THIRTY STUDENT athletes from western Jamaica were privileged to have a first-class experience from National Basketball Association (NBA) player Devin Vassell’s basketball clinic.
Vassell, who plays for San Antonio Spurs, hosted the basketball clinic at the Herbert Morrison Technical High School yesterday.
Nike gear, which included socks, knapsacks, T-shirts and shoes, were also donated to the athletes.
According to Vassell, who is of Jamaican heritage, giving back to the community is something he wants to make a long-term investment.
“I just want to pour back into the community. This is a dream come true,” said Vassell.
“When I was younger, I didn’t have all the resources I needed either, so my biggest thing is to try and help out,” added Vassell, who plays as a small forward or at shooting guard for the Spurs.
Some of the high schools who benefited were Herbert Morrison, Muschett, Holland, Green Pond, Cornwall College, Spot Valley, and St James High.
As part of his long-term goals, Vassell wants to ensure that the next generation has all the gear and equipment needed.
The 24-year-old played college basketball for the Florida State Seminoles. He was selected 11th overall in the 2020 NBA draft. Vassell told **The Gleaner** that though he has clinics in the United States with more resources, hosting a clinic in Jamaica is different.
“This just feels like so much more. My ultimate goal is to affect this community and have a bigger impact that doesn’t last for now, but for a lifetime.”
No stranger to the island, Vassell admitted that he is a fan of oxtail.
Visiting a high school in Jamaica for the first time, the six-foot, five-inch guard played the big brother role to the youngsters, who were eager to throw questions at him.
He signed autographs, made motivational speeches, and gave advice to youngsters about the sport and their development.
His father, Andrew Vassell, who was born in Runaway Bay, St Ann, said giving back is about the family legacy.
“It touched my heart. It is an overwhelming feeling,” the older Vassell said.
“This is the first of many, and it just makes our entire family happy.
“The feeling and emotion is huge for me, knowing what we will do in this Third World country we originated from,” he added.
Among those present were Vassell’s mother, sister, and brother.
Dave Black, basketball coach of Herbert Morrison and the under-17 national team, said the exposure was good for the youths.
“Vassell being here is good. Most of them \[my players\] want to be NBA players. Having an NBA player sharing their story, the youngsters can follow that path and the work ethic.”
Thirteen-year-old Jarvis Taylor from Green Pond High School said he loved to see the investment in the young.
“I am sincerely appreciative that he took the time out to invest in our programe,” said the six-foot, six-inch seventh grader.
“This is my first time meeting an NBA player in real time. I wanted to know what carried him through his career. Was it defence or offence? I, too, want to be in the league one day,” added Taylor.