We are delighted to announce a groundbreaking partnership between P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy Jamaica and College Bound Athletics (CBA) Boynton Beach, Florida. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to develop and elevate Jamaican basketball talent on a global stage.
The New Transitional Development Program
Our partnership has established a transitional development program designed to provide our athletes with the opportunity to experience high-level training, competition, and living conditions in the United States. This program serves as a vital bridge for athletes considering the significant move from Jamaica to the U.S. for their athletic and academic futures.
Meet Our Pioneering Athletes
We are proud to introduce the first group of veteran P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy athletes to embark on this journey:
- Micah-Imani Swaine - 6'3" PG
- Derjean Royal - 6'5" SG
- Dauntae Millis - 6'9" SF
- Romareo Millis - 6'6" PF
These talented young men are currently immersed in an intense two-month program at CBA's Boynton Beach campus. During this time, they will live, train, and compete with their College Bound Athletics teams, gaining invaluable experience and exposure.
Evaluation and Future Plans
In July, Directors for College Bound Athletics, Eric Newsome and P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy's Wayne Dawkins will convene to assess the success of this transition program. Their evaluation will determine the feasibility of our athletes returning in August for the 2024/2025 season, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their basketball careers.
From Competitors to Collaborators
This partnership follows our recent encounter at the 2024 Prep National Championships in RockHill, South Carolina, where our teams competed fiercely against each other. Now, we have united to create a pipeline that allows talented Jamaican basketball players to acclimate to life in the U.S. over a period of two weeks to two months. This approach helps minimize the risks and challenges associated with leaving Jamaica at a young age.
Building on a Strong Foundation
P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy has already taken significant steps to prepare athletes for scholarship and professional opportunities in North American basketball. We have implemented a travel visa program that enables select athletes to play internationally as part of Jamaica's first-ever youth travel basketball team. Additionally, we provide local youth with a consistent, year-round training and competition schedule on indoor wood courts in Jamaica.
Our efforts extend beyond local development. P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy has hosted teams and athletes from the USA, Canada, and the UK, fostering a higher level of basketball competition for Jamaican youth. These initiatives, combined with elite training, access to basketball sneakers, training equipment, and special guest coaches, have significantly raised the standard of basketball in Jamaica.
A Step Towards a Brighter Future
This partnership with College Bound Athletics represents an essential next step in our commitment to nurturing Jamaican basketball talent. By offering our athletes a structured and supportive environment to transition to the U.S., we aim to ensure they reach their full potential while minimizing the challenges associated with such a significant move. Ultimately, this collaboration will enhance the level of basketball in Jamaica and contribute to the success of Jamaican national teams on the global stage.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey and join us in supporting our athletes as they strive to achieve greatness!
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