Marques Townes expresses discontent over handling of his possible incorporation into the Dominican Republic basketball team
Dominican player Marques Townes has expressed his dissatisfaction with the way his possible inclusion in the senior national basketball team has been managed for the next FIBA qualifying window towards the 2027 World Cup. Through a statement released on its social media, Townes detailed the events related to his possible participation in the tricolor team. On January 20, the Townes team received an official communication from the Dominican Basketball Federation (Fedombal), requesting his release to join the national team. Following this notification, the guard began his preparation for international commitments and his family organized a trip to San Diego, purchasing non-refundable airline tickets, assuming his participation was confirmed. However, Townes states that he has not yet received logistical information or definitive confirmation about his inclusion in the squad. According to his account, his agent communicated “uncertainty” regarding his call-up and that it “might not be worth it” for him to join. Furthermore, a final decision was promised to him, which has not yet been communicated.Recently, Fedombal announced a list of 24 eligible players for the team that will compete in the Second Qualifying Window towards the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, which includes the name of Townes. Dominican Republic will face the United States on February 26 at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California, and then play against Nicaragua on March 1 at the Alexis Argüello sports complex in Managua. The objective of the selection is to secure its fourth consecutive qualification to a World Cup and the fifth in its history. In these continental qualifiers, 16 teams participate, competing for seven spots in the World Cup tournament. So far, the federation has not issued an additional statement regarding the situation raised by the player.I understand that roster decisions are a natural part of professional basketball, but I believe the process lacked due formality. In my message, I request greater clarity and communication, underlining that I have always answered the call to represent the country and that I expect reciprocity in the treatment.
Marques Townes
