The Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center erupted with energy Friday night as the University of the Virgin Islands kicked off its basketball season with Buccaneer Basketball Madness, an event that loaded the bleachers on all sides with athletes, cheerleaders, and fans.
The Friday spectacle delivered everything promised and more: gravity-defying dunks, three-point shootouts, spirited performances, and lots of crowd participation.
The evening’s marquee moment came during the dunk contest, where men’s basketball players launched 360-degree slams and no-look jams that had fans on their feet. Ultimately, Mustafa Mohamed emerged victorious over fellow finalist Devin Binyard, cementing his status as an early fan favorite.
But the night wasn’t just about the college athletes. In perhaps the most endearing moment of the evening, young contestants between ages five and ten raced through the “Suit Up” challenge, frantically pulling on oversized basketball gear before attempting layups. Parents cheered from the stands, creating a family atmosphere that transformed the college event into a community celebration.
“We do our best to make sure there’s something for everybody, and the community shows how much they appreciate it,” organizers noted. Supporters traveled from as far as St. Croix to witness the Buccaneers’ season preview, a testament to the growing buzz surrounding the program.
That buzz is well-earned. Both teams mounted aggressive recruiting campaigns this summer, bringing in talent from across the country. The women’s squad showcased this new depth during their scrimmage, pitting a blue team of transfers against a white team of local players and returners. The competition revealed a program building chemistry at impressive speed, with new and veteran players already learning to complement each other as a cohesive unit.
The women’s team enters the season with championship aspirations, determined to “bring a ring to the rock.” The men’s program is equally focused on elevating UVI basketball’s reputation beyond the territory.
Between the competitive action, the UVI Dazzling Sapphires Dance Team, Cultural Titans, and the Ivanna Eudora Kean Rocking Rays kept the energy high with polished performances. For TiLeah Neal, a sophomore member of the Dazzling Sapphires, the night represented something special.
“I love dancing with this group,” Neal said, her face still flushed from performing. “They’re beautiful dancers with great energy, and we just mesh together perfectly.”
Three-point contests featuring both teams provided additional thrills, with the men’s home team duo of Jace Camacho and Brandon Rasmussen outlasting the away team, while the women’s away team of Aspyn Roberson and Atalia Thomas claimed their bracket. Musical chairs and a limbo contest featuring moko jumbie mascot “Bucky” rounded out an evening designed to engage every corner of the arena.
Both teams will make their season debuts Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. The Lady Buccaneers travel to St. Thomas University, while the men host The Real Basketball Association (RBA) All-Stars from Kingshill, St. Croix, at home. The women’s game will stream live on Urban Edge Network.
