JaBA President Paulton Gordon Talks NBA Buzz and Jamaica’s Basketball Ambitions

Exclusive: JaBA President Paulton Gordon talks NBA buzz and Jamaica’s basketball ambitions, stating, “These players are bringing more awareness and visibility to what is happening with local basketball,” as he outlines the strategy, addresses infrastructure gaps, and highlights ongoing efforts to bring professional basketball to Jamaica

JaBA boss Paulton Gordon explains the challenges and outlines his vision to bring professional basketball to Jamaica

Jamaican basketball is experiencing a renewed wave of hope, as several NBA stars have recently been mentioned as potential players to strengthen the national team.

Among those names is Norman Powell, who recently completed an impressive season with the Los Angeles Clippers before being traded to the Miami Heat. Powell has already committed to representing Jamaica at the FIBA World Cup in 2027.

Other names recently thrown into the mix include the Thompson twins, Amen and Ausar, as well as Toronto Raptors guard Scottie Barnes. However, there’s still a long process ahead before the dream team can come to life.

"Norman Powell indicated that he is committed to the Jamaica national team. we have two other NBA players who are eligible and have expressed interest in playing in the summer FIBA World Cup qualifiers"

Jamaica Basketball Association President Paulton Gordon, who some may call the "Basketball Boss," sat down with Kaboom Magazine to discuss it all. “Some of these players have explicitly expressed the desire to one day represent the country. They are, however, at various stages of getting the requisite naturalization documents and passport,” Gordon explained.

“Norman Powell indicated that he is committed to the Jamaica national team, and this has also triggered a wave of interest. Currently, we have two other NBA players who are eligible and have expressed interest in playing in the summer FIBA World Cup qualifiers,” he further revealed.

FIBA regulations are strict when it comes to players switching national allegiance, particularly for those who did not obtain a passport from the country they wish to represent before the age of 16. Gordon acknowledged that it is indeed a process. “All of these players qualify by descent. The main challenge is the eligibility rule, which favors players who acquired their passport before the age of 16.” he said. “Essentially, the rule states that we can only use one player per tournament who falls into the category of receiving their Jamaican passport after turning 16. FIBA will, however, consider certain circumstances upon appeal.”

dove into the strategic thinking behind pursuing NBA players for Jamaica’s squad. “It is well known that the USA is the biggest market for basketball, with numerous international players contracted to franchises in the NBA. As a developing sport in Jamaica, the technical expertise and professional approach can only help to expedite the growth of basketball locally. It also sends a signal to the diaspora that we are open to engage in a sport that is not necessarily culturally aligned but has huge potential based on natural abilities.”

The veteran basketball administrator expanded on the discovery of talent with Jamaican roots, which, as noted, has recently gained momentum. “We are in touch with some agents who periodically indicate that players want to connect and give back based on lineage. In some instances, it’s the parents, other relatives, or friends who communicate the fact that these players are of Jamaican descent,” he explained.

“The NBA players are bringing more awareness and visibility to what is happening with basketball in Jamaica. JaBA has used the opportunity to highlight the needs at the grassroots level and the required infrastructure,” he added, when asked about recent visits from players like Amen and Ausar Thompson. The Thompson twins also gave motivational speeches to inspire the next generation of local basketball talent.

The local players during  trials for the national basketball team

“These players are household names among basketball fans in Jamaica. Visits to schools and communities provide an opportunity to engage with the youth and speak about the pathway to becoming a professional player, as well as the sacrifices involved.”

Fresh off the recent trials for the national basketball team, Gordon emphasized that bringing professional basketball to Jamaica has always been part of his vision. “The JaBA board has embarked on a program to expand the number of primary schools involved in basketball,” Gordon shared. “It is important to broaden the pool of players at the mini level and introduce children to the game at a young age. In partnership with the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation, it is our intention to introduce basketball across the length and breadth of the country. An important step will be to provide training for the P.E. teachers in these primary schools.”

"Local players would also benefit from playing high school and club leagues indoors."

With the local league still relying heavily on outdoor venues and limited indoor facilities, Gordon and his team are taking crucial steps to improve infrastructure, create more training spaces, and potentially build an international-standard arena.

“We think that basketball provides an opportunity to diversify the tourism product. Professional players who visit the island often request a space for off-season training that mirrors the facilities they have in North America and Europe,” he described.

“JaBA will continue to lobby both the public and private sectors, emphasizing the need and the opportunities this presents. Local players would also benefit from playing high school and club leagues indoors, which would better simulate the conditions they’ll face when representing the country at the international level,” Gordon echoed.