Thomas envisions 3x3 basketball improvement after CAC showing
Published:Wednesday | July 12, 2023 | 12:07 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
DESPITE LEAVING the 2023 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in San Salvador, El Salvador, without a victory in the 3x3 basketball tournament, one of Jamaica’s leading performers in Romaine Thomas still see a bright future.
Jamaica lost 21-16 to Dominican Republic and 16-10 to Haiti.
“Since it was our first time playing together, I felt like everyone was a bit timid and didn’t know what to expect. We only had six practices prior to the championships so it was hard to know what each player could do on the court, so that was hard and frustrating. We could have definitely played more physical and we could have performed better than we did,” said Thomas.
Thomas added that prior to CAC, Jamaica had defeated eventual finalist Venezuela in a pre-tournament warm-up fixture, suggesting to him that with better preparation, the team could have excelled.
“We actually defeated Venezuela in Nicaragua, and they (Venenuela) ended up being in the championship game. So, I feel like next time going in 3x3 we need to be more experienced, meaning having more practice against other talents that could help us out,” he said.
Jamaica was represented by the quartet of Tafari Simms, Anthony White, Abeeb Vernon and Thomas.
Thomas, who plays the small forward position, added that he isn’t ruling out the possibility of Jamaica becoming a dominant 3x3 force in the region.
“I think guys just need to play more 3x3, so whenever a tournament comes up, we can travel and put on for Jamaica. 2020 was our first experience of 3x3, but I definitely feel like we can be the top one or two countries in the Caribbean, Thomas added.
Jamaica was making their first appearance at the CAC Games in 3x3 basketball.
With their debut appearance now done and dusted, the 29-year-old Thomas, who plays professionally in France for ES Avignon Basket, is eyeing a better showing next time around.
“Now we know what to expect in every situation, so now players will be ready ahead of time instead of short notice so, we will be ready for the next event,” Thomas concluded.