AHEAD of Jamaica’s crucial final two games to keep their FIBA World Cup qualification hopes alive, the Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA) says the financial burden has eased significantly following significant contributions from its sponsors.

The national team will take on The Bahamas in Nassau on Friday, and Canada in Ontario on Monday, in their remaining group games of the first round of Americas Qualifiers.

It will be the first time the team will play away since the opening their campaign against Puerto Rico on November 28 and December 1 in San Juan.

For JABA, the overseas fixtures bring increased expenses, which the Jamaica Observer understands run into the millions as these cover flights and accommodation for players joining the squad from the USA, Europe, and Asia.

However, President Paulton Gordon says support from sponsors has resulted in fewer logistical challenges.

“It’s been difficult, to some extent, but some of our partners have stepped up,” he told the Observer. “We have our anchor partner, who is the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation who is always there with us — so that has eased some of the burden in terms of the movement of the players from Europe and from other parts of the world.

“And the Jamaica Tourist Board has also stepped up in terms of covering some of our costs into Canada, and also to ensure that there is a partnership there as it relates to helping us ensure that the brand is out there, and they have covered some of the costs,” he said.

Jamaica sit second in Group B on six points — two behind leaders Canada but one behind Puerto Rico, and The Bahamas.

The Rick Turner-coached team were unable to secure a berth to the final round earlier this year, after defeats to The Bahamas and Canada at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

However, the team will be boosted by the return of NBA champion and All-Star Norman Powell who had a career year with the Miami Heat.

The 33-year-old helped Jamaica reach this stage last August during the Americas Pre-Qualifiers.

FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers, Jamaica vs Canada, at National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston, Jamaica on Sunday, March 1. (Photo: Horatio J Carter)

“We’re looking forward to the leadership from Norm,” Gordon said. “As you know, apart from his skill set he brings a certain level of energy and focus to the team so we’re looking forward to his participation for this window.”

The top three will advance to the final round of qualifying, which means Jamaica only need a win or hope Puerto Rico lose their final two games against Canada and The Bahamas.

Gordon is hopeful the team can get the job done, saying qualification would boost the sport’s development locally.

“We’re still focused on getting to the World Cup next year in Qatar,” he said. “One win and that takes us to the phase to play against South American countries and Central American countries like Panama, Argentina, Uruguay. Just to get to that phase would be a remarkable achievement — but we don’t want to stop there.

“We want to go to the ultimate of qualifying for the World Cup, which should completely change the landscape of local basketball and how basketball is viewed. We’re looking forward to achieving that milestone and to contribute to the growth and the progress of basketball in Jamaica.”

Jamaica Basketball Association President Paulton Gordon.