The Cuban men's basketball team has been knocked out of the race for the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 qualifiers following a 97-74 defeat against the Bahamas in Nassau. Adding to their woes, the team faces visa issues that prevent them from traveling to Puerto Rico for their final Group D match.
From the outset, the Bahamas took control of the game, finishing the first quarter ahead 26-20. A 15-0 run in the second quarter widened the gap, and the first half concluded with a decisive 51-34 lead for the home team. Tavario Miller of the Bahamas shone brightly, scoring 30 points with impressive accuracy. While Cuba managed a slightly better field goal percentage (50.8% compared to 49.4%), the Bahamas' advantage in two-point shots and free throws (44.4% compared to Cuba's 33.3%) proved pivotal.
Rebounding was another critical factor, with the Bahamas securing 19 offensive rebounds, converting them into second-chance points. Additionally, the depth of the Bahamian bench contributed 35 points, whereas Cuba, limited to just nine players, struggled to respond.
The Cuban team's plight worsened due to the absence of key players like Yoanki Mensia, Howard Saint-Roos, and Karel Guzmán, who were unable to travel because of visa issues. This left coach Osmel Planas with only nine of the 15 selected players.
ACN confirmed that the team's elimination was due to both sporting and administrative reasons. Only two Cuban players have the visas required to enter Puerto Rico, making it impossible to play the match scheduled for Sunday, February 23. According to FIBA regulations, failing to appear results in an automatic 20-0 loss, sealing Cuba's elimination.
Despite earlier assurances from Yum Ramos, president of the Puerto Rican Basketball Federation, that the game would proceed, FIBA decided otherwise. With their exit confirmed and no opportunity to play their final match, Cuba bids farewell to the AmeriCup 2025 qualifiers, highlighting the critical role of administrative organization and resource availability in international commitments.
Previously, in 2024, the Cuban basketball team faced a similar setback against the United States in Florida during the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 qualifiers. They were left with only seven players after one team member departed. Jit reported that the players "stood their ground against the Americans at the Silver Spur Arena in Osceola, Florida," finishing with a score of 100-79.
Key Questions on Cuba's Basketball Team Elimination
What led to the Cuban team's elimination from the qualifiers?
The Cuban team was eliminated due to a combination of losing to the Bahamas and visa issues that prevented them from competing in their final match in Puerto Rico.
Why couldn't the Cuban team travel to Puerto Rico?
The team was unable to travel to Puerto Rico because only two players received the necessary visas, making it impossible for the team to field a complete roster.
How did the absence of key players affect Cuba's performance?
The absence of key players like Yoanki Mensia, Howard Saint-Roos, and Karel Guzmán due to visa complications significantly weakened the team's lineup and overall performance.