The World is Shaped Like a BBall: Jamaica Basketball Development, Inc.
Ron Bailey, Publisher
December 15, 2006 – Basketball has become truly a global sport, as the rise in the number of foreign-raised NBA players and the decline of American dominance in international play attests. Along those lines, meet Jamaica Basketball Development, Inc.
Started in 2000, Jamaica Basketball Development, Inc. (JBD) has it’s genesis in humble and noble beginnings. “It was started in a real informal environment” shared the organization’s president, Gary Henry. “Then three years ago, we got together and said we can really do something for kids in our home country”.
At that time, several men, including Henry and the group’s Vice President, Stephen Johnston, formalized JBD as a 501c3 status organization, thereby allowing it to reach more young people in Jamaica.
Gary Henry is president of Jamaica Basketball Development, Inc. The group is an officially recognized non-profit help organization. (Picture courtesy of JBD)
“Our mission is to build life skills, to develop self-esteem, study skills, and self-confidence”, primarily through an annual basketball camp held at the country’s G.C. Foster College, said Henry. The weeklong event has grown from initially 80 campers in 2003 – including both boys and girls aged 11 through 20 – to an expected 140 this upcoming July. While there, campers attend both life and round ball skill development sessions.
According to Henry, hoops is just the vehicle to meet their true mission. “We use the game of basketball to stress teamwork, discipline, and work ethic” – all important life skills – said Henry.
Though there have been some talented players who have gone on to earn college scholarships in the States, “98% of the kids don’t leave (to America) on scholarship” revealed Henry. Alternatively, the principals of JBD “are seeing a few of them who have moved on to colleges in Jamaica and professional vocational schools”.
For JBL to focus initially on the birthplace of Bob Marley was natural. “All of us guys are from Jamaica” said Johnston. “We used to be involved with the national team. Michael Minto (the group’s treasurer) said ‘I want to start a camp, and I want you guys to come down and help’”.
Stephen Johnston, himself a former American collegiate and Jamaican National team player, has been instrumental in Jamaica Basketball Development's ongoing mission. (Picture is property of i95Ballez.com)
Henry added “The individuals who make up the organization benefited from people helping us. This is our way of giving back”. Johnston indicated helping those less fortunate is another “one of the ideals we instill” in participants.
Though basketball still trails soccer, track and cricket when it comes to popularity in Jamaica, it is enjoying growing interest, and as such younger and younger athletes are picking up the sport. Henry believes that in addition to the growth of professional hoops on the island, basketball is becoming more popular due to the relatively low costs associated with playing the sport.