JABA dribbling towards return

PRESIDENT OF the Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA), Paulton Gordon, says his administration is currently putting things in place to kick-start activities after the organisation was granted approval from the Government to host national training camps, summer clinics and three-on-three basketball competitions, without spectators.

With the full court version of the game still suspended, Gordon believes the opportunity is there to push the development of three-on-three basketball on the island.

“Approval was granted last week Thursday. I met with the board over the weekend to look at potentially what will happen. Approval is for training camps because we are thinking about the national teams and the summer clinics like Star Search and Jumpball camps in July,” Gordon said.

“Also, with the approval we can actually play three-on-three competitive basketball without spectators. We will be looking on some summer leagues and we want to incorporate the media, so we are looking at having a media presence and partners to capture the games so people can see what is happening,” added Gordon.

He noted that the association has plans to enter the AmeriCup three-on-three tournament and has also been invited by FIBA America to participate in their three-on-three competition.

However, only the Business House competition has a consistent threeon-three basketball league locally, and Gordon believes the absence of the more popular full court version will give this format a greater chance of progress.

“The three-on-three version is growing and it is something we have to get involved in. We are trying to expand on it because the FIBA rules are a bit different from the Business House,” said Gordon. “FIBA sent us guidelines and we have to fall in line with what is happening. So apart from the full court, which is our main emphasis, we will now try and grow the three-on-three version of the game here.”

JABA is already in discussion with three-on-three promoters who are interested in putting on leagues and they have sent them information regarding COVID-19 safety protocols, three-on-three guidelines and rules.

Local tournaments will be used to develop and identify local players, while coach Rick Turner will seek out the overseas-based talents.

“The Commonwealth Games next year will be a three-on-three competition. The 2024 Olympic Games will have both full court and three-on-three competition as well. So we want to ensure we have proper representation and a relatively strong team to participate in those competitions,” said Gordon.