Commonwealth Games Home Nations 3x3 Qualifier - Day 1 session 1 - 22.05.26

Added: 2026-05-23

[00:06:35]Hello and welcome in to the National Basketball Performance Center here in Manchester. It's Commonwealth Games 3x3 qualification time and teams are vying to book their ticket to Glasgow this summer over the next two days. Cas Bulock here alongside Hannah Alti on the Basketball England YouTube channel as we get ready for our first game of the day tipping off very shortly between Wales and Northern Ireland men. But first, before we get started, let's hear from Jamal Anderson on what makes a good 3x3 player.

[00:07:15]So, what makes a good three player?

[00:07:17]Well, it's a really fast-paced game >> and you need a lot of skill. So, you need someone that can shoot. You need someone that can pass. You need someone that can dribble.

[00:07:25]>> Before we get started, let's hear from Jamal Anderson on what makes a good 3x3 player >> in the comments below.

[00:07:39]So we have eight teams across the weekend. Four men's teams and four women's teams from England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the aisle of man.

[00:07:48]There is one place available at the Commonwealth Games for the men's competition and one for the women's. And teams are fighting it out this weekend to see who will book their ticket to Glasgow. So Hannah, for anyone that's not familiar with 3x3 that might not have seen it before, what are some of the rules?

[00:08:05]>> So 3x3 basketball is fastpaced CAS. It's a halfcourt version of basketball with three players on court and one sub per team. Now what's different about 3x3 is that we only play one game of 10 minutes. Now the points for this game are either the first team to score 21 or who has the most points in that first 10 minutes. So, when we're looking at points, there's two types of points.

[00:08:32]There's either the one point, which is anything inside the ark, which would be the traditional three-point line, or for any shots outside that arc, it would be a two point. So, then we're looking at fouls. Fouls are really important in uh 3x3. So, team fouls matter rather than your individual fouls. So for example from team foul team fouls one to six possession is either retained or one free throw um if the foul was on a shot but then from team foul number seven and onwards it's free throws.

[00:09:08]Every foul from uh results in two free throws and then from team foul number 10 it's free throws plus possession. So this can really change the the the momentum of a game. And I think one thing that we just need to tell people back home is, you know, 3x3 is relentless. It's physical and it's very unforgiving. And one possession can change the entire game. So I'm I'm excited today. It's going to be an absolutely great weekend. So we have games taking place today and tomorrow.

[00:09:37]You can come down to the National Basketball Performance Center and catch all the action or you can watch live on the Basketball England YouTube channel.

[00:09:44]will be bringing you all the sessions from the games across this weekend. And first up, it is Wales against Northern Ireland. And if we take a look at the Northern Ireland loster, it is Connor Quinn, Max Richardson, Callum Keys, and Lucian Christophus.

[00:10:03]And for Wales, Alex Kukaras, Jake Kinder, Johnny Mchugh, and Ree Farrell. And you might notice there, no coach listed on the roster. So Hannah, in 3x3, teams do have a coach that they're they're training with when they're off the court, but in the game, the coach does not coach the team. The players are coaching themselves. They are Cass. And it's that can be quite intimidating, I think, as well because, you know, it's about making those decisions, especially, you know, regular basketball, you're used to kind of having somebody from the outside being able to, you know, see it from a different perspective, but, you know, you're relying on your team. um as a unit uh and being able to make those those decisions together um which I think makes it that bit um more exciting. It it certainly does as well.

[00:10:50]So you've got three players out on court, one substitution and again the player that's the substitute can't be coaching from the sidelines. It's all on court.

[00:11:02]>> And you'll hear a lot of players talk about when they've been in the the 3x3 programs when they bring skills back to the five on five game. say how relentless it is. They say how fast-paced it is and how playing in 3x3 tournaments really helps add to their game. Yeah, it really does. You know, the like I said before, it's it's very unforgiving and and one small mistake or can really cost a possession which then can ultimately cost you the game. So, it's all about being really switched on to kind of not just what you guys are doing as a team, but also how you you're you're defending um inside the ark and outside the ark as well.

[00:11:40]So, we're just a couple of minutes away from tip off teams out on the court.

[00:11:45]Remember to follow along to on Basketball England social media. We've got loads of great clips and videos, loads of behindthescenes action from the the England camp that's been taking place this week at the National Basketball Performance Center. You can hear from Chenise Beckford Norton, Jamal Anderson, two of the players that you'll be seeing out there later today who won medals at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022.

[00:12:10]with the first possession of the ball game.

[00:12:13]>> So, we can see I think it's just off your screen, but the first possession is decided by a coin toss. So, teams will have a have a coin toss. The winner decides whether they want to start with the ball on offense or whether they want to start on defense with the potential for the first offensive possession in an overtime. And I do have to say I've I've haven't actually seen anyone say they'll take take a defensive possession first.

[00:12:34]>> No.

[00:12:37]So, Northern Ireland playing in blue today and Wales in white. There is one spot for each of the men's and women's competitions at the Commonwealth Games and that will be decided in tomorrow's final. As you said earlier, Hannah, teams playing once in the group games between each other. So, teams looking to get out to a a quick start here and it's going to be very important to come out strong.

[00:13:02]>> It really is, Caz. You know, there's going to be no room for error in this tournament. you know, you've got the three group three group games uh with the two top teams in both the men's and the women's advancing to the final and then, you know, the head-to-head um for the for the third and second and third place being most likely um tiebreers.

[00:13:20]So, it's all it's all to play for.

[00:13:21]>> It is all to play for. And this is the uh the last qualification spot available for the Commonwealth Games.

[00:13:34]>> And we're underway. First possession will go to Wales. McHugh pressured.

[00:13:40]Balls bouncing about. Chris can't save it for Northern Ireland.

[00:13:45]>> I've got a feeling we're going to get a few tips this weekend.

[00:13:48]>> Get a few assists.

[00:13:49]>> We might do. So Kinder pulls up from behind the arc. It's too strong and Christoph kicks it out.

[00:13:57]>> Yeah, great box out there.

[00:13:59]>> Great pass to Richardson. Richardson working under the hoop. What a seal and what a drive to drop down there to basket. Great little curl off that screen.

[00:14:07]>> One- nothing Wales lead as Farrell draws the foul.

[00:14:13]>> Again, Kaz, that was a great demonstration there of just how physical this game is. You can see, you know, he was driving the basket. He was not uh putting the effort in. He was putting the effort in, sorry, to get himself to that line.

[00:14:26]>> And Ree Farrell with the Glouester City Kings in D2 this season as balls kicked out and Quinn gets the bounce. Connor Quinn from behind the ark.

[00:14:38]Or was that a step on the line? He looked close.

[00:14:44]>> Rebound for Northern Ireland. Quinn Richardson. Richardson pulls up too strong and Wales will go again.

[00:15:00]>> Mchugh. Time running down. Nets it.

[00:15:04]>> Yeah, he went to work there. Really took his time just to kind of settle into a shot.

[00:15:07]>> And that 12 seconds goes really quickly as Richardson under the basket gets the foul. That's a second team foul against Wales.

[00:15:17]>> Northern Ireland are doing a great job here at being quick after the rebound or the inbound. They're getting the ball straight out into the ark and really attacking the basket straight away.

[00:15:27]They're not giving Wales a chance to settle into a defense at all.

[00:15:30]>> And that's what players want to do, isn't it? They just want to play quick.

[00:15:32]>> Yeah. Excuse me. That was a first team foul against Wales as Max Richardson will have the foul shot. So, both teams on one team foul.

[00:15:44]They've got a great play going on as well with with Connor Quinn setting those screens and rolling back to basket. He's he's first step is quick enough that he's getting that space, sealing his player and giving them the lane to the basket.

[00:15:59]>> As Richardson can't get the free throw, big rebound from Mchugh clears the ball.

[00:16:06]Kraves driving to the basket, spinning back out. McHugh doesn't drop and the box out for Christophus gets Northern Ireland the ball and great drive to the basket but Keys leaves it short.

[00:16:23]Kinder nails it >> and it's a 43 >> lead for Wales and a foul.

[00:16:35]>> So foul on the two-point shot.

[00:16:37]>> Yeah.

