Despite Jamaica missing out on their dream appearance at next year’s FIBA World Cup, Head Coach Rick Turner believes the nation’s basketball programme has built a solid foundation for future success.

Jamaica finished fourth in Group B in the first round of Americas Qualifying, after devastating losses to second-placed Bahamas in Nassau last Friday (123-74) and group winners Canada in Ontario on Monday (116-78). Heading into the final group games, the team only needed a win to advance to the final round and move a step closer to the World Cup in Qatar.

The Jamaicans could have advanced had Puerto Rico lost both of their remaining games against Canada or the Bahamas. However, Puerto Rico defeated the Bahamians 115-92 on Monday, a result that left Jamaica, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico level on eight points.