President of the Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA), Paulton Gordon, says the national programme is gaining momentum, with several overseas-based professionals, including NBA players, expressing strong interest in representing Jamaica as the country sets its sights on the 2027 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Speaking with Sportsmax.TV following a stakeholder mixer at the AC Hotel in Kingston on Friday night, Gordon revealed that the association is in advanced discussions with players such as Nick Richards, Josh Minott, and Kofi Cockburn about joining the national setup.
“We are comfortable and confident that we can have at least three overseas players joining the programme,” Gordon told Sportsmax.TV. “I spoke with the agent for Nick Richards over the weekend, and it looks promising based on his schedule.”
Minott, a rising prospect with the Minnesota Timberwolves, is also being targeted by JABA, while Cockburn, who plays professionally in Korea, was in attendance at the mixer—a sign Gordon described as "encouraging."
“His situation is ideal because he was born and raised here in Jamaica,” he said of Cockburn. “We’re looking forward to him joining the group as well.”
Gordon (second right) with Head Coach Rick Turner (right), prospective player Kofi Cockburn and Cedella Marley engage in conversation at the JABA Mixer at the AC Hotel.
Gordon added that several Jamaican-born players competing in European leagues have also expressed a willingness to suit up for the national team, depending on club obligations and scheduling.
With open tryouts set for July 5–6, and a national training camp to follow from July 28 to August 5, JABA is now moving swiftly to finalise its player pool and begin building a team capable of challenging on the global stage.
“We’re identifying players, locking in commitments, and ensuring we’re ready to perform at the highest level,” Gordon said. “That kind of preparation is vital if we’re going to put basketball on the global map for Jamaica.”
But while the short-term international goals are in clear focus, Gordon used the occasion of Friday’s mixer to also outline JABA’s long-term developmental vision, placing heavy emphasis on youth participation and structural investment.
A key component of that plan is to introduce basketball in 60 new primary schools across Jamaica over the next two to three years.
“We need to get more kids playing basketball from as early as age four or five,” Gordon told the gathering of administrators, coaches, sponsors, and prospective national players. “Track and field has a strong early foundation—we need the same. Basic school and primary school students should be playing the sport just like they run.”
The push will be supported by JABA’s partnership with the Ball Out Foundation, which will provide resources and coaching support to grassroots initiatives.
“If we build that base properly, it will naturally translate to better participation and performance at the high school level,” Gordon added. “From there, we can grow the sport into something Jamaica is known for internationally.”
He also reiterated the need for more schools to enter formal competition and urged collaboration from ISSA and other educational stakeholders to ensure sustainable development.
“I want to see basketball grow in our high schools,” Gordon said. “We already have representatives here tonight from ISSA and we want more schools involved. But it all begins with the foundation.”
With local support increasing and international talent showing interest, Gordon believes Jamaica’s basketball programme is entering a new era of potential.
“This is another important step,” he said. “We’re on the runway and just about ready to take off.”
Photos courtesy of Jamaica Social