[00:16:56]So, Northern Island go again from the top. Northern Ireland with a onepoint lead. Richardson.

[00:17:02]Richardson. Kristoff.

[00:17:05]5 seconds on the clock. Chris spinning, fading away.

[00:17:11]And it's picked up. Dropped back in.

[00:17:14]>> You cannot sleep under the basket. You have to be aware of who's around you.

[00:17:19]>> Those steals will punish you.

[00:17:22]>> Richardson against Farrell.

[00:17:25]>> Time's running down here. Richardson powers his way inside.

[00:17:31]>> Three-point lead for Northern Ireland.

[00:17:37]And Connor Quinn subs in for Northern Ireland.

[00:17:42]>> Jake Kinder back in for Wales.

[00:17:45]>> Wales possession.

[00:17:46]>> And you'll see some quick substitutions out there today and tomorrow.

[00:17:55]>> That was a great read of the pass there by Callum Keys.

[00:18:00]>> I feel like Northern Ireland are not giving Wales an inch of space right now with this defense. They're they're straight there.

[00:18:07]Farrell.

[00:18:11]>> Farrell looking for some space.

[00:18:12]Christophus takes the ball away, lines it up.

[00:18:16]>> Shot spins out, but another chance for Northern Ireland.

[00:18:22]Keys pulls the trigger and hits.

[00:18:27]>> And Northern Ireland stretching out their lead here. Wales look to respond.

[00:18:31]Kinder hits >> Quinn.

[00:18:40]>> Kinder. Oh, Jake Kinder on fire for Wales.

[00:18:44]>> Lights out shooting for Wales here.

[00:18:47]>> Kristoph to the basket. That's a tough move from Chris.

[00:18:54]>> Kinder over to Mchugh. Mchugh from deep.

[00:18:57]Nails it.

[00:18:59]We got a shooting competition here.

[00:19:01]>> We have. It's 10. All whales have clawed their way back in >> as Farrell hands off to Kinder. Mchugh.

[00:19:14]Mchugh again from deep off the rim >> AS QUINN FOULED ON THE SHOT. CORNER QUINN A huge bucket for Northern Ireland.

[00:19:28]the line three-point play.

[00:19:31]>> So, a chance for a three-point play here for Northern Ireland. Fouled on the shot, but we'll have a timeout call. So, 1210 Northern Ireland leading over Wales. Both teams on two fouls a piece.

[00:19:44]Is 631 to play. And Hannah, you said it before, Northern Ireland, that defense is stifling.

[00:19:49]>> It really is, Kaz. They're not giving Wales an inch of space to move. You know, even when the pass is coming out to the ark, they're all over it. they're in front of their man and they're not getting giving them a space to to to run with it. Um and it's also I think making Wales um have to rethink the way they're setting up their screens as well. I don't feel they're as effective as as they would like them to be. Um but you know they're still coming back from this. They've had a great shooting. You know Jake has been absolute lights out from from the ark and I think that's something that Northern Ireland are going to have to really uh switch off switch on to.

[00:20:23]>> Certainly. It's just been a a quick run there for Wales in the last few I mean it's probably around 90 seconds or so, but you can see how fast things can change. So teams coming back out on the court and it will be Northern Ireland with one shot to come.

[00:20:38]>> So Connor Quinn playing for the Belfast Star this season averaging just under 10 points a game.

[00:20:45]He was part of the 3x3 comworth games qualification team for Northern Ireland back in 2022 as he leaves a shot short and it'll go from the top for Wales.

[00:21:02]Two-point Northern Ireland lead. Kinder to Mchugh Kucharvis.

[00:21:09]Great pass underneath the basket to Mchugh.

[00:21:12]>> Yeah, great look there. Northern Ireland overhelped on that screen which left uh Wales right underneath there for the uh roll to basket >> and a foul under the basket goes against Wales.

[00:21:27]So it will be Northern Ireland Ball.

[00:21:44]Christophus takes it from the top.

[00:21:51]>> We got some squeaky shoes out there today.

[00:21:53]>> I think there's a We don't have a floor cleaner, I don't think. Today, >> where's Rob Fairley when you need him?

[00:22:06]I think one thing to say, Kaz, that um people at home might not understand is because of how fast-paced 3x3 is, one of the thing that's really we have to be conscious of is fatigue and really making sure that you keep an eye out because it can get fast and it can get tiring.

[00:22:23]>> As Richardson shows no signs of tiring, takes the ball to the basket. Northern Ireland up two. Kucharvis looks to answer and does.

[00:22:35]Richardson >> Christoph Chris finds a way hangs in the air.

[00:22:41]>> A great first step from here there to >> get himself to the basket.

[00:22:45]>> Lucian Christoph is going to score in any which way he wants to >> as Kukaravish kicks it out. Mchugh and Chris will reset.

[00:23:00]Keys shot bounces out and both teams are looking for that long shot behind the ark.

[00:23:06]>> Yeah, if you watch both teams have got somebody lingering out on the ark ready for either a rebound or an inbound to get straight to them for an open look.

[00:23:19]Kinder over to Kukaris.

[00:23:24]>> Kinder gets it back in and out.

[00:23:29]Two-point Northern Ireland lead.

[00:23:31]Christophus spins.

[00:23:36]>> He was fighting his way to the basket there.

[00:23:41]Wales ball from the top. 511 to play.

[00:23:47]>> Karavas to Kinder. Pass is intercepted by Richardson. Quinn lines it up. Knocks it down.

[00:23:57]Kinszer can't answer.

[00:24:03]>> Christophus puts it up and puts it in the hood. Northern Ireland on fire from behind the ark >> and a stretched it to a sixpoint Northern Ireland.

[00:24:15]>> Sixpoint lead here for Northern Ireland.

[00:24:18]>> Northern Island three points away from hitting 21 >> possession on the top.

[00:24:25]Kinder for Wales. Farrell. Farrell from deep.

[00:24:31]Quinn.

[00:24:32]Quinn lines it up. Doesn't drop.

[00:24:38]And Kinder launches.

[00:24:41]>> What a save there from Quinn.

[00:24:43]>> What a save.

[00:24:45]>> Keys will try the long shot. And Quinn's there.

[00:24:49]>> Gets the extra chance, but a walk on the play.

[00:24:55]Yeah, Wales are in a bit of a tough spot right now because it's all about making sure that they're stopping the shot.

[00:25:00]They really can't afford any two points from Northern Ireland, but also they need to get as many points up as themselves as possible right now. Bridge that gap >> has a ball knocked away.

[00:25:18]>> Foul will go against Northern Ireland.

[00:25:23]there by Wales.

[00:25:25]>> So a time out called 18-12 Northern Ireland leaving over Wales. 414 to play and as you said Hannah Northern Ireland three points away from that 21 point mark which would take them to a win.

[00:25:37]Yeah they are and I think you know Wales right now can't lose sight of any of the shooters you know um for Northern Ireland. Both teams have had kind of trailers around the ark waiting for those inbound um to create those open shots, but I think Wales are going to have to really step it up now and and make sure that they're monitoring um where each of the Northern Ireland shooters are.

[00:25:56]>> Try to close that down.

[00:25:57]>> Yeah.

[00:25:59]>> So teams going out the timeout. Gravis will take it from the top for Wales.

[00:26:07]>> Balls into Mchugh. Mchugh working inside and Richardson takes the ball for Northern Ireland. Great pass over to Keys as Kindan nets it. What a shot from Kinder.

[00:26:34]So, time out called 1914. Northern Ireland up over Wales.

[00:26:42]>> 357 to play here. And that three-point shooting from both teams. Obviously, Northern Ireland have uh just executed a bit better because of the score, but the both teams looking for that that outside shot.

[00:26:51]>> They are. They're really working um working for that shot. I think we've had we started off with the game with some really nice looks inside the rolls to the basket and and the movement off screens which has worked really well um for both teams but I think in the last I'd say five minutes it's been me very shotheavy hasn't it?

[00:27:10]>> It has. It has. Excuse me. I think I said three-point shooting. I meant to say two-point shooting.

[00:27:13]>> Yeah, that's fine. It'll probably happen a lot over the weekend. It's fine. Cas.

