Fresh off being named ambassador for the Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA), Cedella Marley welcomed a major addition to the national programme: veteran forward Tyran de Lattibeaudiere, who has officially declared his availability for Jamaica’s FIBA 2027 World Cup pre-qualifying campaign, set for August.
“We're excited to announce that Tyran de Lattibeaudiere, the 6'7" forward who plays for Start Lublin in Poland, will be joining our national team for FIBA qualifiers in August,” Marley shared on Instagram. “After a standout collegiate run at Lamar University… he’s built a respected international career, and now he’s coming home to represent Jamaica.”
Marley’s new role as JABA ambassador was recently announced by the association’s president, Paulton Gordon, as part of a renewed push to energise the sport across the island. The addition of de Lattibeaudiere—alongside NBA stars Norman Powell (LA Clippers) and Josh Minott (Minnesota Timberwolves), and returning internationals Romario Gill, Kenton Facey, and potentially Kofi Cockburn—underscores the momentum now building around Jamaica’s senior men’s team.
In a video statement, de Lattibeaudiere confirmed his commitment:
“I just want to announce that I’ll be taking part with the Jamaican national basketball team this summer. I look forward to working with Coach Turner and the national team programme and meeting all the new players. I’m excited—and I hope you are too. Let’s go.”
The 33-year-old forward is coming off a strong season with Start Lublin in Poland, averaging 14.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 57 per cent from the field. Known for his defensive versatility and athleticism, de Lattibeaudiere brings with him more than a decade of professional experience in France, Israel, Taiwan, Poland, and Switzerland.
A standout at Lamar University, he was named Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year, earned All-Southland Second Team and All-Defensive Team honours, and quickly transitioned into a respected international pro. Since 2015, he has consistently produced on both ends of the floor, averaging double figures in points in nearly every season and earning a reputation as a tough, two-way contributor.
With Coach Rick Turner assembling one of Jamaica’s most promising national teams in years, de Lattibeaudiere’s inclusion deepens a growing roster built to compete at the highest level. Jamaica will begin its FIBA pre-qualifiers in August, with matches set for Mexico or Chile, as the Reggae Hoop Boyz eye a historic qualification for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
With Cedella Marley’s influence behind the scenes and marquee players committing on the court, Jamaican basketball may be on the verge of a long-awaited breakthrough on the global stage.