With Jamaica moving a step closer to a historic FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification in 2027 thanks to the contributions of NBA star Norman Powell, Jamaica Basketball Association President Paulton Gordon is optimistic that the team will continue to reach new heights.

Jamaica secured their spot in the next round of the Americas qualifying after finishing second behind Group A winners and hosts Mexico in the Pre-Qualifiers.

“This is huge for Jamaica basketball. It’s a step we haven’t taken in a while,” Gordon told the Jamaica Observer. “Since FIBA changed the regional qualification format, this is the first time in 15 years we’ve gotten anywhere close to this. I suspect this will change the landscape of basketball in Jamaica on the level and certainly we need to build on this. “

Despite losing the final game to Mexico 60-91, the Jamaicans had already advanced after hammering Barbados 101-79 in the opening game before outlasting Costa Rica 80-76 in overtime with debutant Powell leading the way with an impressing 34 points.

The Observer has learnt new Miami Heat star Powell had been a doubt for the decisive Costa Rica game after struggling with an illness hours before the game.

Gordon believes recruiting American-born Powell to join the group was a brilliant decision after seeing his significant impact in a short period.

“Norman is a special human being,” he said. “We all know his playing talent but in terms of rapport, guidance, leading the other players as it relates to what is required for a schedule as this, his involvement was huge. I saw it in training camps — him wanting to learn the basic things that makes Jamaicans tick says a lot for us as it relates to us as it relates to how well he wanted to be integrated and getting involved.”

Though Powell took the spotlight, Gordon says the overall team effort was pleasing to see.

“One thing’s for certain – the training camp and the tournament allowed players who, in some cases, were meeting for the first time because these players are dispersed all over Europe. They play in different tournaments, different levels and it allowed some amount of bonding and the camaraderie that we’re seeing now is amazing. But the one thing that ties everybody is we’re Jamaicans and everybody has adjusted and adapted really quickly,” he said.

Jamaica has now been placed in Group B for the upcoming qualifying round, which begins in November. The group includes regional powerhouse Canada, as well as Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. Only the top three teams will move on to the final round, which will feature a six-team group, with three teams earning direct qualification to the 2027 World Cup.

It’s likely that the team will be without Powell for the first four games during the November and February windows, as he will be in the midst of the NBA season starting in October.

However, Gordon is confident quality of the team and head coach Rick Turner to get the job done.

“Now that they know and understand each other’s games plus we have other couple pieces to add, I’m pretty optimistic that we can do really well over the next year and lead us to a spot in the Qatar World Cup in 2027,” he said.

“We’re meeting with the coaching staff next week to see how we can keep these players connected, ensure they understand what the process is and the technical approaches. The European and Asian leagues break in November and February so that’s fortunate for us. We’re hoping to have a training camp, bring them in for a few days ahead of the first set of games against Puerto Rico.”

The Jamaicans are to host Puerto Rico on November 28 before travelling to Puerto Rico for the second game on December 1. In 2026, they are scheduled to welcome The Bahamas on February 26 and Canada on March 1 before travelling for the return legs on July 3 and 6, respectively.

Norman Powell (right) of Jamaica takes on Carl Thorpe of Barbados during a 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification (Americas) group game in Mexico on August 8, 2025. (Photo: FIBA)

Jamaica’s basketball team members huddle to celebrate a 101-79 victory over Barbados during the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification (Americas) in Mexico in August 8, 2025. (Photo: FIBA)

GORDON… everybody has adjusted and adapted really quickly