[00:27:18]>> So Wales ball >> takes a while to get into it.

[00:27:25]actually in Northern Ireland ball here.

[00:27:27]So, everyone's everyone's switching sides to Richardson.

[00:27:34]Keys hands off to Quinn. Back to Keys.

[00:27:37]Keys can't get it to go. Takes the steal and gets the ball back as Richardson hands off to Quinn. Quinn's had the hot hand from bit outside the ark as Richardson lays it in under the basket.

[00:27:51]finish off the pass.

[00:27:53]>> Northern Ireland one point away here from taking this win.

[00:27:56]>> Kukaravis Kukaravas stops and time runs out as balls loose. It's over to Richardson.

[00:28:07]Keys keys to the basket and baskets waved off.

[00:28:13]>> Fouls against Wales. So Northern Ireland will take it again from the top.

[00:28:22]So, Northern Ireland, one more score will get them the win over Wales as Quinn into Kristoph. And Kristoph TOO STRONG. FARRELL picks it up. Back to Farrell.

[00:28:42]Too strong. Kristoph. Northern Ireland looking for one more point.

[00:28:48]Christoph 5 seconds out to Quinn. Quinn gets the win for Northern Ireland. Takes them up to 22 points, hitting that 21 point mark. And who else but Connor Quinn to hit that shot, Hannah, after how he played in just 6 minutes 59 seconds.

[00:29:08]>> Absolutely, C. What a game we started with. I mean, that had everything, you know. It was physical, it was it was so fast-paced. Um, but I think both teams did a fantastic job there of really kind of settling into this tournament and just making sure that they're kind of getting themselves ready, I think, for for the rest of the for the rest of the tournament.

[00:29:27]>> I think they've really set the tone here. They've come out and they've shown everyone what this weekend is going to be all about. So, Northern Ireland pick up their first win in the group stage over Wales, hitting the 21 point mark.

[00:29:41]So coming up next in around 25 minutes time, we have the women's teams taking place. That will be Wales and Northern Ireland women's teams. And then at 4:30 today, England and the Isle of Man in the men's competition before we have a break before the second session.

[00:30:01]So all those games will be live on the Basketball England YouTube channel. You can like and subscribe. Stay up to date with all the action from this weekend.

[00:30:14]We're going to head courtside though and get a word with Northern Ireland's Connor Quinn who will be speaking to Isa about their first win. So, >> we're going to go courtside very shortly.

[00:30:40]So over to you Issha who has Connor Quinn from Northern Ireland.

[00:30:49]>> Yeah.

[00:30:55]>> Thanks Ky. I'm here now courtside with Northern Ireland player Connor Quint. So Connor, great start to tournament there.

[00:31:01]How does it feel to get the first win?

[00:31:03]>> Yeah, um really really important to get the first win, start tournament, right?

[00:31:06]So, um, we got a really good bunch of guys. Um, chemistry is good. Um, yeah, and just always a nice nice experience to come across. Really nice setup. Um, and yeah, I was happy to to start touring the right way, get a win. So, yeah.

[00:31:20]>> Yeah. So, obviously that was first game of the tournament. Um, kind of, you know, big stage. Do you think there was any nerves coming into this, especially considering it was the first game?

[00:31:27]>> Um, I don't know. Yeah, me I would say.

[00:31:30]So, probably good nerves. Um, but like it's uh it's obviously very different from the 5v5 game. So, you know, different warm-up, different sort of start to the game and you're kind of in it pretty quickly. Um, but I thought we did a good job of just reacting and uh, you know, our identity is shooting twos or threes. Um, we kind of stuck to that and it got us over the line. So, yeah.

[00:31:51]>> So, yeah. Final question from me. So, obviously you said about Justin from the five game to three on three game. Do you think you guys have done that well or do you think it's too early to tell?

[00:31:59]>> I think if you're a good 5v5 player, gives you a good chance to be a good 3v3 player. Um, so yeah, like there's a lot of guys on this team that we've played with over the years like uh Max Richardson, Lucy, and Callum. We kind of all know each other for the last number of years. So I would say that probably helps when you're stepping on the floor, whether that's 3v3 or 5v5. So uh yeah, I think it definitely helped today.

[00:32:19]>> Good job on the win. Uh Connor, good luck for the tournament. Hope all goes well.

[00:32:22]>> Thank you very much. Appreciate it.

[00:32:23]Cheers.

[00:32:24]>> Thank you. Well played there with Connor Quinn from Northern Ireland hitting the gamewinning shot to give Northern Ireland their first win in the group stage. and Hannah, I mean, if that set the tone, that's that's what we're going to expect from this weekend.

[00:32:36]>> Yeah, absolutely. I think it's just going to keep getting better, Cass.

[00:32:39]>> It certainly is. So, coming up next at 3:50, it's the women's competition with Wales and Northern Ireland women. That game will be live on the Basketball England YouTube channel. So, stay tuned and we'll be back with you very shortly.

[00:44:27]Welcome back into the National Basketball Performance Center as we get ready for our second game of the day between Wales and Northern Ireland women at the Commonwealth Games. The three X3 qualifiers as teams coming out onto the court right now. Casbulock and Hannah Alter here and we're due to tip off in a few minutes time. We've already had one exciting game between the Wales and Northern Ireland men's team. Hannah, we saw that go to 21 points.

[00:45:03]>> So Wales coming out onto the court and Wales >> made up of Elellanena Bishop Bunan, >> Caris Roy, Izzy Bunan, >> and number 35 >> and Tia Freeman.

[00:45:22]And Northern Ireland, Enya Maguire, Erin Maguire, Abby Rapidity, and Ella O'Donnell >> and Hannah. So, people might be familiar with some of the names out here if they've been following the Super League or the WBBL in the uh in the in the UK.

[00:45:38]So for Wales, Tia Freeman um having previously played in the WB BBL eight seasons there, but also she was here at the National Basketball Performance Center not too long ago playing for Anglia Ruskin University in division one winning the division one playoff final and topping off what's just been a really strong season for her in the five on five game.

[00:45:59]>> Yeah, and it was a fantastic game as well, Kaz, wasn't it? I think that was probably one of my highlight games of the season. Um but yeah, no is a fantastic player. She's really strong.

[00:46:08]She's really dynamic as well, which I think what makes her perfect for this three on 3x3 situation.

[00:46:14]And she's played 3x3 for Wales um at the the Celtic Invitational last year. She was also part of the GB 3x3 Euro Cup qualifying team last year um for the to get the team a chance to compete in Copenhagen. And that experience that she's going to bring out there is just going to be so invaluable. Yeah, it really is.

[00:46:45]So you can see there the rosters for Wales on the screen. Caris Roy, Tia Freeman, Ellena Bishop, and Izzy Bunan.

[00:46:56]And for Northern Ireland, Enya Magguire, Erin Magcguire, Ella O'Donnell, and Abby Rafferty. and Abby Rapidity having played for the um Oakland's Wolves in the Super League in the UK last season.

[00:47:09]So, she won the the Super League Cup final alongside Chenise Beckford Norton who we're going to see later on playing for England women's team.

[00:47:17]>> Um and again, a player that's played 3x3 for Ireland at the Youth Nations League in 2024 and 2025.

[00:47:24]>> Yeah, and I think that'll be an exciting match up as well to watch uh Abby and and Chenisa play against each other. I'm excited for that one. I think when teammates become when teammates become uh rivals and they're uh facing off against each other on the court.

[00:47:39]>> Yeah, absolutely.

[00:47:42]So, Northern Ireland playing in blue today and Wales in black.

[00:47:49]Um so, you can watch all the games live on the Basketball England YouTube channel. Remember to like and subscribe.

[00:47:56]Coming up after this game at 4:30, we've got the men's competition between England and the Isisle of Man. And then we'll have a break until 10 7 and we'll have the England women's team against the Isle of Man women's team. And then in the men's competition, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. And then Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man in the women's competition at 8:30 rounding out the day today.

[00:48:15]>> So you can go and enjoy some sunshine and then come back straight back inside and uh watch the rest of the basketball.

[00:48:22]And then we'll be going again tomorrow.

[00:48:25]Games tipping off from 10 in the morning with England and Wales men.

