Panamanian Basketball: A Year of Striving for Success
Panamanian basketball is aiming high in 2024, with a primary goal of securing a spot in the prestigious AmeriCup 2025.
On the international stage, panamanian teams showcased their talent in the Centrobasket tournaments for both men and women under 15. Meanwhile, the senior national team is battling it out in the AmeriCup 2025 qualifiers, hosted in Nicaragua.
domestically, Colón emerged as a dominant force, claiming victory in the U23 National Championship, the Panama Basketball League (LPB), and the women’s league (LPBF).These shorter tournaments, though, have sparked aspirations for longer, more competitive seasons in the future.
Adding to the excitement, Toros de Chiriquí, having secured a spot in the Basketball Champions League Americas 2024-2025 thru their impressive performance in the LPB regular season, are currently facing tough competition. After facing Flamengo of Brazil and boca Juniors of Argentina,the Chirican team is determined to turn the tide in the upcoming matches.A New Era for the Senior Team
Argentine coach Gonzalo García took the helm of the Panamanian senior team in January 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a clear vision. His primary objective is to guide the team to the AmeriCup 2025.
Currently, Panama sits in Group B of the qualifiers, trailing behind Brazil and Uruguay. With Paraguay close behind, the race for the top three qualifying spots is intense. The final window of the group stage will see Panama hosting Paraguay and Brazil at the Roberto Durán Arena in February,presenting a crucial possibility to secure their place in the AmeriCup.
Youth Development Takes Center Stage
The Panamanian U-15 women’s team demonstrated their potential at the Centrobasket tournament in La Basita de David, Chiriquí, securing a runner-up finish after a hard-fought battle against Mexico. This impressive performance earned them a spot in the FIBA U16 AmeriCup in 2025.
Unfortunately, the U-15 men’s team faced elimination in the qualifiers, highlighting the need for continued development and support for young male talent.
Colón’s Reign Continues
After a two-year hiatus from the LPB and LPBF, Colón made a triumphant return in 2024, reclaiming their dominance.Their Correcaminos franchise swept both the men’s and women’s leagues, solidifying their position as the top team in Panama. Colón’s success extended to the U23 category, further cementing their legacy as a powerhouse in Panamanian basketball.
Panama Basketball: A Conversation with Coach Renato Benjamin
Welcome back sports fans to another edition of “Courtside Chat”! today, we have the pleasure of speaking with legendary Panamanian basketball coach Renato Benjamin, a man who has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the sport in Panama. Coach Benjamin, welcome to the show!
Renato: ItS great to be here, thank you for having me.
Host: Coach, 2024 has been a bustling year for Panamanian basketball. We’ve seen success on multiple fronts, from the youth teams competing at Centrobasket to Colón’s dominant performance in the domestic leagues. How would you assess the overall health of Panamanian basketball right now?
Renato: I’d say Panamanian basketball is in a good place. We’re seeing strong performances across all levels, from our youngest athletes to our seasoned professionals.The success of the women’s U15 team at Centrobasket, securing that AmeriCup berth, is truly inspiring.
Host: Absolutely, that was a thrilling moment for Panamanian basketball fans. Now, let’s talk about the senior national team’s quest for AmeriCup 2025. They’re currently battling it out in a fiercely competitive qualifying group. What are your thoughts on the team’s progress and their chances of making it to the tournament?
Renato: The AmeriCup qualifiers are tough, no doubt about it. Brazil and Uruguay are always formidable opponents. But I have faith in our team. Coach Gonzalo García is a fantastic leader with a proven track record, and the players are hungry for success.
Host: Gonzalo García took over the helm in January, bringing with him significant international experience. how important do you think his leadership has been for the team so far?
Renato: Crucial. Coach García brings a fresh perspective and a level of tactical acumen that was needed. He’s instilled a sense of discipline and purpose, and the players seem to be responding well to his methods.
Host: The senior team will be hosting Paraguay and Brazil in February for the final window of the qualifiers. It’s a do-or-die situation.What shoudl the team be focusing on in those crucial games?
Renato: home court advantage will be vital.They need to feed off the energy of the crowd at the Roberto Durán Arena. Tactically, they need to be disciplined, limit turnovers, and capitalize on any opportunities presented. It’s going to be a nail-biter, no doubt about it.
Host: Shifting gears, we can’t overlook the rise of Colón. They swept both the men’s and women’s leagues, and dominated the U23 category this year. What’s the secret to their success?
Renato: Colón has always been a powerhouse in Panamanian basketball, but their recent dominance is truly remarkable. They have a strong youth progress program, a good coaching staff, and a winning mentality.
host: It’s incredible to see such a strong focus on youth development in Panama. the U15 women’s team’s achievements are a testament to that.
Renato: Absolutely. We need to continue investing in our young talent, providing them with the resources and support they need to develop into world-class athletes. The future of Panamanian basketball depends on it.
Host:
We couldn’t agree more. Coach Benjamin, thank you for your time and for sharing your valuable insights with us today. We wish the senior team all the best in their AmeriCup qualifiers, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for Panamanian basketball.
Renato: Thank you for having me. Let’s go panama!
Let us know, fans, what’s your take on Panamanian basketball’s future? Are they on track for AmeriCup glory? What steps need to be taken to maintain this momentum and elevate the sport to new heights? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
