Jamaco Camps - Embracing the love of the game
Where did Jamaco come from?
For the love of the game…an apt description of the dedicated and talented men who played for the Jamaco Saints from 1957 to 1967.
To quote from the Saints yearbook: “A power-packed rush to the basket, freewheeling down the court with a zest and a deft style. Pandemonium, noise and action, with a lively full-throttle offense and a gambling pressure defense. The mad dash to glory through relentless pursuit of creating an endless clamor. This, then, is the excitement of the Jamaco Saints!”
Jack Mathis owned and coached the Jamaco Saints. In 1957 the NBA consisted of only eight teams. This left many talented athletes with no place to play. The Saints bridged this gap and allowed post-college players to continue playing. They often made it to the NBA the following year.
Jamaco stands for the first two letters in each word of JAck MAthis COmpany. Jack Mathis was a dedicated coach who expected his players-like himself-to give it their all. Jamaco was known across the world as being a group of men with class and poise who were great players.
Jamaco Saints teams received numerous accolades. They represented the United States in the Intercontinental World Cup in Madrid, bringing home the championship trophy. The same year, Jamaco again represented the United States in South America and again made their country proud by bringing home another championship trophy.
Coach Doug Bruno watched Coach Mathis as a young man, and admired his techniques and success. Years later, when Coach Bruno led his own team and his thriving basketball camps for younger girls, he saw Coach Mathis again. This time, Mathis was dropping off his daughter Jana to camp.
When Coach Mathis passed, his daughter Jana Balis, now a formidable talent and coach in her own right, wanted to honor him. The best way to do that: offer superior basketball instruction to young players across the region.
