St. Joseph’s star Aaron dunking Sri Lanka’s future hopes
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Aaron Gerald
Basketball isn’t just a game for me — it’s my world,” says 16-year-old Aaron Gerald, moments after leading Sri Lanka’s Under-16 team to the finals at the FIBA Asia Cup SABA Qualifiers in the Maldives recently.
At just 16, while most boys his age are chasing schoolyard victories, Aaron is already battling giants in Sri Lanka’s Under-20 ‘A’ Division basketball circuit. The St. Joseph’s College star has become a living example that age is just a number when passion and talent come together.
Born into a basketball family, Aaron was destined for the court. His father, Gerald Jacob, a respected basketball coach, handed him his first ball before he could even read. “He was shooting into a bucket when other toddlers were still playing with toy cars,” recalls his father with a proud grin.
That early start paid off. By 11, Aaron was already making headlines at junior tournaments. He was crowned Most Valuable Player at the Gaja Champion Trophy in 2022 and named Best Offensive Player at the Under-14 Zonal Level tournament. But it’s not just his age that makes Aaron special — it’s how he handles himself against older, taller, and more experienced players in the Under-20 team.
“He doesn’t flinch in the face of tough opposition,” says his Head Coach at St. Joseph’s, Roshan Randima.
“He’s a fearless leader, barking instructions, stealing balls, and sinking three-pointers like a seasoned pro.”
And the awards keep coming. From being the Best Defensive Player at the All-Island Under-16 Tournament to playing a key role in his school’s Under-20 ‘A’ Division Championship win in 2024, Aaron has built a reputation for being a big-game player.
“Every time he steps on the court, it’s like watching a storm gather,” says his Assistant Coach Shane Daniel. “You know something’s about to happen.”
In 2023, Aaron proudly wore the Sri Lanka jersey at the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship SABA Qualifier in Qatar. In 2024, he earned MVP titles at the Rotaract Jordan Cup Under-18 and Cambrian’s Under-15 tournaments. He was also a key performer on Sri Lanka’s international tour in Dubai, where his Impact Club team finished runners-up against tough teams from Abu Dhabi and the Maldives.
His influence caught the attention of the international basketball community. The South Asian Basketball Association (SABA) itself once tagged Aaron Gerald in an official note, saying, “The future of South Asia’s Lions is in safe hands.”
Aaron’s impact reaches beyond the basketball court too. He excels in athletics, sprint relays, triple jumps, and road races. But it’s on the court where his heart beats fastest.
“It’s more than a sport for me,” says Aaron quietly.
“It’s the place where I belong. Where my sweat, my heart, and my dreams come together.”
His father, the man behind the boy, knows the journey better than anyone. “Aaron’s not playing for medals. He’s playing for the flag, for his school, and for every kid who dreams of going from the street court to the national jersey.”
At St. Joseph’s College, Aaron has received strong backing. He deeply appreciates the support from his school Principal, Rector Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, and Prefect of the Games, Rev. Fr. Samesh Anthony, who have always encouraged and guided him through his school basketball journey.
“Aaron’s heart is bigger than his age. He leads, fights, and inspires beyond his years,” says his father and coach, Gerald Jacob.
At just 16, Aaron Gerald isn’t waiting for his time. He’s taking it — and dunking it down. Proudly wearing jersey No.4, the same number he wore from the very start when friends first began calling him ‘Aaron’ on the court, this young star carries both his name and his nation’s hopes every time he steps onto the hardwood.