Julian Willock, Team Manager, explained the purpose behind the Mentoring and Motivational speeches to the team. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Blazers Coach, Rhennie O. Phipps, says the new team will play fast "up and down" basketball with a disciplined defense. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

A spying mission? Kennedy Bass watching the team practice while working out at the gym. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Declan Cassidy (2nd left) and Kevin "OJ" Smith (forefront) were on hand to discuss topics such as Respect, Discipline and Teamwork with the squad. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The team pictured with Cassidy, "OJ" and Coach Phipps. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The Blazers, who are a newly formed team from Sea Cows Bay, but featuring players from around the Territory amongst their ranks, will be participating in the three BVI Basketball leagues: the Federation Summer League in Road Town, The Honourable Julian Fraser Save the Seed League held in Duff’s Bottom and the Virgin Gorda Basketball League.

They were originally known as ‘Da 3rd’, but from December 2013 have been under new management, a new coach, new name, and new players.

Coach Rhennie O. Phipps has had the team training for a while now at the Save the Seed Energy Centre said although he wasn’t going to detail them; the team has been achieving his goals.

“We will be playing an up and down transition game. We are kind of small, so will be looking for fast breaks and to get up and down the floor. We have a few players who are very athletic and will be ones to watch out for.”

Phipps has also been working on a very disciplined defense.

The Team Management has also been working on ensuring that Team Sponsors are fully involved in mentoring and motivating the team as well as fostering more than just basketball players but young entrepreneurs, role models and productive young men contributing both socially, economically and spiritually to our society.

The first of such sessions took place during Tuesday’s practice when Declan Cassidy, CEO of Digicel BVI and Marketing Manager, Kevin “OJ” Smith were on hand to offer encouragement and words of advice.

Both alluded to the demands of discipline with a team environment, with Cassidy noting, “The Blazers are a talented team, but need to build on respect for each other and respect for their Coach to become successful.”

Drawing on a Football parallel Cassidy also noted that sometimes a team containing the best individuals does not also get the best results

“In Euro 2005 the Dutch had the most talented players on paper, but went out in the first round of the tournament because they had no respect for each other or their Coach.”

Smith also commented that in team sports strategy is key and that in competition you should never underestimate your opponents.

The Team Captain is Rashawn A. Johnson, the Team Coach is Rhennie O. Phipps and Team Manager is the esteemed Julian Willock.

Other players on the roster include: Ken Silva, Terry Charles, Jareem Nibbs, Nigel Todman, Dwayne Jennings, Kelon Fortune, Carlisle France, “Hollywood”, Rohdni Skelton, Shaquille Baptiste, Melvin Knight, Ivan Lennard, Marlon Caine and Jonathon Garcia.