Mystery surrounds NBA prospect’s death

Senior Superintendent Christopher Phillips, commanding officer for the St Catherine South Police Division, says it has not yet been determined if there was any indication of foul play in the death of 24-year-old basketballer Marco-Miche Downer, who was reported missing last Saturday.

Downer's body was discovered in Portmore later that evening. THE STAR understands that it was found in an unfinished building with a belt around the neck. Downer's death has cast a shadow over family, friends and members of the diaspora, as there were high hopes for the young man's future in professional basketball. Downer was eligible for the 2024 NBA draft in June, having gone undrafted in 2023.

According to the University of Tampa website, Downer played at Jamaica College and Calabar High School in Jamaica. He was also a standout player who excelled at Riverside Hawks Basketball in the US, leading his team to a tournament championship. Standing 6'9'' and weighing 235 pounds, Downer played centre for the University of Tampa Spartans during the 2018-2019 season. He was the first player in the Sunshine State Conference to be named both Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year in the same season. He majored in international business and marketing.

In an interview with The Gleaner when his body was found, his mother Michelle Nunez described him as being quiet and helpful, characteristics seconded by Junior Graham, a former basketball player who was a scholarship recipient like Downer. Graham, who shared a host family with Downer during their time in the US, reflected on the support systems for athletes.

"Marco was younger than I was when he came here, and he had very supportive parents. I don't see him eyeing the NBA and doing this to himself. I think it would have been a motivation for him to make his mother happy because she always wanted to see him do well. I can't believe this happened to him just because of how nice he is," he said.