Latest news with #JamaicaBasketballAssociation
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Amen And Ausar Thompson Confirm They Could Play For Jamaica In Future FIBA And Olympic Competitions
Amen and Ausar Thompson made waves during their sophomore seasons in the NBA, and they hope to do the same on the international stage someday. During a meet and greet session organized by the Jamaica Basketball Association and the Bob Marley Foundation at the S Hotel in Kingston on Sunday, the twins stated they're open to representing Jamaica. "Ever since I was a kid, I used to watch the Olympics and see Usain Bolt, [Yohan] Blake," Amen said. "And I always was like, Jamaica represents gold medal culture to me... I always wanted to see a basketball team, I always wanted to picture basketball players with the Jamaica jersey on, and I've always wanted to wear one too. Advertisement "So, just getting the opportunity, you know," Amen continued. "I could either play for USA [or] Jamaica, but being able to be here and even it be an option, means a lot to me. Jamaica Observer's Daniel Blake reported that Amen and Ausar have started the process of obtaining Jamaican citizenship. They are eligible thanks to their father, Troy Thompson, who is Jamaican. Their uncle, Mark Thompson, also represented the nation in the men's 400 meter hurdles at the 1992 Summer Olympics. "Yeah, it definitely means a lot," Ausar said. "It's something I would be open to doing 1000 percent. Just the culture, like he said, gold medal culture since I was a kid." As things stand, though, only one of the brothers will be able to play for Jamaica. FIBA rules stipulate that a team can only have one "naturalized player" on the roster at their tournaments and the Olympics. It means that just one foreign-born player with bloodline connections to the country can be on the team. Advertisement The Thompson brothers were born in Oakland, California, and will need FIBA to change the rule if both are to represent Jamaica together. Time will tell if that happens. Jamaica sure would love to have both of them on the roster. LeBron James once stated that Amen and Ausar "aren't like the rest of us," and for good reason. Their athleticism is just off the charts. Amen averaged 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game for the Houston Rockets in 2024-25. He was voted into the All-Defensive First Team and is just the seventh player aged 22 or younger in NBA history to make it. Ausar's 2024-25 campaign wasn't quite that impressive, but he still ended up with solid averages of 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game for the Detroit Pistons. He missed the first 18 games due to a blood clot issue that had cut short his rookie season, and you'd expect Ausar to get more and more comfortable on the court with time. Advertisement Team USA would surely love to have these two among their ranks, too. They're the kind of tough, defensive players you want next to the superstars. With the rest of the world slowly but surely closing the gap to the U.S., they would want to put out the best possible team at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Related: Amen Thompson Mocks Ausar Thompson For Messing Up Lob Attempt: "That's Why You Can't Trust No Piston"
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
AJ Dybantsa take his talents to international stage
Long before AJ Dybantsa electrified the recruiting world as the nation's top-ranked basketball prospect and a future BYU Cougar, his story started with something deeper—his roots. This past weekend, the 6-foot-8 freshman traveled to Jamaica not to showcase his game, but to give back to the island his mother calls home. In a two-day visit blending philanthropy, mentorship, and cultural pride, Dybantsa partnered with the Bob Marley Foundation and the Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA) to uplift underserved communities. What followed was more than charity—it was a full-circle moment. 'This isn't my first time here,' Dybantsa told a crowd in Kingston. 'I love coming back. I'll always be back.' Advertisement On Friday, May 9, he visited Dupont and Whitfield Primary Schools, distributing basketball shoes and gear to eager young athletes. But it wasn't just about the equipment—it was about presence. Dybantsa and his father, Ace, hoisted kids toward the rim so they could dunk for the first time, triggering cheers that echoed far beyond the court. 'Just seeing those smiles—that's something I'll never forget,' AJ said. Saturday saw a deeper dive into development. At Jamaica College, he spoke with the Under-17 national team and handed out gear to players from across the island, including St. Catherine High School. From there, he explored Jamaica's musical heart at Tuff Gong Studios before finishing the day at Trench Town Community Court. Though only 18, Dybantsa understands the weight of his platform. The visit wasn't about headlines; it was about planting seeds. Advertisement 'Today was more about giving them what they need to play,' he said. 'Next time, it's about skill development.' Already a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, AJ's impact is being felt long before he suits up for BYU. For Cougar fans, this trip wasn't just a sign of his talent—it was a statement of character. And as Dybantsa continues his rise, one thing is clear: his game may take him to the top, but his heart keeps him grounded. Related: BYU player catches attention by taking major leap toward Olympic dream Related: BYU WR locked in for 2025 comeback
