KFC Star Search 2024 Continues to Rise
With substantial backing from Restaurants of Jamaica Limited, the 2024 Jamaican Basketball Association Star Search Basketball and Life Skills Camp reached new heights. The event attracted increased participation from young basketball enthusiasts and garnered attention from international scouts. This initiative, aimed at identifying and nurturing emerging basketball talent, brought together hundreds of Jamaica’s youth for an unforgettable week-long camp. The camp concluded last Friday at the G.C Foster College in St. Catherine.
KFC played a pivotal role by contributing JMD $2 million in cash and JMD $1 million in meal sponsorship. Thanks to this significant support, young athletes had the opportunity to learn from seasoned coaches while exploring scholarship possibilities to study and play overseas, potentially paving their way to professional basketball careers at the highest level.
Among the standout participants, Joel Ricketts of Wolmer’s Boys and Bri’an Barrow of Immaculate Conception High received the camp’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. Ricketts expressed his excitement, saying, ‘I never expected to earn this award, but I gave my best effort and made sure to enjoy every step of the journey.’
International scouts, regular attendees at the camp, were equally impressed. Chief Scout Mark Cooke, based in the U.S., commented, ‘The level of talent here is phenomenal. These young athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. It’s been a privilege to work with them and help them reach their potential.’
KFC’s sponsorship not only benefited the camp participants directly but also had a positive impact on the broader community. By supporting initiatives like the Star Search Basketball Programme, KFC is paving the way for young athletes to achieve their dreams and build brighter futures.
Andrei Roper, Marketing Manager at Restaurants of Jamaica, expressed his enthusiasm for the camp’s success. ‘We’re grateful for another fantastic year of Star Search. This program is close to our hearts at KFC as we are committed to developing Jamaica’s youth and shaping them for greatness. We continue to witness the incredible talent that Jamaica has to offer in basketball. We share the Jamaica Basketball Association’s vision of creating well-rounded individuals who contribute both on and off the court.’
Roper also emphasized the camp’s dual focus on basketball and life skills. ‘It’s not just a basketball camp; it’s also a life skills camp. We take pride in equipping campers with knowledge and resources that will benefit them during the camp, in the sport of basketball, and beyond.’
The Star Search camp has already produced notable talent, including former Cleveland Cavaliers player Samardo Samuels and current Charlotte Hornets player Nick Richards. This legacy underscores the camp’s pivotal role in shaping the future of Jamaican basketball.
