GB Call for Riders’ Anderson

Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders forward, Jamell Anderson, has been called up to the Great Britain men’s senior squad, for the forthcoming Eurobasket campaign.

The 23-year-old, who played in every single game for Leicester Riders in the club’s most successful-ever season, will join up with head coach Joe Prunty’s squad on Friday 2 August in preparation for the first of Great Britain’s seven preparation games, against Puerto Rico on Sunday 11 August.

It’s the first time that Anderson, who arrived at Leicester in 2011, has been called up to the senior men’s side, having previously represented his country at Under-20 and Under-23 level.

However, after enjoying a hugely-impressive year with the Riders last season, which culminated in three pieces of silverware, Anderson insists that the hard work starts now.

“The call means a huge amount to me,” Anderson said.

“I’m not one of those people that get lost in the moment though. I tend to do what I need to do and then enjoy it after, so in many ways – whilst it means a lot to me know, it will mean more to me after. Right now, I’m so focused on getting into the squad and doing well, that I haven’t sat back and thought about what I’ve done.”

One face that Anderson will find familiar during his time with the Great Britain side, is Riders team-mate and GB captain, Drew Sullivan – a man that Anderson admits has had a big impact in the time they’ve worked together.

“I’m fortunate enough to have Drew Sullivan available to call whenever I like and after speaking to him, I’m really grateful to have this opportunity.

“I wouldn’t say that Drew being there is something that makes things more comfortable, though. I know one thing, and it’s that I know I’m not going to get chance to relax, which is great. I’m really looking forward to having that in fact. As much as I assume that the rest of the players and staff are going to push me, I know for definite that Drew won’t let up. I want to make sure that I keep doing what I have always done – and that’s to give 100%, 100% of the time.”

And as Great Britain prepare for Eurobasket, Anderson is relishing the opportunity of playing alongside and against, some of the best players in the world.

“Playing for the Riders is amazing, I love playing with those guys. But to play with the professionals that are playing around the world is an incredible prospect,” Anderson said.

“I know I’m going to learn a lot from it and I really feel that I have an opportunity to better myself.

“Going up against some of the players we’ll be facing will be amazing. These kinds of opportunities don’t come around that often, so the fact that I can look at myself against some of the best will really put my game into perspective and where I really am.”