Gordon confident about World Cup Qualifiers

President of the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA), Paulton Gordon, has remained confident that the national men's team will secure the results needed to advance to the next phase of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers next month.

Jamaica head into their final two group-phase games knowing that one victory from away fixtures against The Bahamas on July 3 and Canada on July 6 will be enough to book a place in the final round of the qualifiers. Jamaica are currently second in Group B with six points, two behind Canada. The Bahamas and Puerto Rico are third and fourth on five points each.  

Despite the challenge ahead, Gordon said the team is in a strong position and is encouraged by the progress made so far.

"The journey continues because we really just need to stay consistent, and, as you know, it is the first time that we have gotten to this point," Gordon said.

"The players are motivated, and it is getting closer in terms of the opportunity of getting to the World Cup, and so we want to have a good window."

Gordon noted that the upcoming matches represent a crucial stage in Jamaica's qualification campaign.

"This is considered Window Three, and we have The Bahamas and Canada in this window, and so one win will take us to the final phase," he said.

While expressing confidence in the team's chances, Gordon pointed out that the final squad is yet to be confirmed as discussions continue with the coaching staff regarding player availability.

"I am not sure at this point in time because this is one of the things that I want to have a discussion with the coach about because he will be finalising the roster in another few days, and so by the end of this week, we will know what the roster will look like," Gordon explained.

"We want to have our best squad, but I am not sure who is available and what their other commitments look like, but I am quite upbeat that whoever the coach selects will help us to get to the final phase of the competition."

Gordon also stressed that the team understands the significance of the upcoming games and is focused on achieving the historic milestone of progressing to the final stage of the qualifiers.

"We are still second behind Canada in the group, and so we need one more win in this window to move on to the final phase," he said.