Toronto Raptors rookie OG Anunoby has revealed that he would consider playing for the Great Britain national team in the future.
The 20-year-old Londoner has impressed the Raptors following so far this season. Averaging 6.7 points and 2.2 rebounds as he becomes a key contributor off the bench.
What part of London were you born in? Were you a football fan growing up?
I was born in North-West London in Harlesden, I did play [football] and when I moved to the US I was still playing but I stopped around year eight but then I focused on basketball a bit more and I grew.
Who do you support?
My dad’s an Arsenal fan, I liked Arsenal a lot growing up too but right now I like Manchester United.
What are you memories of growing up in London?
I don’t remember too much as I was pretty young, I remember it raining a lot. My family is still there now so I’m going to go back next summer as I haven’t been in a while.
Do you hope to inspire a generation of British basketball players?
Yes that’s definitely a goals of mine, to inspire kids in Great Britain to want to play basketball and show that they can make it to the NBA from Britain.
At what point did you decide that basketball was the sport you wanted to get into?
At elementary school I played every sport and then I started to like basketball more but then again I had phases with every sport where I wanted to play professionally, baseball, basketball and football. But then in middle school when I started to grow and I got better, I knew I wanted to play basketball.
Do you ever see yourself playing for Great Britain one day?
It’s definitely something I’d consider, I haven’t decided yet but it’s definitely something I would consider.