankin-Maize
  • Bethany Ebanks
  • Ebony Thompson

Women’s Coach

  • Wendy Manzanares

Men’s National Team

Representing Cayman on the men’s side are:

  • Bryan Ebanks-Perez
  • Lance Welcome
  • Nathaniel Hurlston-Anderson
  • Xzavier Miller
  • Jamie-Dean Stewart
  • Daric Ebanks

Men’s Coach

  • Duran Whittaker

Team Management

The delegation is led by:

  • Kadane Hall – Team Manager

The Cayman Islands Basketball Association extends its sincere appreciation to the coaching staff, volunteers, parents, sponsors, and supporters whose commitment continues to make opportunities like this possible for our athletes.

Building the Future of Cayman Basketball

Participation in the FIBA Americas U23 3×3 Nations League is about much more than wins and losses.

Every international competition provides our athletes with exposure to higher levels of basketball, opportunities to compete against elite talent, and valuable experience that contributes to their long-term development. It also strengthens Cayman’s reputation within the international basketball community and demonstrates that our athletes are capable of competing with the best in the Americas.

Through continued investment in grassroots basketball, youth development, coaching education, and international competition, CIBA remains committed to creating pathways that allow Caymanian athletes to pursue opportunities at the collegiate, professional, and international levels.

Follow the Journey

Throughout the tournament, CIBA will provide daily updates, game schedules, scores, highlights, player features, and behind-the-scenes content across our social media platforms.

We encourage the entire Cayman Islands community to follow along and support our national teams as they proudly represent our country on the international stage.

Together, we are proving that Cayman basketball continues to grow, compete, and inspire.

One Country. One Team. #CaymanStrong

Cayman Shines at CISA U19 Tournament

Grand Cayman proudly hosted an exciting weekend of top-level youth basketball as teams from across the Caribbean competed in the Caribbean International Schools Association U19 Tournament. With strong programs from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, and beyond, Cayman’s athletes rose to the occasion and delivered outstanding performances on home soil.

Our local teams showed tremendous heart, skill, and determination throughout the tournament, bringing home silverware, major individual honors, and multiple All-Tournament selections.

🏀 Girls Division Results
🥇 Infinity – Champions
🥈 Baldwin School
🥉 Women of Valor

🌟 Girls Individual Honors
🏆 Finals MVP: Naima Myles (Infinity)

⭐ Girls All-Tournament Team
Infinity: Jessica Watler, Naima Myles, Isabella Maye
CIS: Abriann Cooper, Natalie Allison
WOV: Mia Da Costa, Alissa Myles-Powell

🏀 Boys Division Results
🥇 Baldwin School
🥈 Carol Morgan School
🥉 Legion

🌟 Boys Individual Honors
🏆 Tournament MVP: Drayson DaCosta (Legion)
🔥 Most Outstanding Scorer: Drayson DaCosta (Legion)

⭐ Boys All-Tournament Team
CIS: James Fletcher, Kai Classenns
Legion: Drayson DaCosta, Jason Rickets

👏 Congratulations to all Cayman athletes, coaches, parents, and supporters who represented with pride. Your performances proved once again that Cayman basketball continues to grow and compete at a high level. The future is bright! 🇰🇾🏀

Cayman U17 Boys Shine in International Debut with 3rd Place Finish

The Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA) proudly celebrates the outstanding performance of our National Under-17 Boys Team, who recently competed in the Roatan International Invitational Tournament held from April 23–26 in Roatan, Honduras.

This exciting tournament featured eight teams from across the region, including representatives from Cayman Islands, Honduras, Guatemala, Roatan, and Mexico, providing a high-level competitive environment and valuable international exposure for our young athletes.

In what was their inaugural appearance at the tournament, the Cayman U17 Boys rose to the challenge and delivered an impressive showing—finishing in 3rd place. Their performance was marked by resilience, teamwork, and determination, as they competed against some of the top youth talent in the region.

Throughout the tournament, the team demonstrated strong fundamentals, disciplined play, and a growing basketball IQ that reflects the ongoing development of the sport here in the Cayman Islands. Their ability to adapt, compete, and perform under pressure is a testament to the hard work of the players and the dedication of the coaching staff.

