P.H.A.S.E. 1 basketball camp exposing young local players
Published:Saturday | May 7, 2022 | 12:08 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Organiser Wayne Dawkins says the P.H.A.S.E 1 Pro basketball showcase camp, which started on Monday and ended yesterday at the G.C. Foster College in Spanish Town, will give new hope and opportunities to young local players.
Dawkins, the P.H.A.S.E 1 founder, created a professional environment where some 20 local talent and those from the Academy’s Professional Development team, plus other invitees from Canada, United States and Barbados, were introduced to world-class trainers and got a chance compete in front of International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) agents.
The Elite1 recruiting platform on which the event was streamed online provides players with free self-managed profile, with game film and combine data.
Many scouts did not attend in person but Dawkins said the ability to stream sessions and games live daily to various corners of the world was the most important thing.
“What we have is a Jamaican pro showcase. We invited 25 athletes from Barbados and North America. We invited pro NBA and FIBA scouts to come and evaluate the athletes.
“We also have pro teams looking into new markets for players and we convinced them the Caribbean, specifically Jamaica, can be a great hub for pro talent. This is going to raise the level of exposure,” he said.
Dawkins said solid interests were already coming in after the first day, with scouts and agents requesting videos of talent on show.
“We are streaming it, taping it and we are live on social media. People and agents have been requesting videos to see the type of talent we have.
“So it is not only about who we physically bring here. It is about how we can get out into the rest of the world,” he reasoned.
He noted there are leagues in Africa, Iceland, South America and Asia that are at the lower end of the professional spectrum where players can earn at least US$1,000, with all expenses paid and he wants to help local players break into some of these smaller markets.
“We are looking to give one or two guys that first look and that opportunity,” he said.
One agent present at the camp, Derek James, a certified FIBA and NBA agent of Global Pipeline agency, believes Jamaica is naturally rich in talent and has already identified a couple players he intends to work with.
“I have that licence to open opportunities and there is no limit to the possibilities.
“My job is to watch basketball and see who can potentially fit in the right environment and get them on that journey,” he commented.
“I have seen a couple players I will be involved with after this camp. All good things take time and it is not something that is going to happen at the flip of a coin.”
“But I will be involved in the process to help themselves and their families,” he commented.
Local player Rasheed Hammond also believes the possibilities are endless.
“It is the first time we are seeing so many professional basketball people in Jamaica at this level.
“It is really great and if they can keep it going, there is a bright future ahead. I have been through all the levels, from prep school to the National Basketball League and this is something I believe can do a lot for the younger generation. So they need to continue to grow it and make it better,” he said.
P.H.A.S.E. 1 development team player Adrian Mike is hoping to further his career.
“My purpose here is to get another opportunity to play overseas. I played in Spain for five years and Wayne was the one who helped me and I believe he can give me further help by being here,” said Mike, a Jamaica national player.
President of the Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA), Paulton Gordon, said camp gives players an opportunity to showcase themselves.
“It provides another opportunity for local players. The organisers are looking at smaller leagues in Africa and some Central and South American countries. Some of these players just need a starting point to really expose their talent. So all the best to them,” Gordon said.