Jamaica Basketball Just Got a Major Upgrade
And why this NBA star's commitment is only the beginning
Whatsup Squad,
Jamaica just landed its biggest basketball recruit yet.
NBA veteran Norman Powell made his commitment official via Instagram.
While it may seem like the announcement from the Los Angeles Clippers guard is coming out of left field, it’s the result of a long campaign to get the Jamaica national team on the biggest stage.
Powell Kicks Off a New Era
The Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) is the national governing body for the sport on the island.
And Powell, a seasoned NBA scorer and NBA champion, has been among JaBA’s top targets.
Over the last 10 years, basketball has become the fastest growing sport on the island, and today ranks in the top five in terms of participation and popularity.
JaBA President Paulton Gordon emphasized the importance of this recruiting campaign, not only for World Cup qualification but also as a step towards potential Olympic participation in 2028.
According to Gordon, Norman Powell has been eager to represent Jamaica.
“His leadership and experience will go a far way in guiding the younger players as we enter the pre-World Cup qualifiers. His mission is to help establish Jamaica as a basketball powerhouse in the region.”
The UCLA alum is having the best season of his 10-year NBA career, averaging over 22 points per game while shooting 42% from three-point range.
He will make his debut at the upcoming FIBA World Cup Americas Pre-Qualifiers, set for August 8–10, 2025.
JaBA’s Recruiting Campaign
The coaching staff, led by Head Coach Rick Turner, has been working diligently to recruit top-tier talent, particularly from the NBA.
Nick Richards (Phoenix Suns) is the only active NBA player that was born in Jamaica, but there are many more with Jamaican roots.
It’s these players, like Norman Powell, who can elevate the squad’s competitive level and position Jamaica as a serious contender for future Olympic qualification.
Who else is on the radar?
Amen and Ausar Thompson (Houston Rockets & Detroit Pistons)
Isaiah Stewart (Detroit Pistons)
Julian & Justin Champagnie (San Antonio Spurs & Washington Wizards)
Josh Minott (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Less than two seasons into their careers, the 22-year-old Thompson twins have emerged as two of the brightest young stars in the game, showcasing elite athleticism and defense.
Amen and Ausar Thompson’s father Troy is of Jamaican descent. His brother (their uncle) Mark Thompson, was a 400-meter hurdler for Jamaica at the 1992 Olympics.
These players have expressed interest in representing Jamaica, but some face obstacles in securing eligibility under FIBA regulations.
Jobs Not Finished
One of the biggest hurdles in assembling a competitive squad has been player eligibility.
FIBA requires players to have obtained their passports before the age of 16 to be eligible to represent a national team.
While many of the targeted players meet this requirement, others, such as Norman Powell, acquired their Jamaican passports later and require a special appeal.
In addition to eligibility concerns, logistics and financial constraints present challenges.
JaBA is turning to both the Ministry of Sports and the Jamaica Olympic Association, which is keen on getting more sports to the Olympics.
The Cedella Marley Foundation and KFC Jamaica (my favorite sports sponsor) have also stepped in to provide support.
Final Thoughts
With the pre-qualifiers set for this August, the window to fill out the roster is short.
But the unprecedented interest from NBA players is reason for optimism.
If Jamaica advances past the pre-qualifiers, the next qualification stage will feature home games, bringing high-level basketball to the island.
A strong squad would not only be a game-changer for the national team, but it would also be a major boost for national interest and investment.
Until next time ✌🏾
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