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Marc Stein: Also will be interesting how the NBA rules on Norman Powell after he played for Jamaica last summer. If they adhere to the players' FIBA status, both Powell and Karl-Anthony Towns would be World selections, creating a USA opening. But we do NOT know yet how the league will rule.
While BYU’s colors are blue and white, the 19-year-old wore green, black and yellow Nikes in his debut to bring attention to Jamaica during this tough time. “I thought it was only right to wear this because obviously Jamaica has been hit with those storms,” Dybantsa told Andscape about his shoes. “I’m doing a Go Fund Me to raise money for them. I thought it was only right to bring these out for the first game. I’ll probably never bring these out again.”
AJ Dybantsa joins Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson as front-runners for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft. Dybantsa, believed to be paid about $7 million from BYU, has Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals with Nike, Red Bull and Fanatics. He had a Nutricost commercial with former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal that ran during a timeout in the second half against Villanova. On Monday, Dybantsa scored a team-high 21 points (9-of-18 field goals) while adding nine rebounds and three assists at T-Mobile Arena against the Wildcats. Both head coaches were impressed with Dybantsa in his debut. “When you’ve got a talented freshman like that who’s the first, second pick in the draft, which he is. … He’s one of the best high school basketball players coming out that I’ve seen in a long time,” Villanova head coach Kevin Willard said. “He has great size. Great length. He’s much tougher for a kid his age. He’s the real deal.”
Powell, who is captain of Jamaica’s national team, is donating $100,000 via his Understand the Grind Foundation to Direct Relief in support of Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts. In addition, his foundation is seeking additional donations at DirectRelief.com/SupportJamaica.
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NBA: The entire NBA and NBPA Family is heartbroken by the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Our thoughts are with those impacted and we are grateful to the heroic first responders and volunteers providing assistance. The NBA, NBPA, our teams and players have deep roots in the region and are joining together to support immediate and long-term relief to those in need.
The entire NBA and NBPA Family is heartbroken by the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Our thoughts are with those impacted and we are grateful to the heroic first responders and volunteers providing assistance. The NBA, NBPA, our teams and… pic.twitter.com/iiXXguL0ij
— NBA (@NBA) October 30, 2025
Murray also emphasised the importance of fostering a love for the game and helping athletes test and develop their skills. “It is super important to give back to a developing country like Jamaica. There is a lot of love for the game out here, and I don’t want that to go to waste. I just want to give them the opportunity to have fun and really test their skills. I think that is most important, seeing them shine,” said Murray.
For the first time since Norman Powell was traded to the Miami Heat in early July, the veteran guard is in South Florida. But he’s in South Florida as a member of the Jamaican national team. With Jamaica’s men’s basketball team holding training camp at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton to prepare for the FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas pre-qualifiers, Powell has been in South Florida for more than a week. Powell will leave the country on Wednesday to play the first of Jamaica’s three FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas pre-qualifier games in Mexico on Friday against Barbados before facing Costa Rica on Saturday and Mexico on Sunday.
Eduardo Villalpando: Norman Powell will make his debut for the Jamaican National Team during next month’s FIBA window in Mexico, a league source tells me. Jamaica will face Mexico, Barbados, and Costa Rica in World Cup Qualifiers. Suns big man Nick Richards will also join the squad. 🇯🇲
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Jamaican-Bahamian NBA star Deandre Ayton, together with his Ayton Family Foundation, has expanded his philanthropic efforts to Jamaica by opening a revitalized community center in St. Elizabeth. The Cedar Spring Community Center will provide vital resources such as food, games, school supplies, health services, and more to the local community.
Ayton recently visited the island with his family, including his mother, who is of Jamaican descent, and former NBA star Dwight Howard, to mark the opening. “Back to where it all began. Together, we opened the doors to a renewed Cedar Spring Community Center in St. Elizabeth,” Ayton shared on Instagram. “Jamaica — the first AFF project on the island! With food, games, school supplies, health services, and a lot of love, we celebrated the strength and joy of this beautiful community.”
Daniel Blake: BREAKING: Been informed that talks are underway for @Raptors All-Star Scottie Barnes, @DetroitPistons centre Isaiah Stewart & @spurs guard Devin Vassell to join Jamaica’s growing basketball team. Twin brothers Amen & Ausar Thompson begun their passport process last week. @LAClippers star Norman Powell & @Timberwolves guard Josh Minott have already committed & will play in the FIBA World Cup Americas Pre-Qualifiers in August.