Everything is reportedly now in place for the first ever College Basketball Tournament to be hosted in the Virgin Islands, courtesy of the BVI Future Sports organisation. Photo: BVI Future Sports

Local pair Ray Victor (right) and Halstead "JR" Chiverton will be representing the NAIA Division 2, number 10 ranked, Warner University. Photo: VINO/File

The first of many events planned by the sports entertainment company, BVI Future Sports, will see local pair Ray Victor and Halstead “JR” Chiverton representing the NAIA Division 2, number 10 ranked, Warner University.

NCAA restrictions on teams from the same conference means that Fans won’t be able to see the Royals face another of the confirmed teams,  number 1 ranked Northwood University, but fixtures will involve the University of the V.I. and Puerto Rico Cayey, who round out the entered teams.

Steve Parillon, who runs BVI Future Sports, said “It will be a great spectacle and fantastic way to celebrate the opening of the refurbished Multi Purpose Gym. A true Tropical Atmosphere will be created for each night and even the bar will be serving Tropical drinks.”

Parillon also warned though that College Basketball is a much different game to that which is played locally and the likes of “JR” and Victor, who are big stars here, will more than likely be becoming off the bench during games. “The standard is much higher” stated Parillon “We will have to bring in College sanctioned Referees, there is a 35 second shot clock and Time Out’s can be called from the floor by players as well as Coaches”

With the Royals unable to play Northwood, the top two teams will be decided on “wins” and a tie breaker if needed.”Time constraints meant we were unable to get teams from different Conferences,” noted Parillon, “ in the future we hope to have not only different Conferences but also attract Division 1 teams from the likes of the Big 10, Big 12, Big East and ACC,” he concluded.

BVI Future Sports has been able to welcome new sponsors onboard to guarantee the event and among the many sponsors are Caribbean Insurers, D and B Trucking, the Skelton Group of Companies, Top Priority Security and Travel Wize, along with Virgin Islands News Online signing up to support the endeavour and  all the plans are now in place.

All the teams will also be involved in an outreach programme, visiting various schools and holding Camps on Tortola as well as crossing the Channel to visit the Begrado Flax Educational Centre on Virgin Gorda. There will also be time for a tour of the Island and a camp on the Jeffrey Caines Court. Practice sessions will also be open to the public and a Thanksgiving Dinner is also being planned.

“Whilst the playing side is a serious business the party atmosphere will continue with After-Party plans including a College Mardi Gras Night at the Le Grand Café and a College Gone Wild night on the Saturday at a venue to be confirmed,” commented Parillon.

He also promised entertainment, cheerleaders and other attractions during the games, which he promised “will start at 7:15 sharp each night”.