JEFFERSON’S CALL UP OF HIS LIFE

Liam Jefferson has called his appointment as Great Britain U16 men’s head coach his proudest achievement in his 15 years on the sidelines.

Trusted with leading the future of the youngest GB internationals, many of whom were only a year old when Jefferson began, the current Oaklands Wolves tactician wants to help prepare the teenage prodigies for international competition, leading to next summer’s FIBA Youth EuroBasket.

He also looks to create a positive experience, emphasising a strong team culture and support system, something he learned during his time as assistant coach to Krumesh Patel’s U20 men’s side in 2023.

“It’s the proudest achievement in my career to date, and anytime you are entrusted with leading the future of Great Britain basketball, it’s an absolute honour,” said Jefferson.

“We have some real talent and potential within the youth teams, especially within this age group. And if we can get everybody available on the floor, we’re really excited about what we could do come tournament time.”

Since he was announced as U16 coach, Jefferson has already been hard at work watching potential talent at National Basketball League games and European Youth Basketball League (EYBL) showcases.

His first task as Great Britain U16 head coach will be inviting his players and overseeing their development at the Youth Team combine in Cardiff on January 2-3.

“I think the biggest thing is just how intense a tournament environment is,” Jefferson explains.

“You are thrown into camps with these players and staff for a short amount of preparation time and then have to find a way to get a blend of talent and idea and philosophy to really perform on demand come tournament time.

“Having a combine will help us as coaches and the players to understand what preparation will be like and how intense we need to be.

“Anytime you’re in a group of people with a shared goal over a period, it’s naturally just going to be an intense time.

“And we need to make sure that we’re putting the right sort of care and support around these players because, for them, it will be the first time they’ve been in that environment, but they can still thrive in that situation.”

Jefferson will also relish the task when he heads to the Welsh capital. He certainly has experience on his side, with 13 years as an assistant at Loughborough Riders and a season with the London Lions Academy under his belt before joining Oaklands.

And it gives Jefferson – an avid sneaker collector – a chance to plan what footwear he and his team will wear this summer.

His assistants Craig Nicol, Steve Mikinis, and team manager Gavin Naylor also share a passion for sneakers, which Jefferson jokingly says makes his life easier.

“There’s already been some conversations in the group chat amongst the coaches, but I might have one or two things lined up already,” Jefferson laughs.

“I won’t give too much away too soon, but we’ve definitely spoken about it.”