Santo Domingo. – Dominican player Marques Townes expressed his dissatisfaction with the way his possible incorporation into the senior national basketball team has been handled for the next FIBA qualifying window towards the 2027 World Cup.
Through a statement released on its social media, Townes explained that on January 20th his team received an official communication from the Dominican Basketball Federation (Fedombal), in which his release was requested to join the tricolor team.
Following that notification, the guard indicated that he began his preparation for international commitments and that his family coordinated a trip to San Diego, purchasing non-refundable airline tickets, with the understanding that his participation was confirmed.
However, he pointed out that so far he has not received logistical information or definitive confirmation about his inclusion in the squad. According to him, through his agent he was informed that there was “uncertainty” regarding his call-up and that “it might not be worth it” to integrate him. Likewise, he stated that a final decision was promised to him, which has not yet been notified to him.
Townes expressed that he understands that roster decisions are a natural part of professional basketball, but he felt that the process lacked the proper formality. In his message, he requested greater clarity and communication, underlining that he has always answered the call to represent the country and that he expects reciprocity in the treatment.
Upcoming commitments
Recently, Fedombal announced a list of 24 eligible players to form 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 Arena Frontwave in Oceanside, California, and will later play against Nicaragua on March 1 at the Alexis Argüello sports complex in Managua.
The country seeks to secure its fourth consecutive World Cup qualification and the fifth in its history. In these continental qualifiers, 16 national 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.
