Team USA Basketball star heaps praise on East London training facility
Sunday 5 August 2012
A member of the Men’s USA Basketball Team has cited the University of East London’s £21million SportsDock facility as being a major factor behind the team’s success to date so far in the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Speaking to UEL earlier this morning at a training session in SportsDock, Team USA’s training camp for the Olympics, Carmelo Anthony, responded with his thoughts on whether the facility has helped influence the team’s success, he commented: “I would say big time; I didn’t realise that until now. When I was growing up, the training facilities were terrible. I think people really need to utilise this facility.”
The New York Knicks’ star also offered some kind words and advice to 12 year old Sam Kato, who is an up-and-coming player at East London basketball club, Newham All Stars Sports Academy (NASSA). Sam had the prestigious honour of meeting Carmelo at a recent USA Basketball training session. Carmelo Anthony said: “It was a great honour to meet you. It seems like you’re a great guy and a good person. Keep the good work up and congratulations on becoming the MVP.”
Sam Kato was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his performance in this year’s Under 13s play-off final in Nottingham.
So far, USA Basketball has clocked up five wins in the tournament including an 83 point win over Nigeria – a record in Olympic basketball. The team will play Australia in the Quarter finals at the North Greenwich Arena tomorrow evening.
