Tyrell
How long have you been playing basketball for?
I started playing like two to three years ago in Enfield Town, then moved to Enfield Park and now Turnpike Lane.
Why did you start playing basketball?
Because it was fun. It’s a really fun sport. School sports are stricter, and the teacher tells you what to do. When I’m here, just with my friends, I can just do what I want, take some free shots and just practice.
Who do you look up to?
Kyrie Irving because he’s got good handles, is a good shooter and is shifty as well. I want to be an NBA star and meet all the good players like Kyrie and Steph Curry.
Why do you come out and play?
Because I want to get better… sometimes I play in the rain as well. The more you practice, the better you get. So I just practice often. One thing I do is, go close to the hoop, I shoot five shots with one hand, then to the free throw line, shoot five and then the three-point line.
I went to this thing called Power League and tried out for the Enfield Scorpions Basketball club and didn’t get in. But they put me in the development team to help me improve. They said a couple of months there and then they will put me on the team.
How do you get better when you’re not on a team?
I get most my moves off YouTube and then memorise them. Then you try to do it… probably fail but when you practice it, you get better and better. I also watch NBA for the moves, shooting… I watch carefully what they do, their form and just start practicing.
What do you like about your area?
Nothing (laughter….) wait Power League… and they have a good indoor court. They have a smaller, six-foot rim there, so I can dunk on that. It feels so good to be able to dunk. People are saying that I’ll probably be able to dunk in the next two months or so. I have good hops apparently… I can touch the rim already.
What are you trying to achieve at the moment?
Probably try and get a job… just like five pound an hour. Even though I’m 14 and still young, I want to make some money so I can get a new basketball and some basketball posters for my room. Also I want the Kyrie 7s...
What would you say your favourite memory of playing basketball is?
I dont know how to explain... I’m playing with my friend and I get him far away. I’m dribbling... as I’m dribbling the ball, I do a move so his back is to me and then I score or dunk on him on the six foot rims.