Top 5 — Cedella Marley and AJ Dybantsa Champion Jamaica Basketball
PLUS: Terrance Mann deepens ties to Saint Lucia, Montego Bay emerges as a sports tourism hub, and more
Whatsup Squad,
Let’s jump into the top stories of the week:
⭐️ FEATURE STORY
Cedella Marley and AJ Dybantsa Champion Jamaica Basketball
Cedella Marley, daughter of Bob and Rita Marley, famously helped shepherd the Reggae Girlz to back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances.
Now, she is channelling that same energy into basketball.
Marley played a pivotal role in facilitating the visit of AJ Dybantsa, the projected #1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
When asked about potentially representing Jamaica, he didn’t close the door.
Regardless of Dybantsa’s decision, the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) is gaining momentum in its recruiting efforts, just in time for the FIBA World Cup Pre-Qualifiers this August.
Bottom Line - With youth programs launching in 60 primary schools and a wave of overseas talent showing interest, Jamaica Basketball is looking stronger than ever.
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🇱🇨 Saint Lucia
Terrance Mann Boosts Saint Lucia Basketball
With Atlanta now his NBA home, Terrance Mann plans more frequent trips to Saint Lucia and more investments in its basketball future.
The 28-year-old Hawks swingman, traded from the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this season, sees his new team’s proximity as a chance to deepen ties to his parents’ homeland.
During a recent visit, Mann hosted a clinic for young Saint Lucian players, sharing his journey and outlining his foundation’s plans, from sneaker donations to plans for a new court.
But he’s not the only NBA player from Saint Lucia. Born in Castries, the 26-year-old Chris Boucher is in his second year with the Toronto Raptors.
Bottom Line - These players have the power to take Saint Lucia basketball to the next level. Mann and his team have been in discussion with the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports regarding the possible location of a new court.
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🇯🇲 Jamaica
Bunny Shaw Wins Second Straight Golden Boot
Khadija “Bunny” Shaw is a superstar.
Even an untimely injury couldn’t stop her from reclaiming her throne atop England’s Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL).
The Jamaican star forward once again finished the 2024–25 season as the league’s joint top scorer.
Despite missing much of the season due to injury, the Manchester City striker tallied 12 goals, tying with Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, who required 21 games to reach the same total.
Bottom Line - As a trailblazer for Caribbean athletes on the world stage, her back-to-back Golden Boot titles underscore a career that’s already rewriting the narrative for Jamaican and Caribbean footballers in elite competition.
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🇯🇲 Jamaica
Montego Bay Emerges as Sports Tourism Hub
Montego Bay is becoming a hub for sports tourism and community development.
Sunday’s ninth staging of the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run drew a record turnout of approximately 6,500 local and international participants.
Participating in the event for the first time, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness praised the event for its execution and growth potential.
Races like this generate significant income for local businesses, create employment opportunities, and elevate Jamaica’s profile on the international stage.
Bottom Line - With continued support and strategic planning, the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run can grow into a major international race that attracts overseas patrons year after year seeking a unique Caribbean running experience.
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🇮🇳 India / 🇵🇰 Pakistan
IPL to Resume May 17 after India-Pakistan Ceasefire
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the world’s biggest and most valuable cricket league.
After being suspended for a week amid fighting between India and Pakistan, the IPL will resume on May 17 following the announcement of a ceasefire between the neighboring nations.
This year, the league features 65 international cricketers, including 8 from the West Indies.
Before its suspension, the league was approaching its final phase. Originally scheduled for late May, the final is now set for June 3.
Bottom Line - With each IPL match generating a staggering $15.1 million in broadcast fees, league organizers were under pressure to avoid further delays. A prolonged suspension would have created scheduling chaos in an already packed international cricket calendar.
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Until next time ✌🏾
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