LEEDHAM “SAD” AT HOOPS IN-FIGHTING

Jo Leedham has admitted her exasperation at the turmoil in which British basketball finds itself.

While Great Britain’s men have been publicly vocal in their condemnation of the schisms in the sport, the country’s most-successful female player in a generation likewise fears the uncertainty within the British Basketball Federation, and the budget cuts imposed by the three home nations, could undermine GB Women’s opportunity to qualify for EuroBasket 2019 later this year – and take a shot at reaching the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

And Leedham, who will join international colleague Temi Fagbenle at Polish side Polkowice this coming season, says the lack of collaboration must be addressed.

“It is extremely disappointing, especially given we were handed a lifeline from the Sports Minister and now the leaders of sport cannot agree, it’s just disappointing,” she said.

“I believe players have stepped forward and asked questions and they have just been ignored, it seems.

“Speaking from the women’s point of view, it’s very frustrating as we are in a great position to qualify for EuroBasket and hope to do so in November.

“To sum it up in one word it’s just very disappointing – so many players, staff, volunteers, fans who just love the game have put everything into GB and to see where it has gone is just unbelievably sad.”

GB are currently 3-1 in their EuroBasket qualifying group with just home games against Greece and Portugal remaining. However outgoing performance director Mark Clark claimed the reduced budgets put forward by the home countries could force team coaches to selectively bring players back for national duty from overseas due to costs.

Meanwhile former BBF chair Ed Warner has continued his stinging rebuke of England, Scotland and Wales, claiming in a video interview that they have no real interest in backing the Great Britain sides.

Photo: Mansoor Ahmed