by Karim Juan, NEBL Commissioner
Rico Black ………… San Pedro …………… Tiger Sharks …………… all synonymous to both dominance and elitism in the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL). The NEBL is slowly bouncing toward the end of its fifth season, granting us a time-out to appreciate a legacy in the making. The San Pedro Tiger Sharks is a franchise that exhibits consistency and dominance, and they have been the measuring stick for all other teams in the league. In the past four seasons, San Pedro Tiger Sharks have dominated the regular season with the highest margin of victory, entering the playoffs as the #1 seed twice, and the other two season they were the #2 seed entering the playoffs, trailing the number 1 seed by only 1 game. They have reached the finals in the four seasons that the league is in existence, claiming the championship twice and falling in a decisive game three twice. They have been the team to beat every season, and this season they are presently ranked #1, with 4 games remaining in the regular season.
Their dominance out on the island has been nothing short of stellar, and in five seasons they have lost only three times on their home court, which is less than once per season. They can surely defend their home turf. The exhibit poise, dominance, flair, confidence and chemistry season in, season out. New faces on the roster produces the same results every season – a date in the finals. Franchises build their teams with San Pedro Tiger Sharks in mind, knowing that they will be the team to beat. Their continual success has placed them as rivals with majority of the other teams in the league, since teams take pride in beating the Tiger Sharks. San Pedro and Verdes, who was once Cayo Western Ballaz were staunch rivals in the first 2 seasons in the NEBL, as San Pedro snatched the title from the team out west twice in the finals. San Pedro and Belmopan Bandits have also been rivals, as they eliminated Belmopan from playoff contention in the first 3 seasons of the NEBL, after which Belmopan Bandits defeated San Pedro Tiger Sharks last season in the finals, and they grabbed that championship win in San Pedro. Griga Dream Ballers seems to always be a great match-up with San Pedro’s athleticism and size, making the five-year rivalry games to cherish. Smart Belize Hurricanes had to defeat San Pedro Tiger Sharks in the third year of the NEBL to claim their NEBL title, so some bad blood was also brewing there. Every game they play they are met by their opponent’s full display of focus and resolve, as they carry a target on their jersey every game. San Pedro’s consistent dominance in the league has surely placed them one pedestal above the other teams, and such consistency has been in full display during the past five NEBL season. There seems to be no slowing down of this trend, as their young core of players, and great acquisitions keep them locked in as favorites every season.
The face behind this franchise is Rico Black, with his companion, Doug Penland playing a key role behind the scenes. Rico is the only manager that has served in that capacity during the five-year tenure of the NEBL. He has served as owner, manager and coach for that franchise, and his record speaks volume of his performance in that capacity. San Pedro Tiger Sharks has consistently found great imports to add to their roster, with last year’s regular season MVP hailing from that team. His core set of players has remained consistent with Tyrone and Ashton Edwards, Douglas Valley, Raul Roches and Jamal Kelly. Rico has done a phenomenal job in constructing great teams with the right pieces every season. His mix and match has remained effective, as evident by the number of wins and consecutive finals he has been in every season. His commitment to continue to invest financially in the sport of basketball is beyond admirable, as San Pedro Tiger Sharks and Tuff Enuff have participated in many local and regional tournaments. Once “ball di bounce, Rico di deh.” Kudos to Rico Black, Doug Penland, fans, coaches and players of this formidable franchise. Continue to invest in basketball and use the sport as a positive force in his community and nation.