Jamaica has an immensely successful Olympic history. The Caribbean nation is world-renowned for its amazing track and field athletes who have broken records and set the sporting world alight with their exploits. Now the Jamaicans are aiming for an Olympic appearance and have a few key NBA players in their sights to join the Jamaican National basketball team. There have been several NBA stars in the past who have some Jamaican blood flowing through their veins. Now, the nation known more for its track and field athletes is looking for some NBA players who are eligible to represent Jamaica at the Olympics.
The NBA has seen a long list of Jamaican players over the years
As Jamaica aims to qualify for the Olympics, it will need to bolster its squad to compete against the likes of the US and Canada, who both have some of the best basketball players in the world. The NBA has a history of players who have some Jamaican connections. Here are a few from over the years:
- Patrick Ewing – Ewing is a legend in the NBA, particularly in New York. He was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on August 5, 1962. At the age of 12, his family moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Wayne Sappleton – Sappleton was the first Jamaican-born player to be drafted in the NBA. He was drafted in 1982 by the Golden State Warriors.
- Roy Hibbert – Hibbert was a defensive force in his time in the NBA. He had nine seasons in the NBA in which he primarily played for the Indiana Pacers.
One wonders how the Jamaican national team would have played if these stars had joined them. It appears that the Jamaican Basketball Association is not looking to wonder anymore as they have now approached several NBA players who are eligible for selection to join the Jamaican National team for the Olympics. Can we see Jamaica contending at the Olympics with a few NBA stars on their squad?
Which NBA players are eligible for the Jamaican National team?
As Jamaica has made its interest known, several NBA players are eligible for selection to play for Jamaica. The US team is full of stars, and breaking into the squad might prove to be challenging. The FIBA World Cup Americas Pre-Qualifiers are happening in August. Here are some players in contention for the Jamaica team:
- Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors – Despite being born in Florida, Barnes has Jamaican parents and, as such, is eligible for selection for Jamaica’s national team. He is seen as a talent for the future and won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2022 and earned his first All-Star selection in 2024.
- Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons – Isaiah’s father is Jamaican, and Isaiah has on many occasions spoken about how his Jamaican heritage has influenced him, both on and off the basketball court. He even honored his Jamaican heritage by wearing the number 28 in black, green, and gold on his Pistons jersey.
- Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs – As with Isaiah Stewart, Devin has a Jamaican father, which makes him eligible for selection to the Jamaican national team. Vassell has established himself as an integral part of the Spurs squad since being drafted in 2020. The Spurs have a long and successful history in the NBA, and Vassell is the latest player to contribute to that success.
Can Jamaica make it to the Olympics in the United States in 2028?
If Jamaica can successfully bring the aforementioned players into their squad, they have a strong possibility of making the Olympics in 2028. With the NBA’s plans to grow the sport internationally, Jamaica is perfectly placed to jump on board with that international expansion. The connection between the United States and Jamaica has led to a vast number of American-born players becoming eligible for selection for the Jamaican National team. When one considers the heavyweights in the US team, it is understandable that certain players are looking to play for other countries. And Jamaica is eager to oblige them.