This achievement is not only a proud moment for the team but also a significant milestone for Cayman basketball. It highlights the progress being made in our youth development programs and reinforces CIBA’s commitment to providing opportunities for our athletes to compete on the international stage.

We commend the players, coaches, and support staff for representing the Cayman Islands with pride and professionalism. Their success in Roatan is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing this group continue to grow and achieve even greater heights in the future.

Special thanks go out to our sponsors and our Major Sponsor Vistra for playing an integral role in making this experience possible.

👏 Congratulations to our U17 Boys National Team on an outstanding tournament!

FIBA Level 1 Coaching Certification Course Coming to Cayman Islands

January 11–17, 2026

The Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA) is pleased to announce the hosting of a FIBA Level 1 Coaching Certification Course in January 2026, as part of its ongoing commitment to coach education and the long-term development of basketball in the Cayman Islands.

This internationally recognized course will be delivered by FIBA Certified Coaching Instructor – Nelson Isley and is designed for coaches who are currently active in organized basketball programs and have 1–3 years of coaching experience.

About the Course

The FIBA Level 1 Coaching Certification is an important step in the global FIBA coaching pathway. The course combines classroom learning, on-court practical sessions, and a final assessment, providing coaches with a strong foundation in modern coaching principles aligned with FIBA standards.

Participants will engage in:

  • Classroom-based learning sessions
  • Practical, on-court coaching sessions
  • A final exam to complete certification requirements

Course Dates & Schedule Overview

📅 January 11–17, 2026
📍 Grand Cayman

Schedule format:

  • Sunday & Monday: Classroom sessions
  • Wednesday – Friday: On-court sessions
  • Saturday: Final exam

(Evening sessions are scheduled during the week to accommodate working coaches.)

Who Should Apply?

This course is intended for:

  • Coaches actively working in youth, school, club, or senior programs
  • Individuals with at least 1–3 years of coaching experience
  • Coaches seeking internationally recognized certification
  • Coaches committed to improving athlete development and coaching standards

Registration Now Open

Interested participants are encouraged to register early, as space is limited to the first 15 people.

Cost $99.00

👉 Register here:
https://forms.gle/ha9gtHQ1gFazmabr6

Once registered, participants will be contacted with further details, including course requirements and payment information.

International Men’s Day 3×3 Basketball Tournament Unites Generations Through the Game

The Family Resource Centre (FRC) of the Cayman Islands Government, in proud partnership with the Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA), hosted an unforgettable International Men’s Day 3×3 Basketball Tournament — celebrating the spirit of brotherhood, mentorship, and healthy competition through sport.

The event brought men and boys together from all across the community, featuring three exciting divisions: 12 & Under, 14 & Under, and an Open Division that required every team to include at least one youth player under 16 years old. The goal? To connect generations of men — fathers and sons, uncles and nephews, mentors and mentees — through basketball in a positive and uplifting atmosphere.

12 & Under Division – The Magicians Work Their Magic

The youngest ballers took the court first, setting the tone for a day filled with excitement. The final showdown saw the 345 Ballers face off against The Magicians, and when the smoke cleared, it was The Magicians who pulled one last trick out of their hat to claim victory.

Leading the way was Rares Pomian, whose strong all-around play earned him Most Valuable Player honors for the division.

14 & Under Division – Thunder Strikes Back

The 14 & Under division featured nine competitive teams, each determined to take home the title. The 345 Bandits and The Thunder clashed in a thrilling finale that had the crowd on its feet.

Despite suffering an early loss in the tournament, The Thunder regrouped, roared back through the semifinals, and struck gold in the championship game. Jaden Coke led the charge, while Mason Miller powered the Bandits with a strong showing.

The action didn’t stop there — the 3-Point Shootout saw two sharpshooters from each team step up to represent their squads. In the end, Phoenix Singh of Cayman Heat caught fire, edging out Reagan Jakes in the final round to claim the 2025 3-Point Crown.

Open Division – Think Comes Out on Top

The Open Division brought a mix of experience, energy, and mentorship as 12 teams went head-to-head across three preliminary zones before the top eight advanced to the playoffs.

After a series of intense games, Think and The Chosen One emerged as the finalists — and their championship matchup was nothing short of spectacular. A clutch three-pointer from Alex Thompson sealed the win for Think, who took home this year’s title.

