Molly James named in initial GB Under-16s squad

Everyone participating in this year’s camp will be competing for one of twelve spots in the final squad to participate at next month's Division-B European Championships held in Podgorica, Montenegro.

The camp met together on Sunday in Manchester in preparation for the opening game of the tournament against Macedonia on Thursday 16th August.

A call up to this level is made sparingly, and James was one of the fortunate few to have her burgeoning talent recognised by the sport’s national governing body.

Overseeing the camp and there to assess and mentor all of this year’s participants will be the Under-16’s head coach Kenrick Liburd of the BA London Lions in the WBBL, assisted by Adeniyi Amadou – who also serves as assistant coach to the NCAA Division I women’s team Syracuse Orange.

Gatherings like this are important for building the foundation of future British basketball, as it is the first time young players will be brought to the attention of national coaches and are given a taste of playing at the next level of their careers.

Players like Ella Clark and Azania Stewart have in the past competed for Britain at Under-16 level, and went on to become pillars of the national side and some of the biggest names in British women’s basketball. With the right encouragement and mentoring, it’s possible another future star will emerge from one of these camps - maybe one closer to home.