Jamaican talents seek opportunities in college basketball

ST. CATHERINE - A group of promising Jamaican players will have the chance to portray their talents in front of some of the best collegiate basketball programs in the United States during the 19th Star Search Basketball Camp. The recruitment process was certified by the NCAA in 2017 and this year will take place from July 14 to 19 at the GC Foster College in St. Catherine.

During the camp endorsed by the Jamaican Basketball Association (JABA) the players may be recruited by coaches and scouts, with the objective of receiving scholarships to study and play in first and second division colleges overseas.

“It's an important part of the development of basketball in Jamaica, something on which we can place more emphasis and focus more this summer,” said to FIBA.com Rick Turner, coach of the national men’s team.

“The idea is to gain more exposition for the youth that are currently in Jamaica. Bring international coaches that can help and train players and coaches, spread the word about players so that they can find them places to play in the United States, and start developing the youth program in those aspects,” said the coach.

These rookies will try to follow the footsteps of coveted prospect Kofi Cockburn, a 6’10” and 280-pound center born in Kingston, who is among the best 30 players in his position (5-star recruit) and who recently made a commitment with University of Illinois in the NCAA's first division.

Already in the next level is Nick Richards, of University of Kentucky. He’s a 21-year-old, 6’11” center that produces 4 points and 3 rebounds per game in his second year under the lead of respected coach John Calipari.

Warren Williams is another one of the Jamaican treasures in foreign lands. In his second season with Manhattan College, the 20-year-old, 6’9” small forward from Kingston has grown in the New York institution, with an offensive contribution of 9 points and 4 rebounds per game.

In Seton Hall University is Romaro Gill, a 7’2” center born in St. Thomas, who is currently on his third year. Because of his size, he represents a priceless potential for the Jamaican national team.

The Caribbean country also achieved the gold medal in recent days during the Special Olympics in Dubai, in the unified men’s basketball category.

FIBA