Through a sports agent this Virgin Islander has made himself marketable. Photo: VINO

Jason has been playing basketball over a decade now.

He has played on a number of teams throughout the world.

At age 30 and towering at 6 foot, Jason has been a professional player for over a decade, and continues to travel the world wowing his coaches and teammates with his knack for the sport and his athleticism.

And as he is about to take his place on the Mexican ‘Hurricanes’, this Virgin Islander allowed Virgin Islands News Online to delve into his life and discuss his future.

What’s interesting is that Jason’s father, the late Sylvester Edwin “was not a man of sports” yet Edwin and his three brothers have excelled in sports.

“Growing up in Lower Estate, that’s what we guys had loved to do best, play basketball,” Jason recalled.

Prior to that, however, Jason was a force to be reckoned with on the track and field. The former Althea Scatliffe Primary School student often outclassed his competitors in the High and Long Jump and he had several records under his belt. For his outstanding performances, Jason represented the Virgin Islands in several Junior Championships.

“I really enjoyed those competitions, and won a bronze medal in Long Jump at the Miami International Games in 1992,” Jason revealed. “I also travelled to several Caribbean islands which was totally cool because at such a young age track and field was embedded in the academic school terms.”

However, as he entered High School, Jason like so many others became enraptured with the Michael Jordan fever.

“It was euphoric growing up in the early 90s in the Jordan era...because their Dream Team was in Barcelona receiving international coverage and I was like wow I really want to play ball,” the 30 year-old disclosed.

From then on Jason made that transition from track and field to basketball. “Between studying and school, it was basketball.”

His competitive streak and determination bore fruit because in 1997, the basketball pro was one of four Virgin Islanders chosen by United States of America (USA) scouts to play ball at a US high school or college.

“Anyone young basketball player would tell you. It’s like a dream come true and the step in the right direction...I remember every year while at the BVI High School [now Elmore Stoutt High] I was on the team participating in the Martin Luther King Basketball Tournament, scouts would be there looking for players with potential. And I guess I was one of them,” a smiling Jason remembered.

So in 1997, the then Fourth Form student left the VI where he earned his high school Diploma from the Warsaw High School in Illinois.

“My parents and the coaches knew this would be a good opportunity for an up and coming talent and I feel blessed for their support. Those two years really saw me developing my skills in the Guard position.”

The confident young man then took on college basketball with zest and zeal and first played at the St. Louis University for two years before being transferred to Kent State University in Ohio. And with his mantra “play hard and study hard” Jason obtained a Degree in Sociology in 2003.

Shortly after, he hired a sport agent, who he described to be very efficient and proactive to manage his professional career. Asked why he did not push to be drafted in the NBA, the Virgin Islander admitted “it’s extremely competitive”.

The path this Virgin Islander has chosen takes him all over the world to play including teams in Germany, Ecuador, Brazil, and Argentina among others. Taking it in stride, Jason revealed that each country has its structure, however, in the end it made him a more focused and driven player.

“People usually asked me how I coped with the language, culture and food and the first thing I say is basketball is a universal language. But I must say they take really good care of you.”

At the moment, Jason is enjoying some down time with his family and friends in the VI but come September he will be back on the court with the Hurricanes, a team in Mexico.

When asked if he intends to slow down anytime soon, the Virgin Islander replied, “Time will tell. But for now when I am not playing I prepare my body and mind for the game.”

His average per game is 15 points, six rebounds three steals.

And cognizant of the fact that he can’t play “ball forever”, Jason divulged he intends to give back to the VI. According to him, he has a good relationship with Patrick Harrigan, the Director of Youth Affairs and Sports (ag) and has made a pledge to work alongside Harrigan to offer programmes that will benefit the youths.

“Hey I got some good contacts, and I even know Dwayne Wade who was part of my High School travelling team in Illinois,” Jason said with a grin.

To the youths, who may be facing hurdles in their life, Jason advises them that anything is possible once you dedicate yourself and work hard. Don’t underestimate your potential. If you push it’s not going to break, it will only make you better.”

Jason is the son of Claudette Edwin.