in anticipation of further developing and improving the sport locally.

Instrumental in the recruiting of former Chicago Bulls guard Craig Hodges for a clinic earlier this year, the 32-year-old Evans is set to start operation of a Small Fry Basketball Clinic at Whitney Institute on November 27.

"Small Fry gives the intermediate basketball player the opportunity to develop their skills under instruction and the opportunity to play with smaller baskets,'' explained Evans, who played with Hodges at Chicago's Rich East High School under current University of Michigan head coach Steve Fisher.

"It's for kids who are at the stage where they like the game, but with a 10-foot basket it's out of their range and tends to develop bad (shooting) habits.

"Small Fry plays under an eight-and-a-half-foot basket so that when they let go their shots they're actually shooting the ball, because it's within their strength level.

Small fry is an international league and it is Evans' intention to derive a squad of 15 to compete in next year's tournament in Tampa, Florida.

However, while basketball is the basis of the clinic, the focus is much more far reaching.

"A lot of the focus is going to be on the camaraderie and unity,'' added Evans. "The things that it takes to be successful in a team framework, also the things we need in our society -- working together, working with each other, playing hard, but still at the end of the day everybody comes together.'' Evans, who will be assisted by other senior players, is hoping that this new crop of youngsters will form the framework for continued growth of the sport locally and lead to educational opportunities abroad as well as competition among other members of the CARICOM.

The clinic runs for 12 weeks -- Saturday evenings 6-8 p.m. -- carries a cost of $35 and is open to children under five feet tall and 12 years or younger -- the child may turn 13 after September 1.

Registration will take place on Saturday, November 20 at Whitney Institute School Office from 5.30 p.m. until 7.30 p.m.