MYLES HESSON: NATE IS HIGHLY RANKED

Myles Hesson says Nate Reinking will command instant respect when he brings his first Great Britain squad together.

The former GB international, named as head coach last week following the resignation of Alberto Lorenzo, gets down to work on the court in Manchester on Thursday as training camp opens ahead of this month’s EuroBasket pre-qualifiers against Luxembourg and Kosovo.

Speaking on the latest edition of the MVP Cast, Hesson admitted the news that the Spaniard had quit in an apparent row over his contract was just one more incident with the national team programme.

However Reinking’s return, following a previous lengthy stint as an assistant, will be broadly welcomed when the bulk of his 24-man roster gathers, he maintained.

“I’m prepared for anything these days when it comes to the national team,” said Hesson, who made his debut along side the Olympian in 2012 in a friendly with Nigeria.

“It’s a shame to see Alberto go. He’s been good for us, the past few years he ‘s been with us. But it’s good to have Nate back. He’s obviously put in his work for the national team, as a player then as an assistant coach in the past. I think he’s the perfect man for the job right now.

“If his coaching is anything like his work ethic in basketball, it’s going to be really good especially for all the younger players named in the squad. They didn’t really see him as player. He was in the gym before anyone else. He left after everyone else. Hopefully he can bring that same level of preparation when it comes to coaching and help us win these games.

“Definitely, especially for players. If a coach has actually played the game at a good level, even in your lifetime, you’ve been able to see that player out on the court. There is stuff he’ll be able to tell you and he’ll understand it more because he’s been through it.”

Jamie Smith and Marc Steutel are retained as Reinking’s assistant coaches.

Hesson confirmed he is not returning to French Pro A side Gravelines next season with the Birmingham-born forward still seeking a club.

On the MVP Cast, he also expands on watching Ovie Solo on Love Island, his development in his home city of Birmingham and how his gamble to head overseas paid off, and how GB’s men have been inspired to raise the bar by their female counterparts.

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Photo: Ahmedphotos