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Spurs’ Vassell fulfils dream of ‘giving back’ - NBA star hosts clinic in St James for high school basketballers
July 01, 2025
Among 30 student-athletes from Western Jamaica who had a first-class experience with the National Basketball Association (NBA) star Devin Vassell, Green Pond High's Jarvis Taylor said he was happy to be part of the experience.
The 13-year-old Taylor, a 6 feet, 6-inch seventh grader, was among participants at the Devin Vassell Basketball Clinic held at Herbert Morrison Technical High School (HMTHS) yesterday afternoon.
"I am sincerely appreciative that he took the time out of his time to invest in our programme," said Taylor.
"This is my first time meeting an NBA player in real time. I wanted to know what carried him through his career, was it defence or offence? I too want to be in the league one day," added Taylor.
Vassell plays for San Antonio Spurs and donated 150 Nike gear, which included socks, knapsacks, and T-shirts to the student-athletes.
According to Vassell, who is of Jamaican heritage, giving back to the community is something he wants to make a long-term goal.
"I just want to pour back into the community, this is a dream come true," said Vassell.
"When I was younger, I didn't have all the resources I needed either, so my biggest thing is to try and help out," added Vassell, who is a small forward and shooting guard for the Spurs.
Some of the high schools who benefited were HMTHS, Muschett, Holland, Green Pond, Cornwall College, Spot Valley and St James.
As part of his long-term goal, Vassell wants to ensure the next generation has all the gear and equipment needed.
The 24-year-old played college basketball for the Florida State Seminoles. He was selected 11th overall in the 2020 NBA draft.
Vassell told STAR Sports that though he has clinics in the United States with more resources, hosting a clinic in Jamaica gives him a different feeling.
"This just feels like so much more. My ultimate goal is to affect this community and have a bigger impact that doesn't last for now, but for a lifetime."
No stranger to the island, Vassell admitted that oxtail is his favourite Jamaican dish.
Visiting a high school in Jamaica for the first time, the 6 feet, 5-inch guard played the big brother role to the youngsters, who were eager to throw questions at him.
He signed autographs, and gave motivational advice to youngsters about the sport and development.
His father, Andrew Vassell, who was born in Runaway Bay, St Ann, said giving back is all about the family legacy.
"It touched my heart, it is an overwhelming feeling," the older Vassell expressed.
"This is the first of many and it just makes our entire family happy."
Andrew added: "The feeling and emotion is huge for me knowing what we will do in this in the Third World country we originated from."
Among those present, were Vassell's mother, sister and brother.
Meanwhile, Dave Black, basketball coach of HMTHS and the U17 national team, said the exposure is good.
"Vassell being here is good. Most of them want to be NBA players. Having an NBA player sharing their story, the youngsters can follow that path and the work ethic," said Black.
