Buckfield 3×3 Signals Revival of Organized Hoops in Jamaica’s Northern Conference
After a lengthy hiatus from organized basketball activity in Jamaica’s Northern Conference, the Buckfield 3×3 Basketball Tournament has delivered exactly the kind of spark the region needed. Held in Ocho Rios, the event was met with an enthusiastic response from both players and fans, signaling that appetite for the sport remains very much alive in St. Ann and St. Mary. More than 40 players showed up to compete, with teams travelling from as far as Kingston and Montego Bay to battle for cash prizes, trophies, and medals. The turnout left organizers visibly elated and validated their decision to bring competitive basketball back to the north. The Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) lent its full support to the initiative. Khurt Comrie, JaBA’s 2nd Vice President, was on hand at the event and donated the championship trophy on behalf of the Association. “What was good is that the organizers on the ground here in Ocho Rios saw the need to get basketball bouncing again,” said Comrie. “They reached out for support and we couldn’t miss the opportunity to help restart basketball in St. Ann and St. Mary, and this is just a first step to doing so.” What made the occasion even more significant is that the Buckfield 3×3 is a certified FIBA 3×3 event. That designation means every player who competed earned official FIBA 3×3 ranking points, which will contribute to the continued improvement of Jamaica’s standing in international 3×3 basketball. On the court, Hoopers from St. Ann were crowned Champions, claiming top honours in front of a home crowd. Team Unknown from Montego Bay put in a strong performance to finish as runners-up, while Buckfield rounded out the podium in third place. The event is being celebrated not only as a competitive success, but as a community one, proof that when local organizers and national bodies work together, basketball can thrive anywhere on the island. JaBA looks forward to building on this momentum as part of a broader effort to grow the game throughout Jamaica’s northern parishes.
Kofi Delivers Stellar Season for Hiroshima and Jamaica
Jamaican 🇯🇲 international Kofi Cockburn continued to dominate the Japan B.League during the 2025–2026 season with the Hiroshima Dragonflies. Each game he anchored the team with a near double-double performance, averaging 17.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per game across 56 matches. His efficiency remained elite, shooting 60.6% from the field while contributing 2 assists and 2.4 blocks per outing. Although the Dragonflies secured a 31–29 mid level record, Kofi’s season had bright moments which included a standout performance earlier this month where he recorded a game-high 34 points and 16 rebounds. On the career front, Cockburn reached a major milestone early in the campaign by entering the 1,500-point club, ultimately finishing the season with 1,893 career points so far. His impact extended internationally as well, representing Jamaica in the World Cup Qualifiers with averages of 16.5 points and 12 rebounds per game. Cockburn’s blend of rim protection, scoring efficiency, and leadership solidified his status as one of the league’s premier centers. Cockburn’s blend of rim protection, scoring efficiency, and leadership continues to solidify his status as one of the league’s premier centers and a key ambassador for Jamaican basketball on the global stage.
JaBA and ISSA Restarts Girls U14 Basketball Tournament
JaBA and ISSA Restarts Girls U14 Tournament The Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA), in partnership with ISSA, will launch the inaugural Girls Under-14 Basketball Tournament on Friday, May 22, 2026 at the National Stadium, tip-off 9:00 AM. The event revives competitive basketball for young female athletes, filling a crucial gap in Jamaica’s development pathway. 144 players from 12 Kingston schools are expected to compete, gaining vital experience for future national team progression. “This tournament is the foundation of a movement,” said JaBA General Secretary Makeisha Robinson. “We are committed to giving Jamaica’s young women the platform they deserve to compete, grow, and represent the nation.” JaBA plans to expand the U14 tournament nationwide with regional qualifiers leading to a championship, ensuring structured youth basketball across Jamaica. By targeting U14 athletes, JaBA and ISSA are investing in the long-term future of Jamaica’s women’s basketball, aligning with international best practices and raising visibility for girls’ sports. A NATIONAL VISION: PHASED EXPANSION FROM 2027 What begins as a 12-team competition in Kingston is only the starting point. JaBA has outlined an ambitious phased expansion plan beginning in 2027, with the goal of rolling out the Girls U14 Tournament nationwide bringing structured, ISSA-endorsed youth basketball to every corner of Jamaica. The expansion roadmap envisions regional qualifying rounds feeding into a national championship, creating a sustainable and scalable competition structure that will serve Jamaica’s young female athletes for generations to come. TOURNAMENT PARTNERS This year’s Girls U14 Basketball Tournament is made possible through the generous support of two distinguished Jamaican institutions: Bob & Rita Marley Foundation – Official Support Partner A cornerstone of Jamaican cultural and humanitarian legacy, the Bob & Rita Marley Foundation brings tremendous prestige and community significance to this tournament. Their partnership underscores the deep connection between Jamaican culture, community development, and youth empowerment values that sit at the heart of this competition. TAD Water — Official Hydration Partner TAD Water, Jamaica’s homegrown flavoured bottled water brand, steps in as the Official Hydration Partner for the event, ensuring all 144 athletes, coaching staff, and match officials remain fuelled and refreshed throughout the tournament day. TAD Water branding will feature prominently at the venue, on signage, and on the shirts of match officials placing the brand at the centre of this landmark sporting occasion.
Josh Minott Drop Career-high 24 points
Jamaican international Josh Minott stole the show in the Brooklyn Nets’ 108-97 loss to the Hawks not because the team won, but because he delivered a career night. In just 24 minutes, the 23-year-old wing dropped a career-high 24 points, adding 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks while shooting 6-for-9 from the field, 4-for-7 from three, and 8-for-10 from the line. It was his first double-digit scoring game as a Net and his first real extended run since being traded from Boston. With Brooklyn rebuilding and focused on development, Minott’s performance was a reminder of his two-way potential: elite wingspan, smart defense, and now, reliable scoring from all levels. He’s not just filling minutes he’s making them matter.