P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy in collaboration with the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) will host what is being touted as Jamaica’s first men’s professional development basketball showcase.

The event will be held Monday, May 2 to Friday May 6, 2022 at the GC Foster College in Spanish Town, St Catherine, with games from 1pm to 7pm daily.

In a press release, P.H.A.S.E.1 said the event will feature talented players from its Academies Professional Development men’s team as well as players from Canada, the United States and Barbados. Other local basketball players are being encouraged to participate, the organisation said.

According to the release, players will have access to world class trainers and compete in front of FIBA and NBA agents. Event coverage will be provided by www.elite1recruting.com and all players will receive a free self-managed profile on Elite1 Recruiting with game film and combine data, stated the release.

“The event is really an opportunity to expose the Caribbean to the potential that pro basketball has. We also have African professional teams that have a strong interest in the talent in the Caribbean and are looking for a new avenue to recruit talent,” CEO of P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy Wayne Dawkins said.

And with Jamaica’s reputation for producing high level athletes, Dawkins explained that the decision to host its first professional basketball development showcase in the island was very strategic.

“Jamaica is an untapped market for professional basketball players, and in order to get this potential out, we need to expose the players here to higher level competition, agents and scouts that can help evaluate and identify their talent and connect them to professional opportunities around the world.”

Meanwhile, JaBA President Paulton Gordon said events of this nature play an integral role in developing local talent.

“We are delighted to endorse the Jamaica pro basketball showcase as it provides another avenue for development of our local basketball talent. This showcase offers a bridge between high school basketball and the senior level and aspiring professionals can then match their skills against international players to measure progress,” he said.

“Interestingly, NBA and FIBA agents will be visiting and so opportunities for overseas contracts will also be available. It is important to keep the local based players active as the lockdown has impacted the competitive edge. Tournaments of this nature is therefore a step in the right direction to rekindle the spirit and passion required to compete at a high level.”