Basketball in Guadeloupe
While not the island’s top sport, basketball has grown significantly and now holds a strong place in Guadeloupe’s athletic scene, with active local leagues, community programs, and several high‑profile professionals emerging from the region.
Popularity & Local Structure
- Basketball is widely played in schools, community centers, and local clubs, with increasing participation over recent decades
- Several leagues exist, including a Division One men’s league (e.g., Club SVK) and youth-focused 3×3 tournaments
International Tournaments
- Guadeloupe hosts regional 3×3 tournaments, drawing teams from across the Caribbean (e.g., Dominica’s youth squad competed in Guadeloupe in 2020)
- The development of local facilities has attracted both regional athletes and international teams
Notable Guadeloupean-Born Basketball Players
Several prominent professionals trace their roots to Guadeloupe:
| Player | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|
| Jacques Cachemire (born Pointe‑à‑Pitre, 1947) | French national team star (250 caps), inducted into French and FIBA Halls of Fame |
| Rodrigue Beaubois (Pointe‑à‑Pitre, 1988) | EuroLeague champion and former NBA guard |
| Lesly Bengaber (Les Abymes, 1979) | Pro-level player in France’s Pro A |
| Jonathan Jeanne (Buenos E Lot youth) | Signed with Le Mans Pro A after youth success |
| Juhann Begarin (Les Abymes, 2002) | EuroLeague guard with AS Monaco |
Other notable figures include Mickaël Piétrus, Rodrigue Beaubois, Florent Piétrus, and David Michineau
Impact & Development
- The sport’s infrastructure continues to improve, with more training programs and competitive opportunities available locally
- Through these developments, Guadeloupe has become a nurturing ground for talent that often transitions to professional leagues in mainland France and Europe.
