Head coach of Jamaica’s Senior Men’s Basketball Team Rick Turner has outlined his vision for how the Reggae Hoop Boyz will play as they gear up for a historic run at the FIBA 2027 World Cup pre-qualifiers, set to take place this August in either Mexico or Chile.
Speaking ahead of the team’s final squad assembly, Turner expressed excitement about the calibre of talent committed to the programme so far. Norman Powell of the LA Clippers, Josh Minott of the Minnesota Timberwolves, former NBA center Romaro Gill, and versatile forward Kenton Facey are all expected to suit up for Jamaica, with standout big man Kofi Cockburn also likely to join the charge.
“With the players we’ve assembled, I hope to play a really up-tempo style,” Turner said. “That’s the goal—get out in transition, own the glass, and just go.”
The addition of Powell, who Turner described as “one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA,” gives Jamaica a potent offensive weapon around whom the team can build its attacking thrust. But while scoring is important, the foundation of Jamaica’s game, Turner stressed, will be built on defence and physicality.
Norman Powell
“We have to defend first. There are three things you have to do in basketball: hit first, own the glass, and defend,” he said. “Then you get out and go—you attack the basket. We’re going to do all of those things, but it starts with defence.”
Jamaica’s road to the FIBA World Cup will begin with a short but intense eight-day training camp in Miami, scheduled for July 29 to August 5, as the coaching staff works to develop chemistry in a relatively short time frame.
“We need to get these guys in a training camp, get them to know each other, and cram as much as we can into those eight days,” Turner explained. “It’s a beautiful game, and we want to show the world what Jamaica can do.”
The campaign represents Jamaica’s best chance in years to make a serious push toward qualification for the FIBA Basketball World Cup, a feat never before achieved by the island. With top-tier talent, a defined playing philosophy, and a growing belief, Turner’s squad is preparing to take on the challenge—and make history.