Jamell Anderson on Commonwealth gold and ending the summer on a high with GB
He’s not had a chance to take a break all summer long after shining on the 3×3 stage for Great Britain and Team England, but Jamell Anderson is showing no signs of slowing down as he gears up for the FIBA 2023 World Cup Qualifiers and EuroBasket campaigns with Nate Reinking’s Men’s team.
The 32-year-old forward is fresh from winning Commonwealth Games gold with Team England in Birmingham a few weeks ago, and hasn’t missed a beat as he’s joined up with the GB squad to prepare for the upcoming qualifiers against Belgium and Latvia, with EuroBasket on the horizon as well.
“I’m just very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and what I’ve been able to achieve this summer.” Anderson said.
“I’m looking forward to whatever opportunities come with GB. I’m very thankful for everything, I’m proud and this summer is something that I’ll never forget.
“It was amazing to be around so many high-level athletes, and to be with Myles (Hesson) and winning gold at the Commonwealth Games having been with him since we were in the GB Under-20s was very special to bring that journey full circle.
“I learnt a lot from the experience of the Games and grew a lot as well, so I’m just really grateful for that and excited for what lays ahead.”
Preparations for the conclusion of an incredibly busy summer are ramping up at a pace, as the Men’s team look ahead to World Cup qualifiers against Belgium (25/8) and Latvia (28/8), before heading to Milan to compete in a six-team group at EuroBasket.
Should he be selected to travel to Italy, this would be Anderson’s first EuroBasket competition for GB, but the veteran forward says he is purely focused on Belgium for the time being.
“I’m definitely excited to wear a GB jersey again. Hopefully I get selected for the final 12 to play against Belgium. Representing my country is always an incredible honour, but especially so because I’m here with a great group of guys. I’m here to learn and grow, but I also want to show that I’m here to play – especially on the defensive end – so I’m looking forward to competing for that opportunity.
“I try not to look too far ahead. Right now I’m just focused on Belgium then I’ll focus on Latvia and EuroBasket, if selected for either of those, and go from there.
“It would be amazing to be selected for EuroBasket – it would be my first appearance at the competition so it would be incredible. I feel ready, I feel fresh, I feel good after the summer and I just want to leave it all out there on the floor.”
Tickets are close to selling out for Great Britain’s final home game before EuroBasket – against Latvia at Newcastle’s Vertu Motors Arena – so click here to get yours booked now and be a part of giving the team a perfect send-off before they venture to Milan.