Freeland Blames Poor Player Commitment for Antigua and Barbuda’s Basketball Withdrawal

Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association President Michael Freeland says a lack of commitment from local players was the decisive factor behind the country’s withdrawal from the next round of basketball qualifiers, despite having earned its place through competition in Guyana.

Speaking on the Jojo Sports Show on Observer Radio on Thursday, Freeland said the association faced financial challenges but believed it could have raised the money needed to send the team.

“The problem was the commitment of players,” he said.

According to Freeland, 10 local players initially indicated that they were willing to participate. However, the attendance that followed did not reflect those assurances.

“Ten of them said yes,” he said. “And every practice that was called thereafter only three were consistent.”

Freeland acknowledged that work commitments affected some players and said the association understood those circumstances. He maintained, however, that at least four players did not attend.

He also described poorly attended meetings called to discuss preparations and give players an opportunity to raise their concerns.

The breakdown followed what Freeland described as a positive campaign in Guyana, where the team qualified for the next stage. He said he met the returning players at the airport and initially saw enthusiasm about continuing.

Freeland confirmed that players were still owed stipends and acknowledged the association’s obligation to pay. He characterised the outstanding payments as small tokens of appreciation, while noting that accommodation, meals and transportation had been covered.

Nevertheless, he said the association could not continue committing resources without a dependable squad.

Asked whether he was disappointed in the local players’ commitment, Freeland replied: “Very much so.”

The withdrawal had already been formally submitted, he said, following a decision taken approximately three weeks before Thursday’s interview.

Freeland’s account places player attendance at the centre of the controversy. The interview did not include responses from the affected players.