The Jamaica Under-17 Men’s National Team Program has selected 50 players who will form the training cohort for the upcoming Centrobasket U17 Championship in Belize City, Belize.
The group will undergo rigorous training and compete alongside players from international tryouts, all with one common goal – to bring the gold medal back to Jamaica.
The journey begins with intensive training in regional cohorts, where these young athletes will receive specialized coaching and development.
The regional cohorts will be based in St. James, Mandeville, St. Catherine and Kingston & St. Andrew.
This comprehensive training program aims to enhance their skills, foster teamwork, and strengthen their mental and physical resilience. The players will dedicate themselves to honing their craft, working tirelessly to elevate their game to new heights.
To further their progress, the players will come together on weekends at the P.H.A.S.E. 1 National Training Center. This unique opportunity allows them to train side by side, sharing experiences, pushing each other to the limit, and building the camaraderie essential for a successful team.
Prior to their departure for Belize, the athletes will showcase their skills and compete at the highly anticipated P.H.A.S.E. 1 Hoops Invitational on July 4th at GC Foster College in Spanish Town. This event will serve as a platform for the players to demonstrate their talents and gain valuable game experience.
Selected players will also embark on an exciting journey to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, from July 5-10, to participate in an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) event. This international exposure will test their abilities against top-tier competition, further sharpening their skills and expanding their basketball horizons.
Upon their return, the select players will reunite with the local and international Jamaica U17 cohort members for a final training camp at the Jamaica Basketball Star Search Camp, scheduled for July 16-22. This crucial period will be marked by intense training sessions, strategic gameplay analysis, and a keen focus on team chemistry.
“Our aim is to build a team that exemplifies intense defence, unwavering toughness, and a never-give-up attitude. We are focused on instilling these core values into our players through rigorous training and creating an environment that fosters growth and unity. “We believe that with the right preparation and mindset, we can achieve greatness on the international stage,” according to Wayne Dawkins, technical director for the Jamaica U17 National Team Program
Following the arduous training journey, the final selection will be made, and the chosen team will embark on their journey to Belize, to compete in the highly anticipated Centrobasket U17 Championship from July 26-30. It will be a momentous occasion as these young athletes proudly represent Jamaica, fueled by passion, determination, and an unwavering desire to bring home the coveted gold medal.
