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Thursday, September 03, 2026
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Crumpler Earns Call-Up to Inaugural Devin Vassell Elite Camp
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Bermudian prospect CJ Crumpler has secured a coveted invitation to the inaugural Devin Vassell Elite Basketball Camp 2026, marking another significant milestone in his overseas development.
The elite showcase, hosted by the San Antonio Spurs guard, brings together a select group of rising high school prospects to train under NBA-level instruction, focusing on high-intensity skill development, tactical IQ, and elite competition.
Crumpler expressed his pride at earning the recognition and an opportunity to test himself against top-tier North American talent.
"I am honoured to be invited to the first Devin Vassell Elite Basketball Camp 2026," Crumpler said.
The invitation highlights Crumpler’s growing reputation on the court. Known for his projectable length on the wing and an expanding offensive skillset, the young Bermudian continues to catch the eye of overseas evaluators as a versatile two-way talent capable of impacting games at multiple levels.
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Wednesday, September 02, 2026
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Scott Sidelined for Months Following Knee Surgery Blow
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Historic Bermudian recruit Ralph Scott faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after the University of Tennessee confirmed the incoming freshman requires knee surgery.
Tennessee Athletics announced on Wednesday that Scott will undergo a procedure on Thursday, ruling the landmark prospect out of action for an estimated six to eight months and delaying the start of his collegiate basketball career.
The setback comes as an untimely blow for both the player and program. Scott made history when he committed to the Volunteers, becoming the first player from Bermuda to reach the NCAA Division I men’s basketball ranks.
A consensus four-star prospect in the Class of 2026, Scott arrived on Rocky Top with significant pedigree. He became the third Tennessee player recruited out of Florida's prestigious IMG Academy—following in the footsteps of Lamonte Turner and NBA guard Jaden Springer—having chosen the Volunteers ahead of heavyweight offers from Houston, Kansas, Purdue, Texas, and Texas A&M.
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes expressed disappointment over the timing of the injury but reaffirmed the program's full backing for the young Bermudian's rehabilitation.
"Ralph was really looking forward to beginning his college career in a few weeks and we were excited to see him on the court competing for the Volunteers," Barnes said.
"However, it is important he gets healthy and this surgery will help him do just that. We will be there for Ralph to support him throughout his recovery process. Ralph is extremely talented and we remain enthusiastic about his bright future on Rocky Top."
Born in Connecticut before moving to Bermuda at three months old, Scott is set to expand Tennessee's historical connection with Caribbean and Atlantic island talent once back to full fitness.
The Volunteers program has previously featured three letter-winners hailing from regional island nations: Bahamas standout Elvin Brown (1985–88), alongside U.S. Virgin Islands pair Ian Lockhart (1986–90) and Dwight Miller (2011–12).
Scott's recovery timetable will likely rule him out for the bulk of the 2026–27 collegiate season, targeting a return to full basketball activities early next year.
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Saturday, August 29, 2026
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Bermuda’s Trailblazer Ready to Make his Mark at Tennessee
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Freshman forward Ralph Scott says he is relishing the chance to represent Bermuda on college basketball's biggest stage after becoming the island’s first NCAA Division I men's basketball player.
The 18-year-old standout, who committed to the University of Tennessee Volunteers, sat down during a team media timeout to reflect on his island roots, transition to collegiate life, and the unique skill set he brings to Knoxville.
Hailing from a close-knit territory of just over 20 square miles, Scott grew up trying his hand at football, track, and swimming before his towering frame steered him towards the basketball court.
"I was a foot taller than everybody else, so that kind of forced it onto me, but I liked it too," Scott said.
Now stepping into the spotlight as Bermuda’s maiden Division I men's recruit, the versatile wing is eager to embrace the pressure and pride that comes with breaking new ground.
"It means a lot. It's really cool being the first to do anything, so definitely excited for the opportunity and grateful."
Asked what Tennessee fans should expect when he takes the floor, Scott described his versatile approach to the sport:
"I’d say I’m like a Swiss Army knife. Do a little bit of everything—defend, I can shoot, rebound, do whatever I need to do."
Beyond the hardwood, Scott admitted Knoxville quickly felt like home thanks to its leafy surroundings and the presence of head coach Rick Barnes, even if Tennessee's famous country music has not quite displaced reggae on his playlist just yet.
The freshman pointed to Jamaican reggae artists Chronixx and Buju Banton as his soundtrack of choice—while noting nothing beats a trip home for his mother's homemade lasagna.
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Friday, August 28, 2026
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Harris Returns to NBL Teeside Lions
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Bermuda international guard AJ Harris has rejoined National Basketball League Division One side Teesside Lions ahead of the new domestic campaign, following a busy summer representing his country on the international stage.
Harris recently featured for the Bermuda senior men's national team during the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers, where the squad gained valuable tournament experience against regional powerhouses, including a tight 59–56 encounter with Guyana.
The sharpshooter, who balances his senior commitments at Teesside Lions with studying animation at Teesside University, returns to Middlesbrough looking to build on a breakout domestic campaign.
Harris played an instrumental role in Teesside’s unbeaten championship run at university level last term, which included a standout 37-point, 10-three-pointer display against Leeds Trinity, before stepping into Division One action.
"Representing Bermuda at the FIBA AmeriCup Pre-Qualifiers was an incredible experience for me," Harris said. "Competing against high-level international talent pushed me to grow as a player and gave me valuable experience at the highest level. I'm proud to represent Bermuda and excited to keep developing my game and building on that experience."
Teesside Lions director and head coach James Thomson praised the young guard's rapid development, noting that exposure to the international arena will benefit the club as they target further progress in Division One.
"We are incredibly proud of AJ's achievement in representing Bermuda on the international stage," Thomson said. "Opportunities like the FIBA AmeriCup qualifiers expose players to a different level of basketball and help accelerate their development. His progress both on and off the court has been outstanding, and we look forward to seeing him continue to develop throughout the coming season."
Harris is set to feature prominently in head coach Thomson's rotation as the Lions finalise their pre-season schedule ahead of the 2026/27 NBL Division One opener.
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Thursday, August 27, 2026
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BBA Open Registration for Men’s League
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The Bermuda Basketball Association (BBA) has officially opened team registration for the return of the Men’s League, with the new season scheduled to tip off on September 26th 2026.
Running through to December, the island’s premier domestic basketball competition will feature a full regular-season schedule alongside dedicated showcase nights, culminating in a postseason playoff campaign to crown the champion.
Structured competition across premier venues
Rosters will be capped at 12 players per team, with games set to be staged across top indoor basketball venues across Bermuda.
The BBA highlighted that the upcoming campaign aims to elevate the standard of senior men's basketball on the island, providing a structured, highly competitive platform for both established players and emerging local talent.
Teams and players looking to take part in the 2026 season are encouraged to complete their registration early ahead of next month's opening tip-off.
Key League Details
Tip-Off Date: 26 September 2026
Duration: September – December 2026
Roster Limit: 12 players per team
Format: Regular season, weekly showcase nights, and playoffs
Eligibility: Open to men's teams island-wide
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