Seven-footer Javel Redwood focused on striving 'to be better' player, person

The NBA is naturally his preferred destination, but if that doesn't work out getting in to the pro leagues across Europe would suffice.

Fresh from out of high school about three years ago, Redwood was offered a basketball scholarship to further his education in the United States of America.

It was an opportunity he grasped with both hands. Today he's reading for his bachelor's degree in business management at Taylor University in Indiana.

This summer Redwood is back in Jamaica for the annual Church of Christ Basketball Summer Camp, the place where his talent was first spotted by US recruits.

In an interview with Old Harbour  News, the former Old Harbour High School student, says learning to stay focused and improve oneself have been key aspects of his personal  development on and off the court.

"Growing up as a little kid I didn't have this opportunity to play basketball at this young age. So coming back and helping out is a big thing to me, just to see them grow through the years. It's a big impact on my life seeing them give their life to God and how they progress through basketball," said Redwood.

"I have had ups and downs in my life but I always kept faith,  I always prayed about it, ask God what  to do and pray for answers, just keep doing what I have to do and never give up on it."

He continued: "There's always room to improve my game. My coach always tell me you can never be too good, so every day you try to get a little better in everything in life , whether is basketball,  school work, about God, it just about trying to become a better version for yourself each day."

Redwood is somewhat of a late bloomer in basketball. He was first introduced  to the sport at age 13, primarily because of his height. At 13 he was already six feet tall, a huge advantage in basketball. Because of this late introduction Redwood is playing catch-up as to learning the intricate nuances of the game, which makes playing in the NBA a very difficult task.

"I might not go to the NBA, but I'll try and aim overseas definitely. But I'm just gonna keep working and see where it takes me and what the Lord has in store for me," said the big centre. "Basketball for me right now is just a tool to take me where I want to go in life, so I'm just trying to use that to my full advantage."

Camp director Mark Roberts was instrumental in getting Redwood settled in the United States. He took him into his home and made him a part of this family and importantly too understanding American culture.

"He played a big part in  my life, I had ups and downs and he was  there motivating me, mentoring me, so he played a big part in my life both through school, basketball, everything  he played a big part," Redwood said of Roberts, who himself is a devout Christian and a member of the…. Church in...

"He was always there to say never give up, you gotta do it for your mom, for your everybody because you are not just doing it for yourself."

The camp, now in its fifth staging, has been very instrumental and just like when he was a teenager, Redwood is now sharing his experience with the younger ones.

"It teaches kids how to become a better person and they have to work hard," he said. "I always tell them to never give up, the sky's the limit and do what you have to do, keep aiming for the highest point in your life whether its school or basketball or whatever."

Approximately 250 youth who are passionate about basketball ages 12-19 took part in the one week camp. Each day they're taught the rudiments of the game from a beginner to developmental level depending on their age.