Samardo Samuels makes giving back a habit

BASKETBALL STAR Samardo Samuels is into the habit of giving.

He has, over the years, giving school supplies to the place where he got his start, the Salt Marsh Primary School.

Born on January 9, 1988, to Ronald and Jackie Samuels told The Gleaner in a soft-spoken tone,

“Over the years at back-to-school time, I have donated school bags, books and other items to students. It’s been a part of me, and I intend to keep on giving after my retirement.”

The six-foot-eight basketballer explained how he plans to give back on retirement.

‘While I am playing, I am qualifying myself to become a coach. Once I retire, I intend to give back to my community and the country at large. I live here in Trelawny. Seven years ago I bought my house in Johnson Hill. Every opportunity I get, I am home,” Samuels disclosed.

He cannot forget his first introduction to the beautiful game.

‘It was at Muschett High School that I was introduced to the game by my physical education teachers, Treluan Johnson and Ronald Beckford. From those early days I fell in love with the game and that love has not dwindled,” Samuels said.

Beckford, a mathematics teacher, is a volunteer basketball coach.

“When I saw him at 12 years old and six-foot tall and I needed a rebounder for my team, I introduced him to the game. He was so humble, and did everything I taught him. I never, at the time, saw him in the light of what he has become,” Beckford proudly disclosed.

Samuels was given a scholarship to St Benedict’s High School in the United States. From there he was recruited to the University of Louisville and then drafted by National Basketball Association team, Cleveland Cavaliers.

“I played for three years with Cavaliers before transferring to various clubs in Europe, to include Barcelona in Spain.”

Samuels has played in China, and on Sunday began a stint in Lebanon.

Asked about being multilingual, the giant smiled and said, “I just learn enough to talk with my teamates and be polite.”

In relation to basketball being played at a high level in the country, Samuels said, “I would like to see a programme in place which can expose youngsters, so they reap benefits like I have.”

In three years’ time, Samuels plans to retire and become a mentor and coach to youngsters in Jamaica.