[00:48:38]>> So Hannah, for anyone that's not seen 3x3 before, we did run through the rules really quickly before the first game, but we've got teams playing out on a half court. It's the first of 21 or whoever's leading after 10 minutes of play. 12 second shot clock. And that 12 second shot clock goes so quickly. It really does, Caz. It makes it a very chaotic game. The the the shot clock goes down so much faster. Even, you know, it's only 2 seconds long. It's 2 seconds less than the 14 that we get in it feels so much quicker. So, it's really unforgiving when teams are kind of trying to set up or, you know, trying to run something. You don't really have that much time. you kind of have to just get going with it. Um, and get those shots off because if you you're forced to make a difficult shot, you're leaving not only yourself wide open then for for the defense to get the ball back and and you know, as we saw in the the previous game, you know, both teams had a player waiting on that that arc ready for that two-point shot after the rebound. So, yeah, it's something that you've just got to really be mindful of. And um we've got some great content with Jamal Anderson, Chenise Beckford Norton, players that won the the the medals at the Commonwealth Games last time out.

[00:49:47]And um Jamal Anderson in particular saying, you know, you kind of just have a have a quick memory. You know, it helps you you might make a mistake or you might miss a shot, but you just got to get on to the next play. And he said it's been really um it's a really good skill to have in the game.

[00:50:02]>> Yeah. In the words of Ted Lasso, have the memory of a goldfish. I like that >> because it is so fast-paced, isn't it?

[00:50:09]And there's no time to take a breather under the basket. No time to take a breather on defense. As soon as the ball goes through the basket or you get a rebound, ball has to be cleared and you go again.

[00:50:17]>> It does. Yeah. And I think that's one of the things as well we spoke about in the game before is that, you know, another thing you have to be careful of is fatigue. You know, you can see the fatigue that can set in at times because it's so fast and you don't have that second five on five basketball. There are a lot of stops. There are a lot of stops and there are chances to kind of reset and retake whereas it doesn't happen in 3x3.

[00:50:38]>> Sometimes you can just hide in the corner a little bit.

[00:50:40]>> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's exactly how we play. So I think you know those defensive recoveries become harder. You know the the the rotations on screens become harder and that's why I think sometimes we see in the last kind of maybe 3 to four minutes of a game you see more shots going. you know, there's a less kind of um energy to be able to run those set plays >> because it is so physical and you go you're you're working inside, you're working under the basket, you're battling. It's usually it can often be just one-on-one under the basket.

[00:51:08]>> Yeah, it really is. Yeah, it's it's that one-on-one that I think that really sets it apart as well. You know, one of the things you have to remember is there's no help defense, you know, so you've got those open lanes. So, you know that if you're beat on defense, there's no one else there to to help him recover. So, you have to make sure you're staying in front of your man and getting in front.

[00:51:32]>> So, we're just a few minutes away from tip off. And there's a few players out here, Hannah, that we we might not have seen for a little while. So, Izzy Bunan, who's in uh the States this season, just gone, playing in her third season at Montana State. She was with the Cardiff Met Archers in the WBBL for four years.

[00:51:48]She was named the young player of the year in 2022 23, part of the under 18 uh European Championship team >> for Great Britain and has represented Wales at the under 18 level. She's a player that we saw come up through different age groups and then we just haven't seen her play here for a while cuz she's been obviously out in in the States.

[00:52:05]>> Yeah. And uh I actually had the the the honor of coaching her at Hootsit's uh Allstar Classics, which was just an incredible experience. And she was one of those players that really just kind of absorbs anything you kind of any advice you give her or any kind of like, you know, tips or anything like that.

[00:52:21]And I think those players are really special. And you can see that, you know, that's why she's been so successful in America as well is that she's gone over there and just carried that mentality of like, you know, wanting to learn and wanting to, you know, just get better.

[00:52:33]Um, so yeah, she's it's great to see her back here >> and and when she left, she left division one as the all-time leader in blocks in division one, having played 50 games, 137 blocks in 50 games. So that that impact that she has defensively is something that Northern Ireland are going to have to watch out for.

[00:52:51]>> They really are. And especially, I think, cuz Northern Ireland a little bit more on the side. Oh, no. Actually, I think it's evenly matched. I take that back.

[00:52:58]>> Yeah, it's a a little bit, isn't it?

[00:52:59]>> Yeah, we got two bigs, two guards. Yeah, I take it back.

[00:53:05]>> And for Northern Ireland, some exciting plays as well. Erin Magguire playing at the University of Texas Rio Grand Valley this season in division one and she's been part of the island under 23 3x3 Youth Nations League team as well. So you'll see players that have played together in 3x3 and again just helps build that consistency.

[00:53:23]>> I mean and you've got Erin and Enya that have obviously grown up together as well.

[00:53:28]>> Yeah, that probably helps.

[00:53:29]>> Yeah, it probably did. Um they both started there at um both started together or I think was it Ena was a year before?

[00:53:37]>> Yeah, year before at Houston Christian University in America as well. But they both went there together at the same time which I mean how cool is that?

[00:53:43]>> That is pretty cool >> to go to, you know, go all the way over to the States and get to hang out with your sister still and play basketball at the same time.

[00:53:49]>> So here we go. Northern Ireland and Wales in the first women's game today are spotting the Commonwealth Games on the line as balls up doesn't go and it will be Wales ball from the top.

[00:54:11]>> So Abby Rafati will take it for Northern Ireland.

[00:54:18]Muire >> doesn't drop and Freeman with a big rebound.

[00:54:40]Bunan >> and Roy. Caris Roy with the footwork fighting for the rebound. It will be a jump ball. So, Northern Ireland possession and a jump ball call. Instead of a possession arrow, it goes the way of the defense. Yes.

[00:55:04]>> That is the one pet peeve I have with 3x3.

[00:55:07]>> You want you want a jump ball.

[00:55:08]>> I want a jump ball. Calls fairly. Yeah.

[00:55:10]>> Eron Maguire looks to get the ball into any Magguire. He's knocked away and that's that long wingspan under the basket.

[00:55:28]Roy hands off to Bunan. Bunan >> doesn't get it to fall resets and Freeman launches. Oh, hits the two.

[00:55:40]Gets Wales onto the scoreboard and gets the steal.

[00:55:44]Roy with the hook shot and a roll and a quick couple of possessions there from Wales. You saw the way that Tia Freeman her body positioning on the arc then to get that steel was really clever.

[00:55:57]>> Enya Maguire puts it up doesn't drop out to Freeman. Freeman resets, grazes the rim >> and you'll see some quick substitutions out there today as Wales have the ball. It's a three nothing Wales lead.

[00:56:28]>> Balls into Roy. Roy working inside.

[00:56:34]>> Great strength there under the basket from from Roy.

[00:56:38]>> Andy Maguire to Oddonnell.

[00:56:41]O'Donnell >> blocked by Roy and Wales have it back.

[00:56:50]Good hands from Elo Donnell knocks the ball away. Yeah, she read that pass really well then >> and again to be able to do that in this such this with this piece of basketballree.

[00:57:03]>> So Freeman for Wales and foul will go against Northern Ireland. So they pick up their second And shot from Bunan.

[00:57:25]Muire to O'Donnell. Doubled. Kicks it out. Too strong. But O'Donnell's there for the rebound. WORKING UNDER THE BASKET. HIGH OFF the glass. Great finish from El O'Donnell.

[00:57:36]>> Yeah, she's got a great power move there. Great discipline as well with the footwork.

[00:57:40]>> And you see how quick Wales are moving the ball. Here is Bishop drills it.

[00:57:45]>> You cannot give Elellanena Bishop an inch of space. She's a lights out shooter and we see that, you know, in the in D1 as well with the for Bulls week in week out. Third in all time made threes in division one as time running down.

[00:58:03]Ena Maguire there. A tough defensive stance from Meguire.

[00:58:07]>> Yeah, she was solid. She really was.

[00:58:12]It's a 71 Wales leading over Northern Ireland.

[00:58:18]Balls into Rafy.

[00:58:20]Maguire nets it. What a shot.

[00:58:24]>> Great double screen setup there from Northern Ireland.

