teens, Bermuda Basketball Association (BBA) is loading up on youth.

A division has recently been formed targeting the 15-17-year-old bracket. And the sport appears to be benefiting from the NBA's increasing prominence, with several purpose-built courts around the Island regularly filed to by ball-bouncing youngsters, showing off their latest moves to the hoop.

BBA spokesman Lou Matthews, who played Division III collegiate ball, said there were many young people "out and around Bermuda'' who were anxious to play.

"For the last few years the popularity of the NBA has made basketball arguably the fastest growing sport among 15 to 17-year-olds. The sport is really booming among primary and secondary school levels,'' said Matthews, who likened himself to superstar Charles Barkley for his ability to use his wide body to `bang' inside.

"Many are not ready for the senior leagues, but we saw the need for an 15-17-year-old division that would act as a buffer and foster development between the secondary and senior levels.

"A lot of teenagers are really into the game and this would give them something constructive to do, a viable alternative that can keep them off the streets.'' Still, Matthews lamented the need for a special facility catering specifically to basketball which would help raise the current standard.

While thankful for being allowed continued use of BAA Gym, he noted the facility was barely adequate, permeated by dead spots on the aged wooden floor and baskets lacking support which prevented dunking.

"We need a facility. Mount Saint Agnes and Saltus have gyms that would be great, if we could use them, but they have continually turned us down,'' he said. "Hopefully something can be done at one of the bases where all the so-called minor sports can have somewhere to call home and be able to create youth programmes.

"We are loaded with talent, but have very few outlets for this talent to be expressed.''