JaBA and ISSA Restarts Girls U14 Basketball 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.
Kentan Facey Returns to Knox College to Inspire the Next Generation
Professional basketball player Kentan Facey is heading back to where it all began—Knox College in the hills of Clarendon—for a one-day basketball clinic on July 11. The event is designed to uncover emerging talent and ignite the dreams of young Jamaican hoopers, offering them a glimpse of what’s possible through hard work and opportunity. Running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the clinic will feature morning skill-development drills, competitive afternoon games, and a mentorship session where Facey will share his remarkable journey—from rural Trelawny to the professional courts of Europe. “This year I decided to start with a one-day clinic to get a feel for how it would go, and then build from there each year,” Facey explained. “I want to talk about the lessons I’ve learned—on and off the court—and give these kids tools to navigate both sports and life.” Facey, who grew up in the quiet New Road District between Troy and Albert Town, didn’t have early access to basketball. His first exposure came during a visit to his aunt in Kingston, where her husband fashioned a makeshift hoop from a plastic bucket lid and a wall. “We used a football to shoot,” he recalled. “That was my introduction to the game.” His formal basketball journey began at Knox, thanks to a moment of honesty. “I found a $50 bill where the team was changing and gave it to Mr. Oneil Watson. He asked if I wanted to play basketball. I said sure, and he invited me to practice the next day.” Though raw, Facey’s height and potential stood out. He soon attended the Star Search camp at GC Foster College, which opened the door to a scholarship opportunity in the U.S. in 2010. From there, his rise was meteoric winning a state championship, being named New York State Gatorade Player of the Year, and capturing an NCAA title with the University of Connecticut in his freshman year. Now playing professionally in France with Caen Basket Calvados where he recently signed a two-year extension—Facey is funding this year’s clinic largely out of pocket. “Probably 90 percent is self-funded,” he admitted. “But I’ve been in that exact situation, and I know how far that goes for a kid.” He credits mentors like Mr. Watson for shaping his path and hopes to pay it forward. “During my time at Knox, Mr. Watson always found ways to support us whether it was a pair of sneakers or just encouragement. That stuck with me.” Looking ahead, Facey envisions expanding the clinic into a week-long summer event, bringing in teammates and fellow Jamaican-rooted pros like Nick Richards to help elevate the experience. His long-term mission? To open doors.“Sometimes all it takes is one camp, one story, one moment,” Facey said. “That’s what I’m trying to give them—something that sparks belief.”
Campion College Dominates Cayman Bulldogs in Hoop Fest Opener
Campion College opened their Cayman Islands Hoop Fest campaign in emphatic fashion last night, cruising to a 67–42 victory over the Cayman Bulldogs. The Jamaican squad credited their strong team chemistry, aggressive defense, and unselfish ball movement as the driving forces behind the commanding win. From the opening tip, Campion set the tone—pressuring the Bulldogs on both ends of the floor and executing with precision. With contributions across the roster, the team showcased the depth and cohesion that have become hallmarks of their program. “We came out with intensity and trusted each other,” said one team member. “Everyone played their role, and that made the difference.”Campion will look to carry that momentum into their next matchup against the Texas Tigers, set for 6:00 PM later today. Another win would put them in a strong position as the tournament heats up.🇯🇲🔥🏀
Spurs Guard Devin Vassell Signals Interest in Representing Jamaica
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell has expressed a strong desire to represent Jamaica on the international basketball stage and has pledged to rally other NBA players of Jamaican descent to join the movement. His statement comes as the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) continues its push to strengthen the national team with top-tier talent. Speaking at his inaugural basketball clinic at Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay, where he donated basketball gear to student athletes from across western Jamaica, Vassell made his intentions clear. “I’m 100 percent willing to play for the national team. I definitely want to play,” Vassell said. “I’ll be reaching out to some of the other guys who have Jamaican ties to see if they’re interested as well. I can’t speak for them, but I can speak for myself, I want to represent Jamaica.” Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Vassell is eligible to wear the black, green, and gold thanks to his father, Andrew, a native of Runaway Bay, St. Ann. JaBA President Paulton Gordon welcomed Vassell’s commitment, describing it as a major step toward reconnecting diaspora players with their roots. “We’re elated. It aligns perfectly with our goal to ensure that every player with Jamaican heritage has a clear path to represent the country,” Gordon said. While Gordon acknowledged the abundance of homegrown talent, he emphasized that nearly half of Jamaica’s basketball potential lies overseas. He said JaBA is actively working to merge diaspora resources players and coaches alike with local programs to elevate the national setup. Still, challenges remain. Under current FIBA regulations, players must acquire their passport before the age of 16 to represent a country without restriction. Although three NBA players already meet this requirement, Gordon noted that others are in the process of securing Jamaican citizenship. “There’s a window for appeal through FIBA, based on a player’s connection to the country,” Gordon explained. “We’re working that avenue to bring more elite players on board.” Gordon expressed confidence that these efforts will lay the groundwork for a powerful Jamaican national team capable of competing in the FIBA Americas, World Cup qualifiers, and even the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Among those eligible to represent Jamaica through paternal lineage are Toronto Raptors All-Star Scottie Barnes and Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart. Norman Powell (Los Angeles Clippers) and Josh Minott (Minnesota Timberwolves) have already committed and are expected to suit up for the FIBA World Cup Americas Pre-Qualifiers in August. Twin brothers Amen and Ausar Thompson, of the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons respectively, have also shown interest and have already acquired Jamaican passports.