THE world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, was among the thousands who filled the National Indoor Sports Centre for Jamaica’s historic hosting of major international basketball.

Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA) President Paulton Gordon believes the successful staging has laid the foundation for more home games in the near future as the sport continues to grow locally.

The national team concluded their final home game of the group stage on Sunday against Canada in the first round of the Americas Qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.

Along with Thursday’s encounter against The Bahamas, it marked the first time Jamaica hosted a high-level international game in its nearly 50-year history of regional competition.

After strong turnouts at the 6000-seat National Indoor Sports Centre, Gordon was more than satisfied.

“That’s the upside here — a full house, great atmosphere, top-class basketball. You can’t ask for more,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

JABA managed to raise the $44 million to host the two games, after foregoing its home game against Puerto Rico in November due to financial and logistical challenges.

Gordon believes the impressive local support sets the stage for more top-level basketball activities.

“Jamaicans like a good show and basketball, [and] with the environment and the arena effect [they] certainly will support basketball at the highest level — and we want to continue to do that and consistently be at this level so that it’s ingrained,” he said. “And in terms of the culture of basketball, it’s not just a one-off thing, but it’s built, and the platform is laid, and it continuously grows.”

Eight-time Olympic champion and world record holder in the 100m and 200m Bolt, as well as former world record holder Asafa Powell, and Reggae Boyz World Cup stars Walter Boyd and Ian Goodison, witnessed the action first-hand.

Sprint legend Bolt says he’s pleased with the direction in which basketball is heading locally.

“I’m Jamaican through and through so I’ll always support,” he said. “The Jamaican basketball team is making a run and doing a great job, bringing more visibility to the country.

Fans display the Jamaica flag during the Basketball World Cup Qualifier versus The Bahamas at the National Indoor Sports Centre on February 26, 2026. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

“It’s good for young kids to see that there is talent and opportunity here, that they can become great basketball players and actually achieve something. It’s a big deal for the country to be in this space for the first time. This is something that gives the younger kids who love basketball a chance to get involved more.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Gordon says these games should provide significant inspiration for the next generation of players.

“It’s important to us because it allows us the opportunity to showcase basketball at this level. There (were) student basketballers from as far as Montego Bay here and, as I said, we want to continue to do this so that they see what it’s about and they aspire to be at this level or even beyond,” he said.

Jamaicans could see games returning in the summer once the national’s team place is officially confirmed in the final round of qualifying, where they will battle for one of six spots to next year’s FIBA World Cup.

The team returns to action in July when they play away to The Bahamas and Canada in the reverse fixtures.

A view from the stands at the National Indoor Sports Centre during Jamaica’s clash with The Bahamas in FIBA World Cup Qualifying on February 26, 2026.