Kameron G. Young will be among the draft elite players in this year's tournament. Photo: Provided

Javaghn Cameron (making a play for the basket) and Juan Hatchett who is behind him. They both will be in the draft on Wednesday. Photo: VINO/File

David 'Bolo' Lettsome will be a part of the draft on Wednesday. Photo: VINO

From left: Kellven M. Samuel (Photo: BVIOC), Nathaniel Malone and Ray D. Victor are among the 'Elites' listed for the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League draft. Photo: VINO/File

Halstead 'JR' Chiverton. Photo: VINO/File

The Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League will bounce off on August 15, 2015. Photo: VINO

Sean 'Chino' Woods will also be among the Elites for the draft. Photo: VINO/File

Eustace 'Boss' Freeman will also be back for this year's draft in the Hon Julian Fraser save the Seed League. Photo: VINO/File

The process is to take place on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at the Save the Seed Basketball Court from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

All basketball leagues should use draft

Star draft pick of the 2014 League, Eustace ‘Boss’ Freeman believes that all basketball leagues in the territory should take a page out of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League and introduce the draft system.

“It is always good to be part of the draft system. The thing about it is it is important to end up on a team that actually needs the help instead of how it used to be where the teams just [fight over draft picks],” which he said lead to the demise of the game.

“Whichever team I end up on is a plus. I will go and share some of my knowledge and experience,” he said.

“The draft definitely adds to the whole basketball way of thinking here in the BVI. I am glad to see it happening. It is something I have been lobbying for in the regular league and in my opinion if that was done that league would have still been going on now. So I think it is a good initiative,” said Freeman.

Names of draft players

The players who have confirmed their participation in the draft include, Ray D. Victor, Sean ‘Chino’ Woods, Cedric King, David ‘Bolo’ Lettsome, Halstead 'JR' Chiverton, Travis A. Isaac, Kellven M. Samuel, Phillip Glasgow, Javaghn Cameron, Juan Hatchett, Eustace ‘Boss’ Freeman, Kameron G. Young, Nathaniel Malone, and Dwayne ‘Kobo’ Penn.

Pleased to be selected

Speaking to this news site today July 13, 2015, Kellven M. Samuel said that while he has little knowledge regarding the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League, he was pleased to be selected to be a part of it as it will be an opportunity to pass on some of his experience and knowledge to the less skilled players.

“I could bring experience [to the] team members and make sure that they are playing hard at all times, whether on offence, defence or even on the bench, because we need as a basketball unit motivation everywhere we go and we need to stick as one. So I will help them to keep motivated and stick to the game offensively, defensively and on the bench because as a team we will need all the help that we can,” Samuel said.

He said that being selected for the draft is an opportunity to show the youth positive vibe and that could be used as a tool to keep them out of trouble. “As they say an idle mind is a dangerous one. They could be elsewhere doing other things rather than being on the court,” he said.

Draft a fair system

In a brief comment, player Kameron G. Young said that the draft is a very good system. “And I think it’s fair for the most part. As long as nobody doesn’t interfere,” he said.

“The whole [Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League] itself is a good thing because right now the sport of basketball in the BVI is dying…it is not getting the kind of attention it used to have. The kind of promotion I see they are doing at Save the Seed is very good, but it would be nice if they kinda bring it into town,” he said, referring to the BVI Basketball Federation and their league.

“It would be nice to see those involved in the League [at Save the Seed] could be involved in the one in town,” he said.

As for the team that he would be happy to be on if picked, this is Top Shottas, which he played for last year.

Steve E. Parillon's availability in doubt

When contacted today, elite player Steve E. Parillon said that he is still recovering from an injury picked up recently during a competition and does not think he would be able to be a part of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League even though he had earlier indicated his availability.

Rules of Draft

A raffle pick will determine which team gets which number picked in the draft. Only drafted players can be traded; however, trading of players must be approved by League Committee.

Teams with the lowest record/score in the 2014 League will get numbers 1, 2, & 3 in order to have first preference to pick in the Draft System to display fairness.

Participating in the Draft system is not compulsory; however, it is highly recommended so that each team is allowed a fair and equal opportunity in the League.

Elite players for the Draft System should be well disciplined and cannot be suspended from any other local Basketball League.

Elite players who are 23 and under do not have to participate in the draft but can join any team.

The founders of the League are Hon Julian Fraser RA, Representative for the Third District and Bishop John I. Cline, the founder of the Save the Seed Energy Centre and senior Pastor of the New Life Baptist Church. The 2015 Platinum Sponsor of the Hon. Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League is Digicel BVI.