Basketball Without Boundaries: Evolution visits Turks and Caicos Islands to Train with National Team

Evolution Basketball recently had the privilege of traveling to the beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands, where coaches Doug Howard and Alex Harris were invited by the Turks and Caicos Islands Basketball Federation to work with the country's 17U national team. The invitation came from Federation President Trevor Cooke and marked Doug Howard's first visit to the island. Over the weekend, Doug and Alex led high-level practices focused on both foundational skills and advanced training strategies needed for international play. Their visit provided valuable experience and mentorship to a team preparing for FIBA's Caribbean and Central American Championships.

What’s particularly special about this opportunity is that the same advanced training  methods used with the Turks and Caicos 17U national team are the ones we provide to our advanced Evolution athletes, many of whom go on to play at the collegiate level and beyond. Whether it’s preparing young athletes for a FIBA competition or developing future NCAA players, our approach stays consistent: emphasizing skill development, basketball IQ, and leadership on and off the court.

Basketball in Turks and Caicos is more than just a sport. It’s an important outlet for local youth and a growing source of national pride. Like many small island nations, the country faces challenges in funding and supporting its national programs. The presence of Evolution Basketball gave the 17U team a boost in coaching and confidence as they prepare to compete on a larger stage. This visit continues Evolution’s past work in the islands, including partnerships with local leaders like Mervin Forbes and the Rising Stars Basketball Club, and reflects a shared commitment to growing the game in Turks and Caicos.

The impact of this visit went beyond the court. Doug and Alex took time to connect with the players, offering encouragement, answering questions, and sharing insights from their own basketball journeys. For many of the young athletes, this was their first time working with coaches who have experience at such a high level, making the weekend not only a **training** opportunity but also a source of inspiration. The passion and potential shown by the 17U team left a strong impression, reinforcing the belief that with the right support and continued guidance, the future of basketball in Turks and Caicos is incredibly bright.