[00:58:29]They're playing quite big here, you know, with the two bigs and that double screen >> for Meuire to get that shot off cuts it down to a four-point game.

[00:58:43]Enya Maguire into Rafity.

[00:58:47]Rapid.

[00:58:49]You see that defense from Izzy Bunan.

[00:58:52]Oh, and from outside Bishop again.

[00:58:58]Maguire.

[00:59:01]>> Maguire pulls up.

[00:59:04]>> Big rebound from Roy.

[00:59:07]>> Wales reset.

[00:59:09]>> Roy. Roy finds her. Pat just working to get the ball in the basket.

[00:59:14]>> Yeah, she was working really hard then.

[00:59:22]>> So, we'll have some substitutions and a time out. So Wales up seven points here, 10-3 over Northern Ireland. 642 to play. And Wales have come out with intensity, Hannah.

[00:59:34]>> They have. They really have. They've been physical as well. I think they've been very tough at, you know, going after the rebounds. Um, and just being all over the defense as well. Um, but that last play there for Wales was fantastic. You know, the drive to basket, she was able to create some space. She was relentless at getting the defense off her back um and was able to open up the lane and drive it straight off to basket. I think that's something that Northern Ireland just need to step up a little bit more on. Just, you know, step up that defense a little bit, you know, keeping an eye on kind of where the defenders are going, sorry, the Wales are going and just reading that a little bit better.

[01:00:16]So, back underway and it's Northern Ireland from the top as Enya Maguire will take it and Enyu Magguire part of the 3x3 Commonwealth Games qualifiers in 2022 has that experience as Rafetty looking for some help. Drops it into Meuire and that'll be a shot clock violation.

[01:00:38]So, 12 seconds off the clock. That was tough there cuz Magguire positioned herself perfectly under the basket. She really managed to get that angle really well.

[01:00:49]>> So Freeman for Wales from the top. Roy, great pass to Freeman. Freeman fading away.

[01:01:00]>> Um Maguire Enya Maguire fakes it, drives, doesn't drop. That's a great look though for Northern Ireland.

[01:01:09]>> Yeah, but I think she should have gone all the way. I think she should have gone straight to basket.

[01:01:13]Bunan.

[01:01:15]>> Bunan.

[01:01:18]>> Not that time. And Magguire picks it up.

[01:01:22]Round to Meguire. Has space. Rolls off the rim.

[01:01:32]>> Roy >> double team, kicks it out. Great ball movement from Wales.

[01:01:37]>> And it'll go out of bounds. I think Maguire got a hand on that to deflect the shot. Yeah, it was a great read on that one as well.

[01:01:51]So, Erin Maguire will go again from the top. It's a sevenpoint Wales lead.

[01:01:57]Maguire O'Donnell O'Donnell drives to the basket, stops and lays it in.

[01:02:09]And Freeman looks to answer for Wales.

[01:02:11]Bishop calling for it. Bishop >> and time runs down. A good defensive stance there from Northern Ireland.

[01:02:21]>> Really great defense from Northern Ireland there.

[01:02:24]>> Forcing Wales to take a tough shot there. I think they had a couple of open looks, but they just weren't aware of the clock running down. Magguire to check it off.

[01:02:36]>> Maguire balls knocked away by Bunan Bishop into Roy and a foul on the on the floor against Northern Ireland. So third team foul >> and Wales ball from the top. Five of 12 to play. It's a six-point Wales lead.

[01:03:04]Freeman.

[01:03:06]Freeman. The tough defense from Meguire.

[01:03:09]Just the reach is called for the foul.

[01:03:11]>> All over that.

[01:03:13]>> They've really stepped up the defense here in the last two minutes.

[01:03:20]So, Northern Island on four team fouls.

[01:03:23]Bunan into Roy. Roy powers away inside.

[01:03:28]She was able to get that really quick first step to get herself to the basket >> as balls taken away by Bunan.

[01:03:36]Back into Roy and Roy takes the time.

[01:03:39]>> The twin towers of Caris Roy and Izzy Bunan.

[01:03:45]>> As Magguire short jump is good and Enya Maguire adds one for Northern Islands. Freeman lines it up, knocks it down.

[01:03:58]Can you still do the uh the three symbol if it's a two?

[01:04:01]>> I don't know. You know, does it still work?

[01:04:04]>> Oh, what a move as O'Donnell for Northern Ireland.

[01:04:12]Bunan over to Roy. Roy leaves it short.

[01:04:21]>> Maguire has time and space. Ena Maguire drills a toe.

[01:04:28]>> Yeah, we've not seen much outside shooting from Northern Ireland, so I think this is something they can start introducing.

[01:04:34]>> And it Enya Magguire, she is a good three-point shooter in the five on five game. Great two-point shooter in the 3x3 game. Led the American East Conference in three-pointers per game and was fourth in three-point percentage when she was playing at the New Jersey Institute of Technology last year. So, yeah, she's a she's a shooter.

[01:04:54]So we've got a timeout called here. It's a 148 lead for Wales over Northern Ireland. That duo of Izzy Bunyan and Caris Roy inside is solid to come up against solid. Yeah, they're really working well together and positioning each other. Um they're reading where each other is going as well in order to um make some noise.

[01:05:21]Over to you.

[01:05:23]So, I think we've had a number change here for Northern Ireland. So, Enya Maguire >> is number eight and Eric Magguire is number four.

[01:05:30]>> Yeah, we've just been updated. So, apologies for the last seven minutes of the game, but we'll get that corrected now.

[01:05:40]>> The Freeman for Wales off the back iron.

[01:05:44]O'Donnell.

[01:05:47]Oddonnell. Great finish under the basket.

[01:05:55]149 Wales leading.

[01:05:58]>> What a pass.

[01:05:59]>> And Freeman finishes. Takes it up to a six-point game as Magguire's shot doesn't drop. Maguire with the rebound.

[01:06:09]>> Oh, nice little hang hang time there.

[01:06:16]>> Oh, great pass to the Cion.

[01:06:22]Wales are using this space really well.

[01:06:24]I think they're able to kind of get some really good cuts to basket and some rolls, which is just really stretching out the floor and stretching out that Northern Ireland defense.

[01:06:39]>> So, Northern Ireland possession from the top.

[01:06:46]O'Donnell to Meguire hits the back rim and again Roy just able to >> she's able to crash the board. Yeah.

[01:07:01]>> Less than three minutes to play.

[01:07:03]>> So 258 to play.

[01:07:08]>> Freeman Roy has it. Ball's knocked away.

[01:07:14]O'Donnell will clear it >> and a foul on the floor. So that's the first team foul against Wales.

[01:07:21]>> That was a great steal there from Abby Rafity as well. I think she's just reading it very well. She's getting a hand in the passing lane. Um and just able to knock the ball away.

[01:07:31]>> And something to watch for here. So Northern Ireland on five team fouls. One more will give uh give Wales shots as Maguire side steps, makes some space and balls back with Wales into Roy. Roy to the basket and she has been a problem today >> as O'Donnell.

[01:07:54]>> Fouled on the shot. So a free throw for Northern Ireland.

[01:07:57]>> That was a great read there by Ella O'Donnell. She was just able to cut straight down through the lane and that pass was precision was a precision point pass straight to where she needed it. You can't ask much as a big honestly. You just ask for a nice pass to where you want it to be as balls. Oh, what a save from Meuire.

[01:08:23]And O'Donnell can't get it to go.

[01:08:26]>> Bishop.

[01:08:27]>> Bishop in the corner.

[01:08:30]will take Wales up to 19. Maguire answers.

[01:08:37]>> We've got a shootout on our hands here as OH MY GOODNESS. A SHOT.

[01:08:44]>> Is he BA WITH A CIRCUS SHOT? THROW IT UP and the ball goes in.

[01:08:50]>> I don't know if that was an assist by Erin there as well. Is that >> definitely it counts.

[01:08:59]So time out called Wales one point away from 21 with a 9-point lead over Northern Ireland. 203 to play. Can we just talk about that shot from Izzy Bunan? That was wild behind the head. It looked like she was like, "Oh, what shall I do?"

[01:09:14]>> Yeah, I think she was she had the momentum that she was already going up and then Erin Maguire got a hand on it.

