Amen and Ausar Thompson, currently playing for the Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets respectively, are exploring the possibility of representing Jamaica in international basketball competitions. While both twins are eligible to compete for the USA, their ties to Jamaica through their father have sparked discussions about joining the Caribbean nation’s basketball team at upcoming events like the Olympics and FIBA tournaments.
Family Roots Connect the Thompsons to Jamaica
The Thompson twins are pursuing Jamaican citizenship due to their father, Troy Thompson, who is from the West Indies, while their mother, Maya Wilson, is American. This dual heritage gives them the option to choose between representing Jamaica or the USA in their professional careers.
Amen reflected on his connection to Jamaica and his basketball dreams:
Ever since I was a kid, you know, I used to watch the Olympics and see Usain Bolt, [Yohan] Blake. And I always was like, you know, Jamaica always represents gold — and it’s always been like a dream. I always wanted to see a basketball team. I always wanted to picture basketball players with a Jamaica jersey on. And I’ve always wanted to wear one too.
—Amen Thompson, NBA player
Growing up inspired by Jamaican track legends Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, Amen expressed pride in the possibility of contributing to Jamaica’s sporting legacy beyond track and field.
He added,
So, just getting the opportunity, I could either play for USA, Jamaica, but being able to be here and even being an option, means a lot to me.
—Amen Thompson, NBA player
Ausar Reflects on the Value of Carrying Jamaica’s Sporting Tradition
Ausar Thompson, following similar sentiments, emphasized the significance of aligning with Jamaica’s renowned gold medal culture:
It definitely means a lot. I would be opening the door, a 1000%, just the culture like he said, gold medal culture since I was a kid.
—Ausar Thompson, NBA player
The brothers see this decision as more than a career move; it represents an opportunity to honor their family background and embrace a culture synonymous with excellence in sports.
NBA Progress Highlights Their Growing Potential
Both Amen and Ausar have shown continuous improvement in their NBA careers, demonstrating why they would be valuable additions to any national team. Ausar has raised his scoring average from 8.8 points in his rookie season to 10.1 points, improving his effective field goal percentage from 50.5% to 54.7%. Meanwhile, Amen boosted his scoring from 9.5 to 14.1 points per game and increased his rebounds from 6.6 to 8.2.
At only 22 years old, their rapid development and increasing impact on the court signal their ability to become key players for either the USA or Jamaica in major basketball competitions. Their decision could influence Jamaica’s presence on the global basketball stage, possibly aiming for success at the Olympics or the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Potential Influence on Jamaica’s International Basketball Presence
If the Thompsons commit to playing for Jamaica, it would mark a significant step for the nation’s basketball program, historically overshadowed by its track and field dominance. Their NBA experience and rising talent could elevate Jamaica’s competitiveness in international tournaments, creating a new legacy aligned with the country’s gold medal tradition.