Thompson eyes NBA move

Jamaican basketballer Shevon Thompson says he is determined to achieve his dream of playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The 27-year-old Thompson, who stands at 7ft, is a former Vere Technical basketball star, represented Oostende in the Belgian league this season, where he had an outstanding campaign, which saw him averaging over 10 points and 10 rebounds per game.

“The goal is to play at the highest level and so I just keep on getting better each day because that is the main focus right now,” said Thompson.

Thompson, who went undrafted in the 2016 NBA draft, is currently doing rehab on his right knee after doing a minor surgery over a month ago.

He told The Gleaner that once he is fit and healthy, his main focus will be to make a move to the NBA next season.

“My basketball knowledge has been increased by knowing my strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “I am just trying to get healthy and keep working on my game for what the NBA needs and what the teams are looking for especially with my capability of rebounding. I think that is the key to getting to the next level.”

After going undrafted in 2016, Thompson represented the Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League competition.

However, despite performing creditably for both teams, Thompson failed to nail down a spot on their respective rosters. He also failed to secure a contract with the Toronto Raptors despite playing for their affiliate team, Toronto 905 in the Development League in 2018.

Nevertheless, the George Mason University graduate underlined his determination to achieve his ambitions.

“I am pleased and I am grateful for all the opportunities that I have received and I am just building my career resume to try and progress to the highest level, which is the NBA,” he said.

“You never know what teams are thinking and so I am keeping my head high and I keep working, hoping for the best that one day things will work out for me,” Thompson added.