Amen and Ausar Thompson ‘open’ to representing Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Twin NBA stars Amen and Ausar Thompson have confirmed the Jamaica Observer’s report that they’re open to representing Jamaica at the international level.
Speaking during a presentation by the Jamaica Basketball Association at the S Hotel in Kingston, Amen said: “Ever since I was a kid, you know, I used to watch the Olympics and see Usain Bolt, [Yohan] Blake. And I always was like, you know, Jamaica always represents gold— and it’s always been like a dream. I always wanted to see a basketball team. I always wanted to picture basketball players with a Jamaica jersey on. And I’ve always wanted to wear one too.”
The Jamaica Observer had previously reported that the 22-year-olds were in the process of securing Jamaican citizenship which they qualify for through their father.
READ NBA’s Thompson twins acquiring Jamaican citizenship, could represent island
Ausar had similar sentiments to his brother’s.
“It definitely means a lot. It’s something, you know, I would be open to doing a thousand per cent. Just the culture, like he said, gold medal culture since I was a kid.”
Amen, was named in the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team after a standout season with the Houston Rockets, and Ausar, helped the Detroit Pistons to their first playoff appearance in six years.
Although their decision is not yet confirmed, Amen said “So, just getting the opportunity, I could either play for USA, Jamaica, but being able to be here and even being an option, means a lot to me.”
(Video: Daniel Blake)
