Jordan closes in on NBA dream

Nodley Wright, Gleaner Writer

Jamaican giant Jerome Jordan is close to realising his dream of playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) league after impressive performances in pre-draft work outs, this by his own feeling and the reports of the knowledgeable.

A year ago, the former Jamaica College student, who began playing the game seriously as a 17-year-old, was seen as talented but raw and was projected to go high in a weak draft as one of the top centres. But Jordan elected to return for his final year of University, to the surprise of many.

His final college season put his developing game more under the microscope, but Jordan is not second-guessing that decision.

"I probably stayed in college for two reasons. I wanted to finish four years of college and get my degree. It is important to me and my family," the 23-year-old, who studied Exercise and Sports Science at the University of Tulsa, told The Gleaner.

"As far as my game is concerned, I am stronger from a physical standpoint and I have learnt a lot more about the game," added the seven-foot centre, who will know his fate on draft day, June 24.

Improved knowledge

That improved knowledge of the game, Jordan believes, has helped him in his work-outs with teams such as Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons.

"The work outs have been going quite well. I feel really good that I have shown what I have to offer," said the man who is known for his shot-blocking, rebounding and mid-range shots.

According to Jordan, the teams that have watched him up close are impressed with him. And his position in the draft right now, Jordan believes, is the late first round to early second round.

"My understanding is that right now I am projected to be selected in the late first round to early second round. It is good, but there is always room for improvement," Jordan said.

Chad Ford, NBA Authority and a contributor to ESPN, agrees Jordan has been impressing scouts, after observing him in training in Los Angeles. Ford, however, rated Jordan much higher than the player did himself.

Impressed

"I was really impressed with Jordan. He was light on his feet, showed a soft touch around the basket and looked absolutely huge," Ford was quoted as saying recently in an ESPN article, about the man with a 7' 6" wingspan.

"Of all the players I saw Monday, he was the one I walked away convinced was too low on our Big Board. There is a dearth of centres in the draft and Jordan has too much potential to slide out of the first round. Big guys rise as we get closer to draft night and if Jordan continues to play like he did in Los Angeles, someone is going to take a chance on him in the 20s," Ford continued.

But while Jordan would have been impressed with the positives said about him, he believes that for him to be a success in the NBA, he would have to find the right fit to maximise his potential.

"I would love a team that plays rookies, has strong coaching and develops big men. Teams such as San Antonio, Oklahoma City and Houston (Rockets) seem to fit that," said the astute player.