Basketballer Narcis eyes Spain's Rookie of the Year honour

EUROPEAN-BASED pro basketballer Jabari Narcis has set his sights on capturing the Spanish basketball league’s Rookie of the Year award.

Narcis plays as a forward for Destino Palencia in the Liga Espanola de Baloncesto (LEB Oro) – the Spanish second division.

Having competed on the American college circuit for five years (2015-2020), the burly six-footer moved to Spain, in October, to begin his pro career on a one-year contract.

He has been an instrumental player for the squad thus far and even scored a career high 21 points in his team’s 87-69 victory against Ibereolica Ourense Basketball on Sunday.

“It’s been really good and a great learning experience," said Narcis. "This is my first year playing in the pro league. Things are running smoothly so far although much of Europe is being greatly affected by covid19.

“I really am working towards getting that Rookie of the Year award in my first season,” he added.

Although the league is up and running, players are tested weekly for coronavirus. Once they return a negative result, they are allowed to compete.

Narcis described having to do a polymerise chain reaction (PCR) test on a weekly basis as challenging but remains committed to his athletic goals.

Prior to his pro contract, he attended ASJA College in Charlieville then spent one year at Chaguanas North Secondary School.

At age 14, Narcis joined Enterprise (Chaguanas) basketball club under former national player and coach Eric Knights.

Since there were no school basketball leagues, Narcis placed great emphasis on his club performances.

In 2015, he participated in the Caribbean Hoops Showcase – an event which allows local basketballers to display their talent in front of multiple scouts from varying international colleges.

There, he gained a scholarship to play at Jacksonville College in Texas, US (2015-2018). In his first year, he was allowed to practice with the team but unable to play in actual games to help cope and adapt to the squad’s different style of play.

In his final year, Narcis showed much improvement and adaptability and gained an honourable mention in the league.

He then moved on to the University of Texas at Arlington where he played the final two years of his senior college career.

“Heading to Arlington was a big transition because that’s one of the highest level of basketball played in the US, at the college level," Narcis said. "I didn’t do as best as I wanted to do but I still did well.

“I finished in the top-ten for blocked shots and had a good shooting percentage. In my second year, I led my team with three pointers, blocked shots and rebounds. Senior year was pretty good,” he added.

However, with his agent residing in Spain and receiving positive feedback from players there, he was inspired to go pro on the European circuit.

Just three months in, Narcis has already been reaping the rewards of his hard work. In November, Palencia defeated Caceres 76-65 led by Narcis’ 20-point haul and five rebounds. He was adjudged the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Having scored his career high on Sunday, the committed athlete is intent on producing improved performances en route to achieving the league’s Rookie of the Year.

He concluded, “I’m coping well for now. Even with the curfew set by the Spanish government and mandatory mask wearing, it’s not as bad as England. Spain is not there yet and hopefully it doesn’t get to that level of severity with covid19.

“Whether or not, I want to continue chasing my dream on this stage and extend my good run of form throughout the entire season.”