WESTERN BUREAU:
PAULTON GORDON, president of the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA), is renewing his call for the urgent construction of a world-class basketball facility in Jamaica, highlighting the opportunity it would present to transform the island into a hub for sports tourism and elite athlete development.
Gordon’s appeal came ahead of the much-anticipated visit by San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Devin Vassell, who landed in the island yesterday and will be here until July 4.
Ahead of Vassell’s visit to the Herbert Morrison Technical High School yesterday, where he began participation in a youth clinic, his agent had expressed concern about the absence of a suitable facility, where he can engage in active rest and maintain his training regimen.
“NBA players want to come to Jamaica, and some already do, but they’re finding it difficult because there’s no court here where they can train at the level they’re used to,” Gordon told **The Gleaner**.
“We’re missing out on an opportunity to tap into that market.”
Gordon noted that while Vassell is not expecting an NBA-level training environment during his stay, he and other professional players require enclosed, injury-preventive facilities that simulate their usual workouts. The lack of such amenities limits the potential for long-term partnerships or recurring trips.
“A few years ago, Jimmy Butler was in Jamaica, staying at Tryall in Hanover. His agent called asking where he could train, and unfortunately, we had nowhere suitable to point them to,” said Gordon.
“Many of these players end up just hanging around and then leaving. If we had the right infrastructure, we could engage them meaningfully.”
Jimmy Butler is a six-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medallist, widely respected for his tenacity, elite two-way play, and leadership.
Nicknamed ‘Playoff Jimmy’ for his clutch postseason performances, Butler has led teams like the Miami Heat to multiple NBA Finals appearances.
Gordon sees Montego Bay and Trelawny as ideal locations for a stand-alone NBA-standard indoor facility, citing both the existing tourism infrastructure and proximity to high-end accommodations. He also suggested that it could be developed as part of the Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium or integrated into the Montego Bay Sports Complex.
“If we align it with existing infrastructure and the tourism product, it could be a real win for Jamaica,” noted Gordon.
“It would serve international athletes and help raise the level of the sport locally by exposing our young players to elite standards.”
According to Gordon, the proposed facility would not only enhance Jamaica’s appeal as a vacation destination for high-profile athletes, but also attract US travel teams and academies interested in conducting clinics, camps, and tournaments on the island.
“A lot of these travel teams want to come to Jamaica, but we have to take them into Kingston when they want to stay on the north coast. That defeats the purpose,” he said.
Gordon is urging both the Government and private sector to seize the moment and seek to invest in building a space that bridges Jamaica’s athletic potential with international opportunities.
“Vassell’s visit is a major boost for us. It shows what’s possible when the right doors open,” he said.
“If we act now, we can position Jamaica as a serious player in global basketball tourism and youth development.”