[01:09:21]So as she was just kind of still continuing, she just >> kept going, kept going, kept going and it worked out very well for Wales.

[01:09:30]>> So Northern Ireland ball Go. Bishop calling for it, >> telling Roy to get back inside.

[01:09:47]>> Roy >> and foul on the shot. So a free throw and that does put Northern Ireland onto six fouls.

[01:09:58]>> Yeah, that was a great work there from Wales. It really they were really able to exploit that mismatch.

[01:10:06]>> Oh, Foul wasn't on the shot. Was on the >> It was on the floor. So balls in.

[01:10:15]>> Meuire.

[01:10:17]Meuire a long shot off the rim. Bunan has it >> and that will be a foul >> on the floor against Northern Ireland.

[01:10:29]And that will put Northern Ireland on to seven fouls. So that will be two free throws.

[01:10:32]>> That's two free throws from now.

[01:10:34]>> So Izzy Bunan here a chance to >> have Wales. Yeah. pick up their first win of the group stages and she does. So Wales pick up their first win at 21 to 11 over Northern Ireland. A big win for Wales.

[01:10:53]>> Give it up for Northern Ireland and the Wales.

[01:10:59]>> Well, that's two games you've had hitting the 21 point mark. kind of >> Caris Roy absolutely huge inside alongside Izzy Bunan.

[01:11:08]>> Yeah, they were phenomenal. the way they work together, their um their team chemistry is brilliant and you know that's something that Ellena Bishop talked about and I had a word with her as well um yesterday and she was just saying that for her um you know she watched Japan and Australia play against each other in Egypt at the Red Bull uh 3x3 and she realized that you know team chemistry is such a key component to 3x3 basketball. Um, and I think for her, you know, that's something that she's really made sure that the rest of the team are kind of on board with and that they work together as a unit. And that's what we saw in that game just then. The really fluid ball movement from uh from Wales as well. So, we're going to go courtside because Isa Na has Wales's Izzy Bunan.

[01:11:55]Over to you, Isha.

[01:11:58]Thanks.

[01:11:59]Thanks, K. I'm here now. Are we ready?

[01:12:03]Right. Thanks, K. I'm here now courtside of Izzy Brilliant. Izzy, how's it feel to kick off the tournament with a win?

[01:12:08]>> It felt great. We were pretty confident.

[01:12:10]We knew we had the a good skill set to start the tournament strong. This was a great game for us to start. They were physical, they were strong, but it was good to get that win.

[01:12:17]>> Yeah. So, obviously first game in the tournament, is it hard to make that adjustment from five and five to 3x3?

[01:12:21]>> Yeah, I think so. Like you go in, you get as much prep as you can, but nothing really prepares you once you're in tournament, you know, but once you get going, once the clock starts, it felt good.

[01:12:29]>> Yeah. So, obviously first game is home and now it's out the way. You going to look to carry this momentum from the win throughout the rest of the tournament >> for sure. We got England next. WE KNOW THAT'S A GREAT TEAM, but we're looking to go in confident. Nothing to lose.

[01:12:39]>> All right, thanks for speaking with me today. Izzy, great job on the win and go. Yeah, go for it at B next game.

[01:12:43]>> Thank you.

[01:12:45]>> Great to hear from there. As she said, you know, they they they just fought hard there.

[01:12:51]>> And we have Erin McGuire who is going to speak to Isa from Northern Ireland. So Erin and Isa over to you.

[01:13:02]Thanks, Kazzy. I'm here now courtside with Northern Ireland player Eron McGuire. So, Erin, lucky to get that first, but how's it feel to be out there on the court?

[01:13:09]>> Yeah, it feels good. Obviously, it's annoying to lose and lose as bad as we did, but we knew it was going to be hard coming out for our first game. We didn't have loads of preparation coming into this, so we did what we could. We'll adjust and we'll be a lot better the next game.

[01:13:22]>> Yeah. So, obviously, you just spoke about you not having much preparation coming into this tournament. So, do you think after that first game now you can regroup and scout for the next game?

[01:13:29]>> Yeah. 3x3 is all about learning as you go. At the end of the day, we're all over the place playing in different countries, so it was hard to get us all back to have one actual practice with each other. So, that's obviously going to go against us, but that was our that was our first game. It is what it is.

[01:13:43]Got to put it behind us and just learn.

[01:13:45]>> Yeah, thanks Zik today. Unlucky on the loss and yeah, good luck next game.

[01:13:48]>> Thank you very much, >> Isaiah with Erin Maguire there from Northern Ireland and speaking to Izzy Bunan from Wales. I mean, what a great game that was. Obviously Northern N coming up short, but you can just see they've got that potential. As Erin said there, you know, they're all around the world that are always playing together.

[01:14:04]So, being able to come come together here at the National Basketball Pform Center in Manchester trying to qualify for the Commonwealth Games, but you you're going to have teams that haven't had that much that >> you are, you know, it like she said, it's it's difficult when when everybody's scattered all over the place. So, I think, you know, for for them to come out and still give that performance, I mean, that was fantastic.

[01:14:24]Um, but you know, like Erin said, it's just going to be one of them where they'll just have to learn as they go.

[01:14:28]Um, and get themselves kind of, you know, settled into it. So, you know, this might just been a game that they need to settle the legs for and just, you know, work work together and and know what's coming next.

[01:14:38]>> And you saw the flashes of it as well.

[01:14:39]You saw both Enya and Eric Magguire from outside and then the work inside from Abby Rafati and Ella O'Donnell. So, you know, a very exciting team to watch throughout the course of the rest of today and tomorrow. So, we're going to take a short break now and then up next, it will be the men's competition between England and the aisle of man at 4:30.

[01:15:03]So, stay tuned to the Basketball England YouTube channel. We'll be back very shortly.

[01:22:53]Got enough first. Make some noise. Put me first.

[01:23:01]England number five open number 14 wheels.

[01:23:20]And number 16 Anderson.

[01:23:25]and 21 Her support you at number seven for Victorski.

[01:23:55]And number eight is Chris.

[01:24:00]Number 11, Jack Wilson.

[01:24:04]And number 13.

[01:24:26]Welcome in to the National Basketball Performance Center here in Manchester.

[01:24:29]We're getting ready for our third game of the day in the men's competition between England and the aisle of man.

[01:24:35]We've already had two really great games so far and this is the last game of the first session. So, England and the aisle of man coming up very shortly. But first, let's hear from Jamal Anderson about his 3x3 journey. Welcome in to the National Basketball Performance Center here in Manchester. We're getting ready for our third game of the day in the men's competition between England and the aisle of man. We've already had two really great games so far and this is the last game even though it's been four years and the sun very shortly. But first, let's hear from Anderson about his 3x3 journey.

[01:25:08]>> That really happened. No, surely four years of just really trying to appreciate the moment that one moment.

[01:25:15]Still trying to appreciate it now. And weirdly enough, here we are again trying to repeat it. When I sat down here, it kind of hit me that this is where I stood. I think I was literally a couple meters over there wearing the England jersey or the practice jersey and they said, "What's your goal?

[01:25:29]>> We want to win. We want to we want to be on that podium. So, I want to come out with a medal and I'm sure everybody else does."

[01:25:34]>> Gold. That's the goal. And I said it right there and then we won gold. And now I'm here again and you're asking me the same question. So, we're going to get the same answer. Gold for sure. Now I'm saying it with a little bit more gusto because I'm like, I've seen it now. I've done it. I felt it and I want to do it again.

[01:25:52]The opportunity to represent England is something that I probably would never turn down. We might be doing this interview at 45, you know, like I just can't help it. As a kid, I never thought I would be a professional basketball player, play for England, play for GB, none of that. So now at 35, you know, that that 15year-old me is still can't believe it. is probably the way to describe it. So for them to even say, "Look, Jamal, we want you to come and play, you know, give you an opportunity to make the team." I have to throw my name in a hat. For 15y old Jamal, >> there's so there's so much you could talk about in that journey from coming here and having no idea where I was going to make the team to, you know, standing on the podium, looking up and seeing Georgia and my mom and my best friend and everyone that's put all the effort and time in to to get us there.

[01:26:43]I want it again. I want to do it again.

