Winning a title is a feat in itself but to successfully defend it is a totally different ball game.However, according to Steven Simons that’s a real possibility as he and Bermuda’s national basketball team hit the final stretch of preparations for the upcoming Island Games.Simons, along with brother Jason and big man Dean Jones, will form the nucleus of the team while they have also got a timely boost from scoring machine Chris Crumpler who has made himself available for the trip along with professional Sullivan Phillips who has been playing in Greece.Simons believes the team assembled for this month’s Games will be just as good as the squad that won gold in Aaland two years ago.This year’s edition takes place on the Isle of Wight off England’s southern coast.“I’m very confident in the abilities of the players selected by the coaching staff,” said Simons. “As a team we always pride ourselves on unity and rely on our team-first attitude to achieve our goals.“Training is really getting intense as we edge closer to the Games. I can see the guys really starting to focus and getting serious about their responsibilities as well as the team’s goals. We are excited about the challenge that lies ahead. There is nothing like pulling that Bermuda jersey on and stepping out on the court to represent your country.“This Island Games will be a bit different as we have the target on our backs as returning gold medallists, but our goal will be the same as it always is to win gold. Anything else would be a let down.”Many of the players who were selected for the Games have played together previously on the international stage, something Simons is confident will be a major factor in retaining their title.He is well aware of the importance of a good showing this time around, knowing the 2013 Games takes place on local soil. But he knows it won’t be a walk in the park.One team that will have their eyes squarely on Bermuda will be Menorca, the side that lost their title in the championship game 83-75 after Simons hit a late three-pointer to send the game into overtime.Two issues that may not work in the Bermuda side’s favour is gym time and lack of funding, which go hand in hand.Yet Simons won’t harp too much on the negatives, although admitting some players couldn’t make the trek to the Isle of Wight due to financial difficulties.“I believe the team the coaching staff has selected is a very versatile and complete team,” he added.“Obviously once Sullivan Phillips returns to the Island in the next few days, the team will be whole again. Personally, I know Sulli is constantly working hard on his game and will be more than ready to compete upon his return.“In my opinion there a few issues that, if solved, could truly aid our preparation and that is more gym time we struggle to get sufficient gym time due to high costs, no availability and so forth and funding.“Each year we face a tremendous struggle to raise funds and players who would normally be available are unable to travel because they can’t afford it.”Squad: Steven Simons, Sullivan Phillips, Dean Jones, Jason Simons, Dale Jackson, Chris Crumpler, Dave Middleton, William Trott, Shannon Thompson, Aaron Jackson, John Lee, Ryan RabainManagement: Roderick Spencer, Head Coach; Gavin Mackenzie, Assistant Coach; Tim Trott, Assistant Coach; Brian Purvey, Team Manager