'Basketball gives me a sense of belonging' says ex-Team GB star

Former Team GB star Andre Arissol has spoken out about how basketball has given him a sense of belonging and earned him respect.

The Team Solent Kestrels captain spoke about how basketball helped him reach personal highs including, representing his country and playing against elite level talent in the US and overseas.

Arissol played for Team GB’s under-18s and under-20s from 2015 to 2017, then went on to play a season at Chaminade in Hawaii, where he averaged 16 points per game before graduating.

Arissol in action against Sussex Storm. Credit: Jimmy Richards

Alongside his sporting exploits, he has found a role in public speaking aiming to inspire the next generation of high-performance athletes.

Within the Kestrels club community he often hosts talks focusing on youth development and maximising potential, in order to become high performance athletes.

In the same breath, he also speaks about balance and prioritising mental wellbeing.

This has led him to not only be a role model on the court, but across social media as well.

Arissol said: “If that is a byproduct of leading British Basketball or showing the kids how it’s done, then I would love be put in that hat.”

He added: “I feel like I’ve been instilled with the right values, so whatever space I enter, I want to leave it better than I found it.”

The tip-off in Solent Kestrels against Sussex Storm. Credit: Jimmy Richards

National League first division Team Solent Kestrels are enjoying an undefeated start to the season, coming off three trophies last season.

An explosive 27 points against Sussex Storm put point guard Arissol in the most recent Team of the Week, courtesy of Basketball England.

Previously this season they beat Richmond Knights, London Elite, London Stars and Greenwich Titans in the league and Plymouth Raiders in the National Cup.

Last season Arissol won league Most Valuable Player, Division 1 Defensive Player of the Year and was selected to the NBL Division 1 Team of the Year and British Team of the Year.

This was after he led Team Kestrels to a league win, national cup win and play-off final win.

Arissol and Team Kestrels face Barking Abbey next on Halloween, at the Solent Sports Complex, hoping to remain invincible.