US coaches impressed with local talent

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

The overseas basketball coaches who attended the 2010 Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) Star-Search Six-day Summer Camp which ended the G.C Foster College in St Catherine yesterday, are impressed with the skills and athleticism that was on display.

Over 120 basketballers from across the island took part in the camp, which also included female players.

"I think that kids here are very gifted athletically and I think this is what they need to move their basketball to the next level," said Jim Kessler, head coach of Grace College, which is located in Indiana.

"These kids here are quality players because they get up and run at 5 in the morning and they run for miles," said Kessler, who has been the head coach of the Grace College for the past 30 years.

Good kids

"These are all good kids, both men and women, and I think that if they continue to work hard at their game they will have a bright future in the game of basketball."

He added that he has seen a number of players he would be hoping to recruit for his school next season.

"I think some of these kids here have the total package and I would love to bring back some of them to play for me next year, and this also includes of couple of female players," Kessler said.

Mark Cooke, who is seeking recruits for a number of junior colleges in Texas, said he was thrilled with the level of talent and attitude displayed by the young players at the camp.

"The athletic talent is very good and I believe most of them have the ability to play at the mid-level in junior college," said Cooke. "However, for them to get to a higher level they will have to work on their skills, and this includes their ball handling, dribbling and shooting."

Cooke added: " ... You have 6' 8" guys out there who can jump and dunk the ball. Everybody is looking for athletic players and this is hard to come by, especially athletic players who are going to be good students."