Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield scores 37 points for the Bahamas in two games against the University of Kansas
Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield suited up for his national team, the Bahamas, for two games this weekend against the Kansas Jayhawks.
Hield and the Bahamas squad are getting ready for Olympic qualifiers next week. He will suit up along with NBA players Deandre Ayton, Eric Gordon, and Kai Jones in the games next week, which begin on Monday.
Both battles with Kansas were played in Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. The two teams split the games — with Kansas winning the first 92-87 and the Bahamas winning the second 87-81. They were both close.
The first of the two outings came on August 5, and Hield only played in the first half. He was the only NBA player to suit up for the Bahamas. He played 16:16 in total and finished with 18 points and five assists on 5/11 shooting. The Pacers guard added three steals in the loss.
Two days later, the two squads faced off again, and this time Hield was joined by Phoenix Suns guard Eric Gordon. They both played in the first three quarters of the game.
Hield led the Bahamas with 19 points, and he came alive late. He started 2/6 from the field but made five out of his next seven shots to finish 7/13, and he got some reps at point guard. He was the lead initiator in some lineups.
Hield ended the game with four assists and four rebounds. He drew a ton of attention from the Jayhawks defense all night. Gordon, an Indiana native, added 12 points.
The Bahamas squad plays against Cuba in their first Olympic qualifying game next Monday. They will also play Argentina and Panama in group play before trying to win the event via the playoffs, if they make it. The Bahamas must win the event to keep their Olympic hopes alive.
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