Jonathan Rosa may not look like a star on the basketball court.
He hangs around the paint and often cleans up team-mates’ mistakes. He is generally low-key and does not demand attention. Yet the American earned Finals Most Valuable Player in guiding team Charterland to the Cayman Islands Basketball Association division two national men’s basketball league championship.
Rosa, 26, states he is shocked to be named the best player in the series against the Shockwaves.
“I was surprised because there are a ton of guys on our team that make us successful,” Rosa said. “I consider myself the garbage man, I just clean up the boards and clog the middle on defence. To echo the words of Nathan Smith ‘Jonathan couldn’t do what he does without the rest of us missing shots.’
“Its true, I get the easy baskets off of offensive rebounds while the ball handlers work their tails off to get the ball down the court. I also have a ton of help down low. I’ll tell you the truth, if I had to choose to play against Conrad Duncan, Mark Cook or myself, I might choose myself; they work much harder off the ball than I do. When I play against them they tire me out with all their movement. In the end though, I’m proud and honoured. Most of all I’m proud to be a part of Charterland, a team that works hard.”
Statistically the Grace Christian Academy math teacher is every bit a force. During the regular season he averaged 14.7 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. He had a season-high 30 points in the semi-finals against Jason McKenzie and the Rock Hole Fire Ants. In the finals he notched 20 points and 13 rebounds in game one before posting 27 points and 14 rebounds in game two.
All those efforts would allow the squad to go unbeaten during the regular season and playoffs. The side’s 2011 championship is the first under sponsors Charterland and their second title in three years (dating back to when they were sponsored by Digicel).
The Wheaton College grad states aside from making a title run, 2011 was a chance to appreciate playing basketball with new team-mates.
“This is my second year playing with this group of guys. They are great. I play basketball because it is the best sport. Seriously, I think basketball is great because everyone that is on the floor has to make a contribution all the time. Unlike football you don’t have designated defensive players and offensive players. Everyone does everything. That’s what makes it great.
“I can’t say enough about newcomer Scott Murray. I can’t believe how well he carries the ball down the floor and attacks the basket, he has tremendous energy. Conrad is one of the least selfish players I have ever played with on offence. There were so many times he gave me a great cross pick or dished a great assist. Also, I always knew I would get a pass down into the post from Jeremy Strickland.
“Ultimately, what I have been able to do on the basketball floor stems from my relationship with God. I know that I’m loved and accepted by God, I am free to go out onto the court and play my hardest and not worry about results. There is no pressure, so it’s all fun.”
The victory for Rosa, who grew up in Honduras and Guatemala, is bitter-sweet. After three years on Grand Cayman, Rosa is leaving the island for family reasons. Nevertheless he gives God the glory for his time here.
“My wife and I feel like its time to start having a family. Unfortunately, with a teachers salary, it just wouldn’t be possible for Michelle to stay home with our kids here on island. So, we are off to find a place where she can.
“We will be moving to New Zealand next. We are currently still looking for jobs, but my wife and I are confident that God will provide. I have been amazed at how God has brought us this far as a married couple and I’m sure three years from now I won’t be looking back at regrets either.”
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