The Jamaican National Team for basketball is due to see a massive influx of talent as eight NBA players have announced their decision to join and represent the country. Featuring the likes of Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes and the Thompson twins, the Jamaican team is in for a massive talent upgrade.
The news regarding changes to the Jamaican men’s basketball team’s roster started gaining attention when the twins, Amen and Ausar Thompson, announced their interest in representing them. The Thompson twins are two of the most talented young players in the league. While boasting freak athletic ability and physical toughness, the two have also shown an innate gift for the game.
While this was a noteworthy addition in and of itself, the Jamaican team gradually sees an influx of more NBA players. As the Thompson twins are undergoing the passport process, the Jamaican team continues to be engaged in talks with Raptors All-Star Scottie Barnes, Spurs guard Devin Vassell, and Pistons center Isaiah Stewart.
The notion of adding more talented players is truly exciting. While the Thompson twins are impressive, Barnes is a genuine All-Star. As an immensely gifted forward, the addition of the 23-year-old could have massive connotations for the roster strength, as he averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game last season.
Along with these five players, Jamaica will also feature the likes of Clippers forward Norman Powell. Powell is a savvy veteran who is coming off an impressive season with the Clippers. His averages of 21.8 points and 3.2 rebounds on 48.4% shooting from the field and 41.8% from beyond the arc would earn him a starter’s spot on any team in the league. His addition could be a huge boost to the team’s depth.
The national team already featured two NBA players in Suns center Nick Richards and Wolves guard Josh Minott. Although the two don’t receive much playing time in the NBA, they remain mainstays in Jamaica’s national team.
Jamaica has produced a number of noteworthy players in its past. Wayne Sappleton was the first Jamaican-born player to be drafted to the NBA. Meanwhile, former Pacers center Roy Hibbert was a runner-up for the Defensive Player Of The Year award in the 2013-14 season.
The most iconic Jamaican-born player, however, was Knicks legend Patrick Ewing. While being the first Jamaican-born player to be drafted first overall, he also went on to have a stellar career, with 11x All-Star selections and one All-NBA first team selection. Although he never represented his home country, he managed to win two gold medals at the Olympics for Team USA.
The influx of talent from the NBA could signal a new era for Jamaican basketball. With young players paving the way, the team is likely to see massive changes in their performances, potentially leading to greater representation on the world stage.