Omar Gordon earned MVP honors, showcasing leadership, consistency, and skill that embodied the spirit of the event.

A Celebration of Connection and Character

Beyond the competition, the heart of the tournament lay in its purpose — fostering positive relationships between men and boys, and celebrating the impact of strong male role models in our communities.

Judy Seymour, Director of the Family Resource Centre, shared:

“This event was about more than basketball — it was about bringing our men and boys together in a positive, uplifting space where they could connect, support, and celebrate one another. The energy, teamwork, and encouragement we witnessed today truly reflect what International Men’s Day is all about.”

Collin Anglin, President of the Cayman Islands Basketball Association, added:

“We’re always proud to partner with organizations like the Family Resource Centre to use basketball as a bridge between generations. The court has a special way of breaking barriers and building respect, and today’s event showed just how powerful sport can be in strengthening families and communities.”

Looking Ahead

The International Men’s Day 3×3 Basketball Tournament was a shining example of how sport can unite people, strengthen bonds, and inspire positive change. With laughter, teamwork, and encouragement filling the air, it was clear that when men and boys come together through basketball — everybody wins.

Cayman Islands Make History at Inaugural FIBA 3×3 Caribbean Cup

The Cayman Islands National 3×3 Teams delivered a landmark performance at the inaugural FIBA 3×3 Caribbean Cup, held in Nassau, Bahamas from December 10–13, earning bronze medals at both stops of the tournament and recording several historic firsts for Cayman basketball.

The Caribbean Cup brought together the top six Caribbean-ranked 3×3 nations — Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Lucia — and was contested across two competitive stops, testing consistency, depth, and resilience over multiple days of high-level international play.

Men’s Division: Double Bronze and Historic Breakthroughs

The Cayman Islands Men’s National 3×3 Team emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, securing bronze medals at both Stop 1 and Stop 2, marking Cayman’s first-ever podium appearances at the Caribbean Cup.

Stop 1 Results

Cayman Islands def. St. Lucia 16–14 Cayman Islands lost to Haiti 14–11 🥉 Bronze Medal Game: Cayman Islands def. Jamaica 19–14

Stop 1 produced major milestones, including Cayman’s first-ever 3×3 victories over St. Lucia and Jamaica, and the country’s first medal at the Caribbean Cup.

Stop 2 Results

Cayman Islands def. Trinidad and Tobago 13–8 Cayman Islands def. Bahamas 12–11 Cayman Islands lost to Jamaica 15–10 🥉 Bronze Medal – Stop 2

The momentum continued in Stop 2, as Cayman added historic first-time wins over Trinidad and Tobago and host nation Bahamas, securing a second bronze medal and completing the tournament with podium finishes in both stops.

With multiple firsts and back-to-back podium appearances, the men’s team returned home with hardware, confidence, and momentum, firmly establishing Cayman as a rising force in Caribbean 3×3 basketball.

Women’s Division: Valuable Experience and Building for the Future

The Cayman Islands Women’s National 3×3 Team also competed across both stops, gaining invaluable international experience against some of the region’s strongest programs.

Stop 1 Results

Lost to St. Lucia 12–3 Lost to Jamaica 21–3

Stop 2 Results

Lost to Haiti 13–0 Lost to Jamaica 21–1 (eventual champions)

The women’s squad is a young and developing group, with three players competing in their first international tournament. Despite the results, the team showed growth with each game, gaining exposure that will be critical as the program continues to develop and prepare for future international competitions.

Looking Ahead

The performances in Nassau represent a significant step forward for Cayman Islands Basketball and its growing 3×3 program. With two bronze medals, multiple historic victories, and strong competitive showings across both men’s and women’s divisions, Cayman leaves the inaugural Caribbean Cup with optimism and clear direction.

Looking ahead, Cayman has its sights firmly set on next summer’s major international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games, Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, and the FIBA 3×3 Nations League, as the national program continues to build depth, experience, and international credibility.

Proud. Progress. Performance.

The Cayman Islands continue to rise on the regional and international 3×3 stage.

Building Skills, Confidence, and Community: Coach Jim Fox Leads THE LAB in Cayman

From October 19–24, 2025, the Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA) proudly hosted Coach Jim Fox for an unforgettable week of basketball development, mentorship, and inspiration. The visit marked another major step in CIBA’s ongoing mission to elevate the standard of basketball across the Cayman Islands and provide world-class opportunities for both players and coaches.

