By Morissa Lindsay
Barbados’ young generation of basketball players has what it takes to play at the highest level of the NBA once they are given the tools and resources to fulfill their dreams, says Denver Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray.
The 25-year-old Canadian player who is currently in Barbados and conducted a basketball clinic yesterday afternoon in Orange Hill, St. James where the Western Union and the National Sports Council partnered and refurbished two new basketball courts in that community, said that Barbados has talent and is impressed with the energy of the young players.
“I would say just work and know that it is not impossible because there are a lot of kids that have done it. Even though it is foreign, once you get a pair of eyes, cameras and resources, show up at events and they have the openness and willingness to learn about the game and study the game. I watched a lot of films of guys in the NBA growing up so that’s how I learned when I wasn’t on the court. If you want to make it and you have the will to pursue your dreams, then anything is possible,” Murray explained.
Of Jamaican heritage through his father Roger Murray, the younger Murray never fails to pay homage to that fellow Caribbean island but more importantly always expresses gratitude to his father for believing in his dreams of being a professional basketball player.
Murray is no stranger to giving back or conducting basketball clinics in the Caribbean. He teamed up a few years ago with his father and Rondae Hollis-Johnson of the Toronto Raptors and conducted a two-day clinic in Jamaica for 800 children at Montego Bay Community College. In addition, during that event they also gave away 400 backpacks with school supplies to children of the area.
There were several young national basketball players who attended the clinic put on by Murray. He said that he started where they are and wants them to be inspired that they too can realize their dreams and ambitions someday if they just believe. More importantly, Murray is hoping that more young people can recognize the importance of sports and its potential to change their lives in a positive way.
“I love the energy they bring. The kids want to learn; they want to get better, they want to play and they don’t mind the sun being hot. I just love the energy they bring and I started just where they were when I was going to camps at my age and I was just like them so I hope they can see me and be inspired to make it.
“Sports gets everybody out of trouble, it teaches you a lot as well. So, I have been using basketball as a means to improve on and off the court and to inspire. I was just a kid like I said doing the same thing they are doing and now I am coaching. So, I just want them to be able to see that as well and know that there are people behind you supporting you,” Murray told the media.
Without a doubt one of the most talented guards in the NBA, Murray has truly made a name for himself in the sport as the first player to score more than 40 points in three straight playoff games in one series since Michael Jordan in the 1993 NBA finals. .
While conducting the clinic, Murray stated that support is important and that he was happy to see the Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith in attendance. “The kids just need more support and I think this is a great opportunity for it and the sports minister is here supporting the kids which means a lot. The kids are
having a good time and hopefully they learn something here today.”
Murray missed the 2021/2022 NBA season after tearing his ACL but continues to make steady progress. In the interview he confirmed that his body feels good and he is excited for the upcoming NBA season. Last season Denver Nuggets qualified for the playoffs as a six seed having registered 48 wins thanks to a fantastic showing from the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic.
If asked to return to Barbados in the near future Murray said he would be happy to do so and believe that with more facilities in place the future will be bright. “It is nice to have outdoor courts, the heat is nice, it brings energy to the court. So, I think if we get some indoor courts and some good facilities with waiting rooms and all that then I think it will be good for the children to want to put in that work, keep up their habits.” [email protected]
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