[01:26:44]And I think looking at it now, it's actually harder this time around. Cuz before we were the underdogs, you know, no one had won gold, so the expectation probably wasn't that high. Whereas this time it's like, well, you won gold, so you you should win gold again. And all the other teams are a lot better. I've been scouting already. I know what we're coming up against. But it's going to be that much sweeter when we stand on that podium.

[01:27:08]>> England.

[01:27:10]Anderson it for 13 a piece.

[01:27:14]>> You know Georgia was pregnant at the final. So that's kind of cool. And now Harper's three running around the house playing basketball, asking lots of questions. So she's going to be really excited to then be at the games hopefully this year in person watching it and uh supporting daddy. You know, I kind of consider myself to be quite a grateful person anyway, but having Harper is just kind of 10 times that. you appreciate everything a little bit more. Um, I'm a lot more patient than I ever was before.

[01:27:43]More patient with myself, too, which is good, right? You know, when you're on the court and you make a mistake, I find it a lot easier to kind of just move on from that now. So, yeah, I think personally, I've grown a lot as a as a dad, as a husband, and and definitely as a basketball player.

[01:28:05]>> It was a really difficult decision.

[01:28:07]Sharks might be one of my most favorite memories in terms of a professional club. They're just amazing people. They did everything, you know, to make sure that I could just focus on being a basketball player and a dad. Actually, leaving there wasn't an easy decision, but it was best for my family and that's that's where I'm at. And that's probably why I have peace with that decision is because I put my family first. Now, fortunately, I married a basketball player. So my decision to then pick up the basketball again and represent England was probably taken a lot easier than than most families would would take that. Um and you know I got the full support of of her and Harper. So yeah, I'm at peace with that decision and and it was the right decision.

[01:28:47]>> I mean there's lots of things happening in the UK from a 3X3 standpoint. There's so much going on. However, to prepare yourself for the international stage of 3x3, you need to play, you know, you need to play at a high level. London 3x3 is that team in the UK. I think they're ranked 17th in the world. Ashley Hamilton, you know, leading the way with that team and 383 in general, to be honest. To join that team professionally, go on the world tour, go to the tournaments that we're going to go to between now and the Commonwealth Games. It's just a real integral part of getting ready to win that gold again.

[01:29:17]383, it's 10 minutes, you know, warm up, let's go, play, game's done. Before you blink, the game's finished. I just love that. all of that energy, all of that prep, all of that training, all of that skill, talent, everything is just condensed into that amount of time cuz that's kind of where I'm at in my life is time is valuable. So, yeah, I would say I just love the efficiency of it and how much energy is in that time.

[01:29:44]>> So, we're getting ready for England and the aisle of man in the men's competition coming up in just a few minutes time. And Hannah, we've had two really exciting games already so far. In the women's competition, Wales and Northern Ireland, Wales taking the win.

[01:29:59]And in the men's, it was Northern Ireland with a win over Wales to start us off.

[01:30:03]>> Yeah, they were both really, really tough games. Um, I think, you know, both teams kind of, sorry, both games just really given us an exhibition on on what 3X 3 is all about. Um, so yeah, it's been fantastic and I'm very excited for this one. This is going to be a great game here. And out here on the court for the Isisle of Man, we have Victor Capanovski, Chris Wolfendale, Jack Wilkinson, and Ross Wilson. And the Isisle of Man playing in their first basketball Commonwealth competition.

[01:30:36]They participated in the Comwalth Games since 1958. They've won 12 medals across the sports, but this is their first basketball Commonwealth competition. And for England it is Dwayne Lortier Aunlay Cavell Bigby Williams Jamal Anderson and Ashley Hamilton. And Jamal Anderson a gold medal winner at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham winning that gold medal. What a game that was.

[01:31:03]>> It was cuz I still that is one of the games that I can still replay in my head. Like the that last shot that gamewinning shot was just incredible.

[01:31:11]>> Miles Hess the hometown hero. honestly.

[01:31:14]Um, but you know, Jamal Anderson, he's England's 3x3 statesman. Like, he embodies kind of what 3x3 is here in the UK. Um, you know, with the rise of London 3x3 as a team, it's really helped bring uh 3x3 to to the forefront of British basketball.

[01:31:30]>> It really is. alongside so alongside Ashley Hamilton, the founder of London 3x3 alongside his wife and they've been doing a fantastic job pushing London 3x3, the first professional men's 3x3 team to compete on the Feebas 3x3 World Tour and it's just been the growth of of 3x3 in the country has just been fantastic to see.

[01:31:49]>> It really has.

[01:31:51]>> So, we're getting ready for tip off here or check ball rather than tip off to start things off.

[01:31:57]>> Yeah, within to cost to Apologies.

[01:32:09]>> So, England playing in white and the aisle of man in black.

[01:32:19]>> We're getting our handshakes.

[01:32:21]Don't usually get them.

[01:32:24]>> And if you're here support team England, make some noise.

[01:32:28]So, a lot of support here for team England and they've had their preparation camp this week here at the National Basketball Performance Center.

[01:32:36]>> Yeah, I think you know the England's coaching staff really had a difficult decision because of the depth of now emerging from British 3x3 basketball.

[01:32:44]So, I didn't would not have wanted to be in their shoes this week.

[01:32:47]>> But a gun can't get the shot to go to get things started as Wilson not able to keep the ball with the man. It will be England possession from the top.

[01:33:03]DLO into Anderson. Anderson under the basket.

[01:33:06]>> Yeah, creating space there. Just sealing his man under the basket.

[01:33:11]Anderson so effective of that at that as DLO clears the ball for England.

[01:33:20]Anderson again under the basket. Lays it in nicely. I thought we were going to get a start.

[01:33:24]>> I was about to say, are we seeing that was a pass as well and ball goes out of bounds. So, England possession now. Jamal Anderson so bouncy out there on the floor. He led the Comwalth Games in dunks last time out in 2022. So, I'm expecting some highlight plays out there from Jamal Anderson.

[01:33:47]>> Bigby Williams lays into and England with a three nothing lead. Capkinowski scoops it up too strong but gets his own rebound.

[01:33:58]>> That was a great read on that rebound as well.

[01:34:01]>> Wilson.

[01:34:04]Three seconds. Wilson going to the basket. Scoops it in.

[01:34:08]>> Great drive middle there just to get his man off balance.

[01:34:12]>> And DLO drills it from outside.

[01:34:17]>> Four-point England lead.

[01:34:20]Capkinowski.

[01:34:23]Wolfendale shots blocked. DLo has it.

[01:34:25]Reset. Puts it up and in.

[01:34:28]And England like to play fast.

[01:34:30]>> 3x3 is fast. England like to play SUPER FAST. DLO DOWN AND THROWS IT DOWN. Caval Bigby Williams the big man putting on a show.

[01:34:45]Yeah, I think this is going to be one of them games Cas where when they're going to struggle to keep up.

[01:34:52]>> So Chris Wolfen sail over to Victor Capanovski. Capkinowski. It's taken away by Anderson and a foul against the aisle of man.

[01:35:07]>> That'll be their first team foul.

[01:35:13]Anderson will take it from the top. DLO sets himself. Oh, hits another.

[01:35:20]>> England up to 10 points and Anderson intercepts the ball. Goes out of bounds and the island man will have a chance here to cut into this lead.

[01:35:35]>> Ball will be checked at the top.

[01:35:36]Capowski >> Wolfendale.

[01:35:42]Back to Capkinowski.

[01:35:45]>> Drive in in off the glass.

[01:35:47]>> Great drive to basket. Really quick first step there just to get himself past his defender >> as Anderson shot bounces out but Bigby Williams is THERE FOR THE REBOUND AND THE PUT BACK. THE one-handed jam as Capanovski >> from De. It's short. found some nice space there to get that up.

[01:36:12]>> DLO out to Big B Williams has space and hits the two and England rolling here early on.

[01:36:24]Also saves it in. Big B Williams needs to clear it. DLO. Oh, the DLO show in full swing.

[01:36:39]Capenowski >> and a foul >> on the floor.

[01:37:00]Ash Hamilton in the corner. Oh, straight instant impact for Hamilton.

