The University of the Virgin Islands Bucs Men’s Basketball season for 2017-2018 will begin on Oct. 26. The UVI Classic, the first tournament to open the UVI basketball season had to change locations to Florida because of the unavailability of the Sports and Fitness Center on the St. Thomas Campus. The first game will be on Oct. 26, against Kaiser University in West Palm Beach, Fla.
The season got off to a late start because of the two category five hurricanes, Irma and Maria, which tore through the territory in September.
In spite of the setbacks, the Athletic Department is making efforts to move forward with the basketball program. With the Sports and Fitness Center on loan to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as their home base here in the territory, the Athletics Department regrouped and rethought their season.
“Through these tough times and circumstances the Buccaneer nation, including students, faculty and staff, have found a way to endure to the end,” said UVI Head Basketball Coach Jeff Jones.
This the first time the season opener will not be at home, and their entire season will consist entirely of away games, said Jones. The UVI Men’s Basketball Classic is listed below:
DAY DATE TIME OPPONENT SITE
Thur. Oct 26 7:00 Keiser University W. Palm Beach, FL
Fri. Oct. 27 7:00 Florida Memorial University Miami Gardens, FL
Sat. Oct. 28 5:00 St. Thomas University Miami Gardens, FL
Mon. Oct. 30 7:00 Thomas University Thomas, GA
Please see this link for the full UVI Men’s 2017-2018 basketball schedule.
Jones said that he will use this experience as a way to get the team even more prepared for the 2018-19 season when home games will return.
The starting lineup consists of:
- Chase Thomas #1
Height: 6’3”
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Status: Senior
Position: Guard
Anthony Goss #3
Height: 5’11”
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Status: Senior
Position: Guard
Andre Williams #5
Height: 6’14”
Hometown: Maybrook, NY
Status: Junior
Position: Forward
Joseph Fogg #14
Height: 6’8”
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga
Status: Senior
Position: Forward
Jake Faye #12
Height: 6' 6"
Hometown: Lynn, Mass
Status: Senior
Position: Forward
The top team members coming off the bench this season are:
- Latravian Glover #11
- Jonathan Harley #2
- Josh Goss #15
The roster also includes:
- Marco Ponce #22
- Justin Syphoe #10
- Malikay Eastmond #21
Throughout the season, Jackson Dolor and Nate Robinson will also accompany Coach Jones as his assistant coaches as well as Hilrianna Chooran and Julissa Ssosse as the team managers.
“If any of our alumni are in Miami, Georgia, Louisiana or Alabama come support UVI,” said Jones. “If tickets are needed call me at (404) 951-1080 or (340) 344-5966.” Jones also mentioned that the games might be live streamed so follow the UVI Men’s Basketball team on social media to keep up to date with their games. See these Facebook links to the University of the Virgin Islands Men Basketball team page and UVI’s official Facebook Page - University of the Virgin Islands. Follow the team on SnapChat via @uvibasketball.