How Jamaica Are About To Shake Up The International Basketball Scene

Several NBA starts are set to switch from Team USA to Jamaica, but just how good could the Jamrockerz be?

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Jamaica are not exactly a nation that you would associate with basketball. Past or present, there are not many Jamaican players who have made it to the NBA, or who come to mind - Patrick Ewing being the notable exception.

Ewing, the first Jamaican player to be drafted first overall to basketball’s best league, was a legendary player for the New York Knicks. An 11x All-Star, 1x All-NBA first-teamer, 2x Olympic Gold Medallist, and the 1985-86 Rookie of the Year. Ewing was fantastic.

However, other than Ewing, Jamaica’s produced talents include Samardo Samuels, Rumeal Robison, and Roy Hibbert.

Nevertheless, in the modern day, the Jamrockerz have a new generation of players in the NBA, who are ready to commit and play in yellow and green.

There is also now an increased level of opportunity in international basketball, following the success of South Sudan, qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and Germany winning the FIBA World Cup, Depending on the selection of Team USA, there is a huge chance for considerably smaller nations, which could see Jamaica reap some large rewards.

But who are those players and how could this affect the international basketball scene – could Jamaica begin to challenge nations such as America, Canada, France, and Germany?

Amen Thompson – Point Guard

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One of the most exciting young talents in basketball. Jamaica could be a real steal if Jamaica can tempt an athletic freak like Amen Thompson to commit to their nation.

Within his second season in the NBA, Thompson was a large part of a superb Houston Rocket’s team that finished as the second-best team in the Western Conference while individually, the 22-year-old was named in the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team.

As a young guard, Thompson could be a huge part of Jamaica’s core for several years in the future, the No. 4 overall pick of the 2024 draft, having averaged 14.1 points per game in his last campaign.

Norman Powell – Shooting Guard

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Already committed to the team, Norman Powell is coming off the best season in his career, averaging 21.8 points, 2.1 assists, and 3.2 rebounds on 48.4% efficiency for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Powell is a pure scorer and when in the backcourt, next to a guard like Amen Thompson – the 32-year-old can perfectly compliment his partner’s playstyle as the team’s first or second option.

After not representing the States, Powell’s name is set to be on the list to represent the Reggae Boys in 2027, and the experience of having a winner could be crucial for Jamaica – Powell having won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in the 2018-19 season.

Devin Vassell – Small Forward

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A part of the Victor Wenbenyama-led San Antonio Spurs; Devin Vassell is another strong bucket-getter that could be on this Jamaica team.

Eligible to play through his father, Vassell is a young wing who has had a slightly inconsistent start to his NBA career. A versatile finisher and skilled 3-level scorer, the 24-year-old recorded 16.3 points, 2.9 assists, and rebounds last campaign – a 3.2-point drop from his stats in the 2023/24 season.

Not the flashiest name or a player that can rival the names on a roster such as Team USA. However, similar to their potential center, Vassell is a great player for Jamaica to have, piecing together their team and offering another option in offense.

Scottie Barnes – Power Forward

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Potentially the most exciting name that could be on Jamaica’s team come the World Cup 2027 Americas Pre-Qualifiers is Scottie Barnes. A forward for the Toronto Raptors and a star in the NBA, Barnes is eligible to represent the nation through his father’s side of the family.

Barnes was previously part of Team USA at the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup, winning a gold medal but the forward has never represented the Stars and Stripes at senior level, leaving the door open for Jamaica.

Barnes would become a national superstar. The player on the back of jerseys and the leader of the Jamaican basketball team. At 23 years old, the sky is the limit, having averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists for the Raptors last season.

Isaiah Stewart – Center

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A feisty and physical big that boards the basketball. Isaiah Stewart could be a valuable and fantastic connecting piece for Jamaica.

Stewart has been a bundle of energy for the Pistons since being drafted to Detroit, and while at times his temper can be a detriment, the center could be the ‘nasty’ and aggressive presence that Jamaica need and can thrive off on the defensive side of the ball.

Averaging 6.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, Stewart can be an above-average addition for Jamaica, acting as their giant at the five spot.

Other Rotational Options

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 Alongside their potential starting five, Jamaica have also been in the market for some rotational options, attempting to convince many other players. Nevertheless, in the modern landscape, the second apron is important more than ever – separating a good team from a great team.

Joining his brother on the team, Ausar Thompson is another player mentioned when it comes to representing Jamaica, the 22-year-old is a phenomenal defensive tool on the Detroit Pistons.

Additionally, Josh Minnott and Nick Richards are also rumoured to be in the reckoning, giving Jamaica further NBA talent and options from the bench.

How Good Could The Jamrockerz Become?

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Currently ranked 107th in FIBA world rankings, it’s clear to say that Jamaica have plenty of work to do and room to go when it comes to becoming a force in the international basketball team.

However, with the talent that is coming in, the Caribbean nation could rocket up the ranks quickly.

When it comes to making their debuts and seeing this possible team in action, Jamaica are set to compete in the FIBA Americas Pre-Qualifiers – the Jamrockerz facing Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Costa Rice, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

From the competition, the top four teams will then move on to the FIBA Americas Qualifiers, the next stage of their route to the 2027 World Cup, and when it comes to seeing just how good this team could be – you will have to wait to see this team at the top level before you can judge.

Nevertheless, if they can make it official and convince these top players to commit, the future of Jamaica could be incredibly bright in the basketball world.