Incredible summer of Great Britain call-ups celebrated

Essex is celebrating an unprecedented summer of international sport with elite players and coaches called up for Great Britain.

The Essex Rebels basketball sides bookended successful seasons – which saw the women reach their first trophy final, promotion, and record crowds – with a string of caps.

The elite squad, which play out of The Essex Sport Arena, has labelled the internationals "incredible".

'Spectacular year'

A spokesperson said: "We are overjoyed to have had so many international call-ups for our players and coaches - it is a real testament to the talent we have here at the University of Essex.

"Not only do we have incredible sporting talent our facilities have been recognised by sporting leaders and it’s always an honour to host national team camps.

"We’re proud to provide a top-class environment for training and development and we look forward to building on this unprecedented summer as the season starts in a few weeks.

"The Essex Rebels are record-breakers, award-winners, and inspirations in our community - we can't wait to welcome all of our fans back to campus for another spectacular year of basketball."

The captain of the women’s side Claire Paxton received her first GB cap after running out for her nation in a 3x3 tournament – which is a smaller faster version of the five-a-side game.

The Subway Summer Slam clash against Olympic-bound Germany unfolded at London’s prestigious Copper Box Arena.

Sadly, the game didn’t finish due to a medical emergency in the crowd, however, the 6ft2in forward finished with four points, three rebounds, and two assists in 31 minutes.

“I learnt a lot during my time with the GB senior team and was very grateful for the opportunity to play against the German Olympic team,” said Claire.

The Rebels talisman, who has played three years in Essex, also managed the U23s men’s and women’s teams.

The GB side travelled to Szolnok, Hungary, for the FIBA U23 3X3 Nations League and to Katowice, Poland, ahead of the FIBA 3X3 U23 World Cup.

Claire had the pleasure of managing two of her Rebels teammates Jade Mbam and Cameron Taylor-Willis.

Reflecting on the experience Claire said: “Being the team manager with the GB u23 3x3 was a very rewarding role.

“The Nations League competition is a really fun event to be part of and I was happy I got to be there with Cam and Jade!

“From my own experience playing 3x3 earlier in the summer, I think I was able to bring a player’s perspective to the teams and help them get the most out of their time there.”

Cam has praised the experience and said: “Being asked to compete for GB is a huge compliment and I was very proud to put on a GB jersey again.

“3x3 is a very different game and it was incredible to experience it at that level!"

Their coach Ashley Cookson topped off his first season as Essex’s Head of Performance Basketball by sharing his knowledge, basketball IQ and skills with Britain’s top young players.

The youth sides trained on the Colchester Campus ahead of games in Kosovo, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Romania.

The U18s finished top of their group and 6th overall, leaving Ashley overjoyed.

He said: “It was an amazing experience!

“Having coached in different countries I have always been proud of being a British basketball coach.

“Being on the side-lines with the national team was an honour.

“The staff work very hard to create a performance environment and the players capitalised on the opportunity.”

Fellow head coach Ross Norfolk also marked the end of the domestic season in style.

Ross helped the senior men’s side when they also trained on the Colchester Campus.

He was part of the staff ahead of the team’s preparation for a clash with Olympic-bound South Sudan.

In three friendlies, GB lost in a tri-nation exhibition tournament to Argentina and hosts Portugal before heading home for the crunch game with the African side.

They came within a whisker of beating the top team - but eventually fell 84-81.

He said: “It was great to have the senior national team here at Essex.

“We have a performance venue that is designed to host this level of team.

“For me personally it was fun to be back involved.

“I had a break from national team work for the last six years and to be invited back was an honour.

“To work and learn from an elite level staff and players is an incredible opportunity.”