When the Jamaica men’s basketball team takes to the court to face off against Barbados today in their opening game of the FIBA World Cup Americas Pre-Qualifiers, head coach Rick Turner believes it could be the first step in a historic campaign.
The Jamrockerz will face off against Barbados at the Arena Itson to open Group A action in the FIBA World Cup Pre-Qualifiers.
Entering in the second round, Jamaica have been drawn against Barbados, Costa Rica and hosts Mexico in Group A.
The top two teams from the group will advance to the FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers and join the seeded teams.
Turner, who is tasked with leading Jamaica on their quest for a first-ever FIBA World Cup berth, believes the results from the upcoming games could prove pivotal to Jamaican basketball.
In preparation for the tournament, the team underwent a week’s training camp in Boca Raton, Florida.
“We’ve been able to get the funding together to train in Boca Raton, Florida for a week leading up to the tournament in Mexico coming up August 8-10,” he said.
“The results of this tournament will change the face of basketball in Jamaica forever, if we have success.”
CREATING A TEAM
Turner explained that their training camp in Florida was pivotal to their preparations, as it allowed the coaches to make their final adjustments to the squad.
It also created a platform for the players to build on the team’s cohesion, which Turner believes will prove important on the court.
“I think the number one goal is to get 11, 12 guys working in unison. [We have to] Get them working together, get them communicating with each other, get them learning each other’s games.” Turner explained.
“I mean, we can try to put the guys in the right positions and we can do that. But them having the ability to play together unselfishly, I think we have the make-up of a team who can do that.”
He added, “I think time spent on the floor, minutes spent to together, that is what the goal is.”
Leading the lines for Jamaica will be Norman Powell of the Miami Heat.
Powell made his commitment to represent Jamaica earlier this year and was named in Turner’s squad for the pre-qualifiers.
PRIDE AND PASSION
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Powell said he is excited to don the black, green and gold of Jamaica and is looking forward to his first international tournament.
“The NBA guys in the USA team, when they go over and play against France, Nigeria, Mexico, Dominica Republic, they talk about how different it is, how different they play, and the passion and pride that they play with,” he said.
“So, for me, I’m excited to put the Jamaican uniform on and wear it with pride and go out there and give it 110 per cent.”
In a team filled with players from various backgrounds and play styles, Powell said the goal will be to prioritise team success over individual egos.
“I can see the passion within the players when I’m talking to them and learning about them, their upbringing and what it means to them to be able to play for Team Jamaica,” he said.
“So, for me, it’s all about pride and going out there and lay it all on the line. [It’s] not having an ego, but going out there and trying to represent the country and put my best foot forward, to learn and grow and push Jamaican basketball another step further for the next generation.”
The Jamaica versus Barbados match will tip off at 6 p.m. (Jamaica time).
