It took Carlton’s brave showing in last year’s first semi to win Jamar Wilson over - and a more committed Carlton man there never was.

“As funny as it sounds, when I first got here Carlton was playing in that final against West Coast,” said Jamar, a point guard for National Basketball League outfit Cairns Taipans.

“I saw the game on television and fell in love with the Carlton guernseys because in baseball I follow the New York Yankees who carry the same colors and share a long history.

“I also saw that ‘Juddy’ was No.5 and I wore No.5... then when I came down to Melbourne in the lead-up to a game against the Tigers I stayed right across the road from here at The Vibe, so it was kind of fitting that this was my team.

“Ever since, I’ve been following Carlton and the game and it’s been growing on me so much. It was just meant to be, for sure.”

Bluesville is a long way from the Bronx, where the personable 28 year-old was born and raised. But Jamar’s as passionate as the next bloke about the game, which he humbly rates higher than League - the preferred code in Northern Queensland where he currently hangs out.

“Not to say there’s no skill in rugby, but in Australian rules there’s definitely a skill and athleticism that plays a part,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say that Australian Rules is similar to basketball, but in both sports co-ordination is the key. I also love contact sport and if I was Australian born and bred here I wouldn’t be surprised if I’d be playing footy.”

In town for an NBL photo shoot, Jamar took advantage of some down time to front up at Visy Park this morning - and proudly pose for pics with Eddie Betts and ‘The Juddman’.

He’ll be a guest of the club at tomorrow night’s blockbuster at the MCG, in what doubles as his first experience at an AFL game in the flesh.



“It’s been a no-brainer for me since the season started,” Jamar said. “I’ve been catching every game and looking forward to this game tomorrow - my first time attending an AFL game - and it couldn’t be any bigger or better.

“It’s funny, one of mates, Peter Yagmoor, comes from Cairns and plays for Collingwood and while I’ll definitely root for him I’m a Carlton supporter first and foremost.”