[01:37:09]>> Capkinowski with space. Short shot short.

[01:37:14]Wilson.

[01:37:15]Wilson working hook shot. Great work under the basket there.

[01:37:21]>> And a foul off the ball under the basket. The Iron Man have got some really good moves when they get inside.

[01:37:27]They're really able to work hard um and create some space to to get the right angle under the basket. Um I think they just got to look for some more passes inside and keep working on that.

[01:37:39]>> Yeah, definitely. And for England, I mean, they've come out strong. They've made it known that they want to get back to the Commonwealth Games. Jamal Anderson said it, gold is the goal. And they're putting out a statement here.

[01:37:49]>> Yeah, they really are. They've come out with intent today. Um and I think you know they've been moving the ball so well had some great looks really stretching that I man defense as well just to get themselves those open lanes.

[01:38:02]Um I think the man can set step up a little bit. They've allowed quite a few open shots and I think it might just be one of them where they're just settling into it. Just kind of getting themselves um set here in Manchester. So let's see how it goes.

[01:38:17]>> 5 seconds on the shot clock. TLO drops it inside. Bigby B Williams again at the rim and England up to 18 points. Wilkinson to Wilson.

[01:38:31]3 seconds on the clock. Capenowski.

[01:38:34]Capowski with the short floater.

[01:38:38]>> DLO picks up the rebound.

[01:38:40]Shot bounces off. Gets his own rebound though. ANOTHER CHANCE AND OVER TO HAMILTON. What a pass.

[01:38:48]Hamilton again using his body just to give himself that space under the basket.

[01:38:54]>> And Wilkinson >> puts it in his first international tournament. The 18year-old scoring for the island of man as Wilson out to Wilkinson and Wilkinson to the basket kicks it out.

[01:39:11]>> England have it. Tilo from outside and it's tipped as Hamilton doesn't get it. Gets the ball low and Bigby B Williams jams it down.

[01:39:24]>> England one point away here from their first win.

[01:39:29]Wilkinson to Wilson. Wilson a deep shot.

[01:39:32]Oh nailed a shot.

[01:39:35]>> WHAT A SHOT FROM ROSS WILSON.

[01:39:37]>> That was needed. I think needed that one. And DLO can't get it to go.

[01:39:44]Capenowski over to Wilkinson. Back to Capkinowski.

[01:39:51]And shot short.

[01:39:54]Ball goes out of bounds. That'll be England possession. England one point away here from 21.

[01:40:06]DLo to Anderson. Back to DLo.

[01:40:11]DLo to Hamilton for the win. And Ashley Hamilton lays it in. England with a win over the Isle of Man 21-6 in just over 5 minutes. And what a showing they've put on straight out of the gate.

[01:40:27]>> They have, Caz. I mean, that last play there was textbook, you know, and you can really see the chemistry of this team as well. The way they're able to just read each other's movements as well. get those passes where they need to be.

[01:40:40]>> Ashley Hamilton and Jamal Anderson playing together on the London 3x3 team playing at the Manila Challenger earlier this month and out in Shabuya in April where they finished sixth out of 16. So England pick up their first win of the competition.

[01:41:04]the aisle of man though. Great to see Jack Wilkinson in his very first international tournament at 18 years old getting onto the scoreboard there.

[01:41:10]>> Yeah, absolutely. You know, and what we have to remember is, you know, the man have a very small pool of players in terms of, you know, there's one league, one main league for them to play. So, you know, having that opportunity to come out here and and play play at on this this is court is is such a great opportunity. Um, >> it's huge as well. The population of the island man around 84,000 people. That's three times smaller than Sulford for for some context there.

[01:41:35]>> Um, so we're going to go courtside very shortly with Isa who will grab a word with with England's Ashley Hamilton after their first win. Ashley Hamilton, the co-founder of London 3x3, does such a good job promoting the game and he is the top ranked 3x33 player for Great Britain. So over to you Isa and Ashley.

[01:42:02]Thanks, Kaz. Yeah, I'm here now courtside with England player Ashley Hamson. So, Ashley, first win the tournament. How's it feel to get that done?

[01:42:08]>> It's always good to get the first win out the way. Um, you always want to start off well and we think we did that.

[01:42:14]Working on some of the stuff that we want to do throughout the campaign, first time together playing a competitive game as a squad. So, I think we showed that we can do a little a few things. We need definitely need to get a bit better, but it's always nice to start with a win.

[01:42:27]>> Yeah, you said it is always nice to start with a win. But do you think a lot of things that you've been practicing in training camps over the past couple days, do you think you're able to implement that into this game or do you think you're looking to add in the next couple of games?

[01:42:36]>> No, definitely. We had a good week of camp and we had a lot of really talented guys in. So to whittle the team down from 10 to four now, like I said, first time playing together. We did a lot of things that we want to do, but there's still so much more that we need to be a bit sharp on and just some of the things are not second nature first nature yet.

[01:42:53]They're a bit second nature. So we got some things to work on.

[01:42:56]>> Yeah. So obviously first game you got the dub onto the next now but you're looking to carry that momentum into those next games.

[01:43:02]>> Definitely definitely if you can as long as we win the game that's all that matters. So if we can replicate this in the second game it's a good result.

[01:43:09]>> All right thanks for taking time to see me today Ashley. Good job on the first win and yeah good luck in the rest of your games.

[01:43:14]>> Ashley Hamilton there with Isa courtside and it is great to hear from Ashley Hamilton. He's put in such work for the 3x3 game in this country. Yeah, absolutely. And I just think it's important as well that kind of, you know, they they they've got the opportunity to really give a voice to 3x3 on a stage like this as well and and really promote the game.

[01:43:32]>> Definitely. So, we're going to go courtside. Isa has Jack Wilkinson from the aisle of man get his thoughts on his debut in the international competition representing the man. Over to you.

[01:43:42]>> Thanks, guys. Yeah, I'm here I'm here now courtside with man player Jack Wilkinson. So, how does it feel to get that first car? Yeah, I mean it's great.

[01:43:51]It's just fun to get out here and play with this level of players. So, just a privilege to represent the man as a whole. So, it's great.

[01:43:57]>> Yeah. So, not only did you get your first cap, you also got some points on the board. So, how did it feel in that moment when you got that basket?

[01:44:02]>> Yeah, it felt great. I felt like he was going to block it to be honest, but I just thought I'd go with it cuz hey, only getting one game, so it's good.

[01:44:09]>> Yeah. So, obviously you guys, you had your first game in the tournament. Maybe didn't go quite the way that you wanted it to, but are you going to carry a lot from that game into next games?

[01:44:17]>> Yeah, definitely. I mean, we didn't come into this with too high expectation. We just want to represent to the best we can. So, just getting those points in the board against players that level is really good. Gives us the confidence to bring to the other games. So, it's really good.

[01:44:29]>> Yeah, it was a great performance. So, thanks for taking time to beat me today.

[01:44:32]Good luck in the rest of your games and yeah, I hope you enjoy.

[01:44:34]>> Thank you, >> Isa with Jack Wilkinson there. And like he says, you know, it's such an honor to represent your country and we have spoken about the man are really >> not a massive population in in the country. Um, and you know, all the players out here this weekend are going to be saying the same thing. You know, being able to represent their country on this stage, trying to qualify for the Commonwealth Games. And even the teams that don't do it, the experience and the the building blocks that they're going to put in place are going to be huge.

[01:44:58]>> Yeah, definitely.

[01:45:00]>> So, we're going to take a break now uh for the end of the first session. We'll have the second session coming up at 10 7 with three more games. The England women's team will be taking on the Isle of Man women's team. And then at 10 at 8, nope, at 10:28, uh, we will have Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man in the men's competition. And then rounding out the day at 8:30, we will have Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man in the women's competition. That all those games will be live on the Basketball England YouTube channel. There will be a new link for the second session. So on the Basketball England channel, you can see that link there. So follow along, like and subscribe. We've got all the action, loads of behind thes scenes action as well. Follow along on social media. It's been a great week of content, loads of great uh great clips.

[01:45:47]We've had highlights in. Go and grab an ice cream.

[01:45:50]>> Yeah. Get some sun and then come back in in about an hour and a half time.