By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
Ahead of the 2023 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament, 34-year-old veteran shooting guard Eric Gordon is set to join the Bahamian national team.
Eric Gordon already played for Team USA at the 2010 FIBA World Cup averaging 8.6 points per game, but according to 10th Year Seniors USA Basketball granted Gordon’s release and FIBA approved “his change of country representation due to Article 22 of its internal regulations”.
The 34-year-old experienced shooting guard will likely join Phoenix Suns‘ DeAndre Ayton, Indiana Pacers‘ Buddy Hield, and Charlotte Hornets‘ Kai Jones, who already gave their availability to represent the Caribbean national team.
Over the course of his career, which started back in 2008 when he was selected with the 7th overall pick in the NBA Draft, the Indiana Hoosiers product played for the Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Hornets and Pelicans, and Houston Rockets.
In the 2022-23 season, he had 11.0 points for the team who drafted him, earning a two-year deal for $6.5 million with the Suns with a player option the second year.
The Bahamas are set to face Cuba, Panama, and Argentina in Group A of the 2023 Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament to keep on hoping for a spot at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. In Group B, Chile, Colombia, the Virgin Islands, and Uruguay will clash.
It’s been a long time coming…and NOW it’s official.
Eric Gordon becomes the latest roster addition to Team Bahamas.
USA Basketball granted Gordon’s release and FIBA approved his change of country representation due to Article 22 of its Internal Regulations.
Article 22… pic.twitter.com/J5Jm059bn3
— 10th Year Seniors (@10thYearSeniors) August 7, 2023
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images