Turner Confident but Cautious as Jamaica Nears End of Camp Ahead of FIBA World Cup Pre-Qualifiers
Jamaica men’s basketball head coach Rick Turner says the team is in a good place as it works through the final days of its training camp at the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena at Florida Atlantic University, but he is maintaining a cautious optimism ahead of the FIBA World Cup pre-qualifiers in Mexico.
The 12-man squad has been in camp since July 28 and will wrap up preparations on August 6 before departing for Mexico on Wednesday to face Barbados, Costa Rica and hosts Mexico in back-to-back-to-back games. The final roster has already been submitted to FIBA, who will release the names of the selected players in due course.
Turner said one of the biggest boosts to the camp has been the presence of newly signed Miami Heat guard Norman Powell, whose experience and leadership have been felt both on and off the court.
“There’s no doubt he’s had a large impact, not only in his play but in his leadership,” Turner said. “He’s expressed an interest in being a more vocal leader in his career and has used this opportunity to show that. Our guys really respect him as a man, for his professional career, and for what he’s done as a player. His thoughts, outlook, and insight on the game are invaluable.”
The camp has focused heavily on building chemistry in a short space of time, with the players living, eating, and training together daily. On Sunday, the team got its first taste of action against outside opposition, taking on a group of local professional and college players in a scrimmage aimed at testing combinations and sharpening execution.
Turner said he is still fine-tuning the team’s style of play, noting his preference for an up-tempo approach but remaining flexible.
“I’d like to be a really up-tempo team, but if that doesn’t fit our style, then we’ll find the style that’s most successful for us,” he explained. “If we have to grind it out in the half court, we have a pretty good player to rely on in that setting. But if we can create some offence through our defence, that would really help us as we try to advance through this thing.”
While the coach is upbeat about the team’s chances, he stressed the importance of respecting their opponents.
“We’re very confident heading into Mexico, but we’re also extremely respectful of the three opponents we have in back-to-back-to-back games,” Turner said. “We’ll go in confident, certainly not overconfident, feeling good about ourselves, but also with the utmost respect for Barbados, Costa Rica, and Mexico.”
Photos: @tommynowels
