NBA draftee Malique Lewis shared the story of his journey from South Trinidad to the world’s premier basketball league during a meeting on Tuesday with the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT) Board of Directors Sport Subcommittee at the National Racquet Centre.
The 21-year-old reflected on the years of sacrifice, persistence and belief that transformed him from a young basketball player in Plaisance Park, San Fernando, into a professional athlete selected 60th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Lewis recalled taking up basketball while attending Pleasantville Secondary School after being encouraged by his physical education teacher and later meeting manager Johnathan Weekes through a national Under-15 team trial.
“From that point in time, we were just practising, practising, practising until the moment came,” Lewis said. “I went to Spain, continued to develop, started playing professionally at 17, and after playing in Spain, Mexico and Australia, I entered this year’s draft and got selected by the Milwaukee Bucks.”
Weekes described Lewis’ journey as an unconventional one that required commitment from both the athlete and his family. He explained that Lewis left Trinidad and Tobago at age 16 to pursue a professional development pathway in Spain, where the focus was on preparing talented young players for elite competition.
“His route was very unconventional and very risky, but he had a goal,” Weekes said. “When I asked him what he wanted from basketball, he said he wanted to get to the NBA. We created a blueprint and kept working toward that goal. There were setbacks and failures along the way, but consistency, belief and support got him to where he is today.”
Weekes added that Lewis’ success should encourage young people and parents to explore opportunities within sport and recognise that multiple pathways exist for talented athletes.
“We want Malique’s story to inspire young people, create awareness and show that there are different routes to success. There are more athletes like him in Trinidad and Tobago. The challenge is identifying them and creating opportunities to help them reach their potential.”
SporTT Chairman Kester Lendor praised Lewis’ achievement and the commitment shown by his family and support team.
“Malique is a testament to the opportunities that now exist for young athletes,” Lendor said. “For aspiring players, there is now a prototype standing in front of them. His journey shows what can be achieved through belief, commitment and the right support system.”
Interim Chief Executive Officer Arnold Ram reaffirmed SporTT’s commitment to supporting Lewis’ continued development through access to the Company’s facilities and athlete services.
“We are all behind you,” Ram said. “Our doors are always open. We have the gyms, nutritionists, psychologists and the support services required for elite athlete development. Whether it is vacation or off-season training, we stand ready to support you.”
The meeting underscored SporTT’s commitment to supporting elite athletes while celebrating a Trinidad and Tobago success story that continues to inspire the next generation.
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