CARACAS, Venezuela — Samardo Samuels’ absence from the victory over Argentina is to give the basketball player the opportunity to prepare for his upcoming move to Milan in Italy, according to the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA).

Yesterday, Samuels did not travel in the team bus for the short trip from the hotel to the match venue and the official word is that by mutual consent, he is being allowed to prepare and focus for a debut season with Milan.

Despite the missing team captain, the JamRockerZ fought gallantly and famously defeated the title-holders 81-75 in the FIBA Americas Championship second-round clash at the Poliedro de Caracas.

The Jamaica Observer understands that Samuels is not expected to play any further part in the tournament.

A statement from JaBA President Ajani Williams said:

“Jamaica Basketball Association thanks Samardo for his tireless and selfless service to his country. Without him Jamaica basketball wouldn’t be here. It’s unfortunate his hamstring issues frustrated him and had him not at his full physical capacity and as such we have mutually decided that it’s best he shuts down his play and prepare for his professional job in Italy.

“We are confident, as is evident, that our team is strong enough and resilient to continue making history. We wish him a successful year.”

Samuels averaged 28 minutes, 15.4 points-per-game and 5.4 rebounds-per-game in five outings at this championship. He had 24 points in an 82-88 loss to Puerto Rico, and a

game-high 21 in the historic 78-76 victory against Brazil. Samuels’ points average was easily the highest in the squad ahead of the Argentina game.

During Jamaica’s insipid performance in the opening second-round loss to Dominican Republic on Thursday, a frustrated Samuels, who had nine points and four rebounds in a sub-par game, was hit with a technical foul after shouting at one of the officials.

Following that, an obviously disappointed head coach Sam Vincent had insisted that his players should show more discipline during games and called on the entire contingent to be better systematically and mentally prepared ahead of matches.

The veteran coach had also assured that a team meeting arranged for Thursday night was set to iron out the kinks.

The Jamaicans, who face Mexico at 10:30 am today, are aiming to be among the semi-finalists at this Championship. That quartet automatically qualifies to the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.