A Week of Growth at THE LAB

Throughout the week, Coach Fox led THE LAB: Skills & Development Camp at the UCCI Sir Vassel Johnson Gymnasium, where more than 40 young athletes participated in focused sessions designed to sharpen their fundamentals, improve their understanding of the game, and build their confidence on and off the court.
Players ages 10–16 were put through drills emphasizing footwork, decision-making, shooting technique, and teamwork — with every session blending structure, discipline, and encouragement.

“We want to give our players the right tools and mindset to reach their full potential,” said CIBA President Collin Anglin. “Coach Fox’s ability to teach the game at such a high level while connecting with our youth was truly exceptional.”

Developing Coaches and Strengthening Programs

Beyond working with players, Coach Fox also invested time in the growth of local coaches. On Wednesday, October 22, CIBA hosted a Coach Development Workshop on Youth Player Development, which attracted coaches from clubs across the island.
The interactive session provided practical guidance on how to structure practices, motivate young players, and create age-appropriate development plans.

Coach Fox also conducted a special on-court training session with the U17 Boys National Program on Tuesday, October 21, sharing elite-level instruction and insights that helped strengthen the team’s preparation for upcoming international competition.

Connecting with the Cayman Community

While in Cayman, Coach Fox joined Dionne Anglin on Radio Cayman’s “Sports Xtra” to discuss the camp, youth development, and the future of basketball in the region. His appearance helped shine a light on the positive impact CIBA’s programs continue to make for athletes across all age groups.

A Shared Vision for the Future

CIBA’s ongoing focus on technical development — for players, coaches, and officials — aligns with its broader strategic goals to strengthen governance, increase international competitiveness, and ultimately build a “Home for Basketball” in the Cayman Islands.
Coach Fox’s visit represented an important milestone in that journey, reminding everyone involved of the power of sport to bring people together and transform lives.

Special Thanks

CIBA extends heartfelt thanks to Coach Jim Fox for his dedication, energy, and willingness to share his expertise; to all the athletes and coaches who participated; and to the support staff and volunteers who made this week possible.

Cayman Makes History in Junior Pan American Games 3×3 Debut

The Cayman Islands national U23 men’s team wrapped up a proud and historic campaign at the Junior Pan American Games 3×3 Basketball Tournament in Asunción, Paraguay, marking the first time Cayman has ever participated in the prestigious event.

A Tournament of Firsts

From the opening tip, this tournament was about making history — and Team Cayman delivered. Competing in a field of experienced basketball nations, our young athletes made an instant impact by earning Cayman’s first-ever victory at the Junior Pan Am Games, upsetting previously unbeaten Mexico 19–17 in what was one of the standout results of the group stage.

That win came after a tough loss to host Paraguay in the opening game, but showed the team’s resilience, talent, and belief. Led by standout performances — including a near-perfect shooting night from Brad Lansdell — Cayman advanced to the quarterfinals, proving they could compete with the region’s best.

Quarterfinal Battle and Closing Games

In the quarterfinal round, Cayman faced powerhouse Argentina who became the eventual gold medalists. Despite a valiant effort, the team fell 21–10, ending their chances at a medal finish but not their momentum. Cayman went on to face Puerto Rico in a placement game, and finally Paraguay once more for 7th place. Both contests were closely contested, with Cayman showing consistent grit and teamwork, but ultimately falling short.

A Foundation for the Future

Though the team finished 8th overall, their performance goes far beyond wins and losses. This campaign has cemented Cayman’s place in international basketball and shown the potential of our young talent. More importantly, it has inspired a nation and opened doors for future athletes to dream big and compete proudly on the world stage.

The Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA) would like to thank the players, coaching staff, families, sponsors, and supporters who made this journey possible. Your belief and commitment helped create a moment that will be remembered for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Cayman’s first step into the Junior Pan Am Games has laid a strong foundation. With hard work and continued investment in youth development, this won’t be the last time we hear Cayman’s name called on international courts. The journey is just beginning.

🇰🇾🏀

#TeamCayman #CaymanBasketball #JrPanAmGames #3x3Basketball #HistoryMakers #CIBA #RespectTheJourney #MoreToCome