In a stunning display of resilience and skill, The Chosen Few quartet overcame early tournament adversity to capture victory at the New Chapter Global Sports Academy (NCA) GENESIS 3×3 Basketball Series. The dramatic finals unfolded on December 20 at Princess Royal Basketball Court in Arima, where eight carefully drafted teams competed in the fast-paced basketball format.
The tournament journey proved particularly challenging for The Chosen Few—comprising Samuel Edwards, Matthias Phillips, Kai Sunich, and standout performer Jervais Edwards-Caracciolo—who concluded the group phase with a disappointing 0-3 record. Entering the knockout stage as considerable underdogs, the team miraculously found their rhythm and embarked on an impressive winning streak that ultimately propelled them to the championship match against The Mighty Men.
Led by tournament Most Valuable Player Taalib Daniel, The Mighty Men established early dominance in the final, racing to a commanding 5-0 advantage. However, The Chosen Few mounted a spectacular comeback through enhanced defensive coordination and strategic offensive execution. The match evolved into an intense back-and-forth contest with both teams exchanging scores under mounting pressure.
The game’s pivotal moment arrived with under three minutes remaining when Edwards-Caracciolo seized control, delivering a spectacular 14-point performance that shifted momentum decisively in his team’s favor. Their remarkable resurgence culminated in a 21-17 victory against the previously dominant opponents.
Despite the loss, Daniel’s exceptional tournament performance deserved recognition, as he contributed 12 points during the final match and accumulated 49 points throughout the competition. In the third-place playoff, The Watchmen secured bronze medal honors with a 15-12 victory against The Ark Builders, powered by Antonio Vasquez’s 11-point contribution.
The GENESIS tournament represents a strategic initiative by NCA to strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s international presence in 3×3 basketball. Academy officials emphasized their commitment to developing young athletic talent through meaningful competitive exposure and creating structured pathways toward international competitions, including qualification for the 2026 FIBA 3X3 Under-18 World Cup.