Bittersweet year for hoops

THE YEAR 2024 was a bittersweet one for the Jamaica Basketball Association (JBA).

Among the highs was the return of the National Basketball League (NBL) which was halted for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, four games into the 2019 season. The tournament saw the pair of Urban Knights and Upper Room Eagles locking horns in a thrilling final with the Oniel Brown-coached Urban Knights walking away with a 2-1 victory to win their fifth title at this level.

In the process they became the first team to win the trophy since it was renamed the Marland Nattie Trophy, named in honour of the former national player, JBA president, coach, and administrator who passed away in October.

President of the JBA, Paulton Gordon, was thrilled to have witnessed the resumption of the league.

“We [JBA] were quite elated. As an association, we’ve been having a fair amount of basketball activities and one of the primary sports properties that we usually do is the NBL. I think it was affected in a lot of ways because even at the high-school level there was no basketball. Over the last year or so we’ve had a fair amount of competition, in both the high schools and at the under-19 level. The community league is also back with 19 teams in the southern conference, while we’ve had a number of other basketball activities pending,” said Gordon.

Gordon was also re-elected for a second term in office, a move he was pleased about.

“We’re grateful with the confidence they’ve placed in us. It isn’t the same team; we have a nice mix of established and new faces so we’re hoping that we can move the sport forward with this new team,” he stated following his re-election.

At the international level, Jamaica showed growth in the three-on-three format with men’s and women’s team making it to the semi-final of the Fiba 3x3 Americup in Puerto Rico.

Rick Turner, head coach of the men’s team, explained that in his eyes Jamaica were improving with every tournament they play.

“We competed and played hard. We lost to the bronze medal (Canada) and gold medal team (USA). While we’re not where we want to be, we’re getting closer. I am very pleased with how they competed and played together. That’s the part I loved. Every team is getting better, including Jamaica. It is good that we are improving and making progress, but we can’t rest on our laurels and expect that while we’re getting better, no other team will. We have to work hard and continue to push for the top,” he stated.

Oniel Brown, head coach of the female team, believes the gap between Jamaica and the rest of the world is closing.

“It’s closing. Canada went on to win the title, and they only defeated us by a point. We’re right there. Last year, we lost to Brazil in the quarterfinals by two points, and they medalled this year. We’re not far away, and I’m proud of where we are now,” Brown added.

Plunged into mourning

The association was also plunged into mourning following the passing of two stalwarts, Marland Nattie and Elfraito Remikie.

Gordon said Remikie, a former player, coach and national coordinator left a hole in the basketball fraternity.

“The different sections of Jamaica’s basketball community leaned on him to ensure that we were on the right path as it relates to the FIBA regulations and the technical side of what is required for basketball. It will leave a huge gulf to be filled with his passing,” he explained.

Gordon also felt Nattie’s loss monumental, saying the former president gave his life to the game of basketball.

“Nattie dedicated his life to basketball. He played in high school, he played nationally. He coached at the national level and at the club level and did a couple stints as president of basketball. He served administratively in other areas as general secretary, and at the time of his passing, he was vice-president. He was a resource person and someone who will be sadly missed. The game has lost a true servant, someone with vast knowledge and information as it relates to basketball,” Gordon opined.

Nattie’s widow, Oberon Pitterson-Nattie, hosted a three-on-three tournament in October at the National Stadium courts, something she felt was necessary to do to keep his memory alive.

“He gave his life to basketball and I want people to remember him as the person who paved the way in giving opportunities to those from the inner city. He gave his all, not only through coaching, but also being a mentor and father-figure to a lot of young players,” said Pitterson-Nattie.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com