T

nis needs an intro of sorts to set the scene needs an intro of sorts to set the scene needs an intro of sorts to set the scene needs an intro of sorts to set the scene needs an intro of sorts to set the scene needs an intro of sorts to set the scene needs an intro of sorts to set the scene needs an intro of sorts to set the scene needs an intro of sorts to set the scene needs an intro of sorts to set

Is it true you chose basketball over football?
Every football match I played, I’d pretty much have an asthma attack. With football, once you are subbed off, that’s you finished for the game. It was becoming frustrating. With basketball, the asthma problems were still there, but I could sub off and come back.’

What’s the beauty of basketball?
I think basketball is quite similar to football, all you need is a ball. You don’t really need a hoop sometimes, you can just go outside and dribble, in the same way you can kick a ball. To this day I find it therapeutic. I can go to a court by myself and, just hearing the ball bounce on the floor, it can get you into a trance so you can forget about everything.

What’s the beauty of team sport?
Being part of a team is more special than individual sports. I’ve always got more out of a team success, it’s better than winning a tennis match and celebrating on your own. I’ve always felt that because I’ve got three older brothers. Just competing with them, that’s shaped me to be more of a team player.

Tell us about 3×3…
In the past five years, it’s started to kick off as a really tactical game. There are loads of tournaments: World Cups, European Cups, Asian Cups, last year’s Olympics. It’s a far cry from the game to 5×5. Tactically, you play a bit di  erently. The style of play and players that suits 3×3 is a bit different, too.

Would you like to get involved in grassroots and coaching?
When I’m a bit older and slowing down I’d love to put some roots down and give back in the way that I want to.

Your old haunt Hamstead Playing Fields basketball court  is now known as the Myles Hesson Basketball Court, isn’t that amazing…
I spent countless hours playing basketball at this court as a child, either by myself or with friends. Seeing it restored and revamped in this way means the world to me. The renovation is not just a recognition of what my teammates and I were able to achieve but it’s a commitment to the next generation and the community in which I come from.

I want to say a huge thank you to Basketball England, Sport England and the National Lottery and Birmingham City Council for making it happen. I can’t wait to see it being used by the future generation of ballers of Birmingham.

Who would be your ultimate starting five? (of course, you’re in there too!)
Shaq O’Neal, centre.
LeBron James, forward.
Stephen Curry, point guard and Kobe
Bryant, forward.