Triston McDonald Returns from BWB Ready to Lead Jamaica’s Charge at Centrobasket
After three intense days at Basketball Without Borders Americas in El Salvador, Jamaica U17 basketball standout Triston McDonald has returned home to the United States with renewed confidence, sharper skills, and a clearer sense of what it will take to lead Jamaica to success at next month’s FIBA Centrobasket U17 Championship.
The Atlanta-based guard, who will suit up for Jamaica at the July 16–20 tournament, described the camp as a pivotal moment in his development.
“It was good,” McDonald said. “I had great competition, and I felt like I did really good.”
More than the competition, McDonald said the biggest growth came from stepping into a new role.
“I probably played more of a point guard role for my team—moving the ball, playing with my teammates—and that really helped me grow. My leadership improved a lot. Also, my passing and playing out of the pick and roll got better.”
He wasn’t alone on this journey. Longtime teammate and friend D’Marley Elliot was also in El Salvador, and the two were not only placed on the same team but also shared a room.
“That made the whole experience even better,” McDonald said. “We spent a lot of time together, but I also built other friendships with players from different countries.”
Among them was Ralph Scott of Bermuda, who won MVP of the camp and played alongside McDonald. He also connected with top Canadian prospects including Paul, ranked No. 3 in Canada’s 2027 class, and Chris, another high-level guard. Anderson Diaz of the Dominican Republic also stood out.
“Those guys were really skilled, and they moved the ball well,” McDonald said. “That’s why their countries are doing so well in basketball. They know how to play as a team and get others involved.”
Although players were kept mostly at the hotel and didn’t get a chance to explore El Salvador, McDonald said the cultural diversity of the camp itself left an impression—and helped validate his belief in his own abilities.
“I got to compare my skill set to theirs and realized I can compete with all those guys,” he said. “That really helped my confidence.”
McDonald believes the experience has prepared him to take the next step with Jamaica’s U17 team, which is aiming to finally break into the top three at Centrobasket and qualify for the FIBA U18 Americas Championship in 2026.
“I think this will help me lead the team,” he said. “I believe we can win some games and definitely qualify. The goal is top three—we want to get past sixth place this time.”
With his eyes now fixed on Centrobasket, McDonald says his Basketball Without Borders experience was not just a moment—it was a catalyst.
“I’ve seen what the best looks like,” he said. “Now I’m ready to help Jamaica get there too.”
