12 Summers of Camp
Every edition of the Denykco Bowles Elite Skills Basketball Camp — sponsors, guest coaches, and the moments that defined each summer, sourced from The Tribune and Bahamas Local archives.
A new wave of athletes
The 12th edition welcomed campers ages 4–18 for four weeks of pro-level training at Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gym, powered by Consolidated Water (CWCO) sponsoring 50 inner-city kids. Highlights included Parent Interaction Day, Media Day, and the IBA Bahamas Family All-Star Event & Awards Banquet.
- 50 sponsored campers via CWCO
- US trainer Stephon McQueen (UNC) — 4th year on staff
- Parent Interaction Day at Kendal Isaacs
- Media Day + All-Star Awards Banquet
Three weeks of intensive training
After three weeks of intensive training, the 11th Elite Skills Camp closed with the annual awards ceremony recognizing top campers across every age group at Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium.
- 3-week intensive format
- Awards ceremony for top campers by division
- Continued mentorship from IBA coaching staff
Durant & Booker in the building
The 10th edition made international headlines when Phoenix Suns All-Stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker paid a surprise visit to the campers at Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Over 100 boys and girls attended the June 26 – July 18 program.
- Kevin Durant & Devin Booker guest appearances
- 100+ campers across 4 weeks
- Basketball IQ, footwork, ball-handling, strength & resistance
- Guest medical talk from Dr. Tyneil Cargill
Kai Jones returns home
The camp came back after COVID with a headline moment: Charlotte Hornets forward Kai Jones stopped in before flying to NBA Summer League. Media Day brought Marcellus Hall, Renaldo Dorsett, Felicity Darville, Simba French and Tim Munnings to coach campers on public speaking.
- Kai Jones (NBA) surprise camp visit
- Media Day panel with 5 top Bahamian journalists
- First full camp back post-COVID
- IBA players earning college scholarships (Don Stuart Jr, Meleek Pierre)
Draft-year hometown pride
The year Bahamian big man Kai Jones heard his name called in the first round of the NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. His rise was celebrated across the islands and gave IBA campers a powerful example of what Bahamian talent can achieve on the world stage.
- Kai Jones drafted #19 by Charlotte Hornets
- 3rd Bahamian in 5 years to reach the NBA
- Renewed international recruiting interest for IBA campers
Press Coverage
Where it all started
Founded by Coach Denykco Bowles, the IBA Bahamas Combine Summer Camp launched the week of July 21–25, 2014 at Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium — open to boys and girls of all ages and abilities. Twelve summers later, the mission is unchanged: elite training, mentorship, faith and life skills.
- IBA Bahamas founded by Coach Denykco Bowles
- First camp week: July 21–25, 2014
- Open to all abilities, all ages
- Foundation for 250+ scholarships awarded to date
Archive photos & reporting courtesy of The Tribune (Bahamas) and Nassau Guardian / Bahamas Local. All rights remain with their respective publishers.