BE outline vision with 2 years to go until Birmingham Commonwealth Games

With two years to go until Birmingham 2022, Basketball England have outlined their vision to ensure basketball is at the heart of the Commonwealth Games.

The 3×3 version of the game will be included for the first time in Commonwealth Games history, aiming to build upon its inclusion at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.

It will take place at an iconic new custom-built outdoor venue at Smithfield in the centre of the city ready for when the action starts in 24 months’ time.

Good morning Birmingham!

It’s two years to go until #Birmingham2022, and we’re excited to announce that 3×3 basketball, wheelchair basketball and beach volleyball will be hosted in the heart of the city!

Find out more: https://t.co/uEnoW60ys0#2YTG #Sport #CommonwealthGames pic.twitter.com/uWhfpmWVm5

— Birmingham 2022 (@birminghamcg22) July 28, 2020

Basketball England aim to create a games legacy and have three main goals for the games; celebrating 3×3 and showcasing basketball, adopting a fast-track approach to winning teams and inspiring the creation and renovation of amazing outdoor playing spaces across the country through expanding the successful Project Swish initiative.

“The Commonwealth Games will set such a brilliant stage for us to showcase our sport to the nation in this really exciting, vibrant form,” Stewart Kellett, Basketball England CEO said.

“We want the basketball community to join us and for an army of new fans and potential players to be inspired by great England teams claiming more Commonwealth Games basketball medals.

“…We know we have the talent – between now and 2022, we will go about harnessing it.”

The process of selection for players will involve identification by the coaching staff (including reports from scouts) via observation of games and training.

Players will be selected using 3×3 rankings, domestic 3×3 talent identification processes and 5×5 GB player format transfer opportunities – BE have also made it clear they will be considering not only professionals, but NBL players and ‘specialist 3×3’ players.

Birmingham-born Myles Hesson, the Great Britain captain is clear about his own aspirations to compete in the games.

“Birmingham 2022 is a fantastic opportunity for us to really showcase basketball to the nation,” he said.

“The 3×3 form of the game will be a really exciting and engaging way to show people this version of the sport and basketball in general.

“And the idea of playing for my home country right in the heart of my home city is personally something that is also very attractive to me.

“Basketball England’s aim to inspire the creation and renovation of brilliant outdoor places for kids to play is also something that is close to my heart.

“I’m excited to see what we can achieve.”

England will look to build on the women’s silver-medal performance at the 2018 Gold Coast games, where West Midlands-born Dominique Allen was a part of the squad.

“It will be the first time that 3×3 basketball and wheelchair basketball will be at the Games and it will be a great opportunity to showcase the sport’s diversity,” she said.

“Basketball England’s initiative to inspire people to create and renovate outdoor spaces for basketball is something that I’m really excited to see and be a part of.

“I was lucky enough to be a part of the women’s team that won a silver medal at the 2018 Games on the Gold Coast and I have no doubt that the same excitement and success will be felt in 2022.”

Commonwealth Games England CEO, Paul Blanchard added:

“The two years to go landmark is something that Team England as the home nation of Birmingham 2022 is thrilled to embrace. These home games which are right on our doorstep will give our fans the opportunity to support our English athletes and give them the best chance to succeed.

“Basketball has always been a key part of the sporting programme for Team England and we have enjoyed working closely with Basketball England to great success on and off the court at previous Commonwealth Games.”