“Wha’ Gwaan, My Yute!” NBA Star Norman Powell Soaks Up Culture and New Role with Jamaica Basketball
Norman Powell is embracing every moment of his first stint with the Jamaica men’s basketball team, from learning patois phrases like “Wha’ gwaan, my yute” to soaking up the FIBA style of play, as he prepares to make his debut in the upcoming FIBA World Cup pre-qualifiers in Mexico.
The Jamaicans, in camp since July 28 at the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena at Florida Atlantic University, will leave for Mexico on Wednesday. For Powell, whose parents are Jamaican, the opportunity is deeply personal.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Powell told Amin El Hassan on SiriusXM NBA Radio during Saturday’s practice session in Boca Raton. “I love my background. I don’t know much about it, and I feel like this is the opportunity for me to grow as a person, fill a void that’s been missing my whole life, and really support and play the game I love for a country that’s all about love and pride.”
The connection came through Jamaica head coach Rick Turner, who reached out to Powell two years ago.
“He DM’d me, and honestly, I thought it was fake,” Powell laughed. “I’m like, ‘Who is this dude?’ But we talked, and I told him whatever I can do to make it happen, I’m fully on board. At the time Jamaica didn’t have a team, but when the opportunity came, I was 100 per cent bought in.”
However, Powell revealed that the process could have started earlier had it not been for a decision made without his knowledge.
“The opportunity wasn’t presented to me through my agent at the time, he kind of gave Rick the answer for me without me knowing, which sucked,” Powell admitted. “I was really mad at that.”
Once he learned about the chance to represent Jamaica, Powell began the process of securing his Jamaican passport and completing the eligibility requirements, while also discussing ways he could help build and promote the programme. His commitment has since helped draw interest from other NBA players of Jamaican heritage, including the Thompson twins, Devin Vassell, and Scottie Barnes.
Since joining the squad, Powell has been as much a student as a leader. Teammates have been teaching him handshakes, patois greetings and cultural customs, while he shares NBA-level insights on timing, spacing, and professionalism.
“They’ve taught me how to pronounce certain words… ‘Wha’ gwaan, my yute, bless up, big up,’” he said with a grin. “They’ve joked that we’ve got to work on how I pronounce things and get me fluent. It’s been great dialogue and I’m just happy for the open arms on both sides.”
Powell has also been immersing himself in Jamaica’s food culture, revealing his go-to meal without hesitation.
“It’s oxtail, extra sauce, rice and peas, festivals, and then a side of jerk chicken, need it always,” he said, smiling. “And you can’t forget beef patties. I ordered two of them here in camp… I’m still waiting on them.”
On the court, Powell is using the FIBA competition as a way to refine his game.
“It’s a totally different game,” he said. “I think it’s going to help me grow and develop my skill set going into the league. Basketball is a game of knowledge that needs to be passed down and learned all across the world. I’m giving them what I know from the NBA, and they’re teaching me the FIBA game. It’s not just a one-way street.”
While Jamaica is his immediate focus, Powell is also preparing for a fresh chapter in his NBA career after being traded this offseason from the LA Clippers to the Miami Heat.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity that’s in front of me,” he said. “I think it’s a clear opportunity that I’ve been fighting for, being a focal point every single night. One thing about me that Heat fans know is you’ve got a guy that’s going to go through it and grow through it.”
For now, though, it’s all about wearing the black, green and gold and representing the land of his parents on the world stage.
“The more people supporting us, the more it grows what we’re trying to do here,” Powell said. “We have a lot of talent that’s really special, and we just need help to broadcast that and bring it to the world.”
Photos: @Tommynowels
