Olympic memories live on for Page as NBA comes to town
It’s been just over a year since Julie Page graced the floor of the Phones4u Arena in Manchester ahead of the Olympics, and as the world’s most recognised league rolls into her hometown, it has brought the memories flooding back.
UKAmericanSportsFans.com spoke to the former GB captain ahead of the NBA Global Games fixture between Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers, and she knows that such an event will do wonders for the coverage of the sport in this country.
“It brings exposure,” says Page, “we have our leagues in Great Britain, but the NBA is the highest level in the world. For them to come here, for the people of Manchester to see this elite level, it shows how well basketball can be played.
“It’s unfortunate that the national team is only together for a short period of time, so when the NBA come here it can only benefit the sport seeing it played by sides who play week in, week out.
“I know the kids at Manchester Communication Academy, where I now teach, are really excited and even I can’t wait!” says Page, who will be taking over 100 of her pupils to the Thunder-Sixers game.
Looking back over her time in the national side, had a range of emotions as she stepped out on court for her country:”We [Team GB] played in this arena a few times over the last few summers but even now I still get shivers down my spine and make me smile and reminisce. They were all really good times. It’s good to be back and in the arena.
“I miss basketball, I really do; it’s been the love of my life for a long time and to put that to one side for the time being is really heartbreaking. Hopefully it won’t be for too long, I want to get back into it when the time is right.”
After the Olympics, Page announced her international retirement, but hasn’t given up on basketball completely. She was part of the highly successful Sheffield Hatters side that won all trophies last year and ended the season undefeated.
Another member of the Page family who has followed in the education footsteps, is Julie’s brother, Keith. After spending a year with BBL side Durham Wildcats, whilst also gaining an MA in teaching, he has moved back to where it all started and now dons the jersey of Manchester Giants, and Julie could not be any more excited for her sibling.
“For Keith to come back to Manchester, and he’s also teaching as well, to play for the Giants, under Jeff Jones who he has a lot of experience and history with; he’s enjoying it so much and happy to be home. Hopefully, one day, there will be a top women’s side I can come and play for as well!”
