Jamaican-born Phoenix Suns centre Nick Richards is on the island on family business and has paid a visit to the Ministry of Tourism, where he met with Minister Edmund Bartlett.

Richards is the brother of Odile Richards and uncle to Jamaican footballer Dwayne ‘Whisper’ Richards of Chelsea FC.

Nick Richards represented Jamaica College at basketball, following in the footsteps of his brother Odile, who played basketball, cricket and tracks for both Kingston College and Jamaica College.

The former Jamaica College student is expected to form a formidable Jamaican basketball team alongside several other NBA players who have shown an interest in representing Jamaica.

Isaiah Stewart (Detroit Pistons), Scotty Barnes, Nick Powell (Toronto Raptors), Devin Vassell (San Antonio Spurs), Josh Minott (Minnesota Timberwolves)  and twins Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons and Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets all have been contacted.

It’s part of the recruitment drive by the Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA) to lure players with Jamaican heritage to strengthen Jamaica’s team and ambition to reach the Olympic Games.