GIE Maile Matrix return to United Cup of Champions, set to win their 5th title

The Matrix will once again represent the United States (UBA) in the 2021 United Cup of Champions.

The United Cup of Champions will be held in La Vega for the first year from July 21-26.

This will be the seventh consecutive year that the Matrix will be invited in the annual tournament.

The invitation was intended for the Atlanta Savage (UBA) since the Matrix declined returning for 2021 due to covid, but Matrix legend Jermaine Barnes had a change of heart.

“The United Cup is the best tournament in Latin America,” Barnes said.  We didn’t return because of our showing in 2020 based on covid and lack of talent.  But I decided to coach this season and not play.  I signed for amazing players that can represent the UBA in a good light.  So we will be there for our title. 

2021 GIE Maile Matrix Roster:

Joshua Montgomery (6'5)

Ethan Bradshaw (6'1)

DeQuan Jones (6'8)

Marquin Chandler (6'8)

Steffon Bradford (6'6)

Freddie Williams (6'1)

Ron Watson (6'5)

Zeke Marashall (7'1)

Keith Closs (7'3)

Nick Banyard (6'8)

Coach (s):  J.D. Barnes, Will De La Cruz

Matrix finished second in last year’s meet when it fell to Dominican’s ball club Santiago Basket in the finals.

The Matrix will have their hands full as the top club teams from all over the region will slug it out for the crown.  This season you will see two representing clubs of La Vega, two from American (including GIE), Turks Island and England.

The GIE Maile Matrix won the first ever United Cup of Champions (formerly the Copa Mitchell Cup) back in 2015.  They hold the most titles in league history with four including four MVP players.

2015 – John Humphrey (21.4ppg)

2016 – Erron Maxey (26.0ppg)

2017 – Jermaine Barnes (28.9ppg)

2018 – Marquin Chandler (22.5ppg)

For more information follow the United Cup @theunitedcup.com.