For as long as there has been a Women’s British Basketball League, there has been a Georgia Anderson dominating the hardwood up and down the country.
Since 2014, the Great Britain international has been a force of nature at the point guard position in the League and ranks in the top three all-time for Championship points, rebounds, assists and steals.
Today, she makes another bit of personal and League history, however, as she captains the North team in the first-ever Women’s All-Star Game.
All this set against the backdrop of returning to play this season after giving birth to her daughter, Harper, just over a year ago. We caught up with the Manchester Giants star to reflect on her experience:
“I’ve been involved in this League from the beginning and had a lot of great memories here, so to be still playing when we launch our own All-Star Game and to be the North captain as well is something I am very proud of.
“I really didn’t know if I was going to come back and play this season. It was pretty last-minute when we found out we were pregnant before last season, and I decided not to play then, so wasn’t sure at all if I’d be ready or want to come back and play.
“I’ve said for a few years now that the next season might be my last one, so when we did become pregnant I really did think that would be it, but last summer I wanted to get back into shape and decided that I’d give it at least one more year.
“I have a lot of friends who have done it before me – like Jo Leedham-Warner, Helen Naylor and Lauren Thomas-Johnson – and seeing them come back so successfully after pregnancy gave me confidence that I could do it too. It’s been very, very difficult, but I’m glad I’ve done it and it really has been a perfect experience.”
The All-Star Andersons in London
Alongside Georgia in the 42-strong roster of players that’ll be competing in the Men’s and Women’s All-Star Games is her husband, Jamell, who is a reserve for the Men’s North roster after being selected by Head Coach Gareth Murray.
The duo have seen and achieved pretty much everything there is to achieve in British basketball between them, from individual records to team accolades, both domestically and internationally, and they’ll also be joined by their daughter and wider family on the sidelines in London.
“There’s been a very healthy competition going on in our house,” Anderson said.
“It’s great that we’re both playing and Jamell fully deserves to be there. He’s achieved so much this season and throughout his team in the League so it’s great that he has been picked – I’m so happy for him.
“It’s funny that this has happened exactly how the Commonwealth Games did in 2018, where I knew I was in the Women’s squad before he knew he was in the Men’s team and seeing the stress of him wondering if he’d get there, but we were both so happy to be there.
“Our daughter will be in London with us as well, and our family, so it is going to be a very memorable experience for all of us. A year ago, I didn’t think this would be happening for us, but the way it has all lined up and come together is amazing so we can’t wait for it.
“Harper already has a basketball in her hand with a little hoop at home; She comes to our games and she is definitely interested in what is going on, but it’s adorable to see her at home trying to shoot and dribble the ball and we love that she’s interested in the game.”
The last dance for a League legend?
At 33 years old, Anderson speaks openly about the end of her playing career nearing, but confesses that the opportunities which lay ahead of her mean that the next six weeks of this season could offer the perfect swansong to what has been a legendary tenure in the game for the Mancunian.
“I really don’t know if I’ll do another year but if this is the last one then what a way to end it – captaining the All-Star team with Jamell on the Men’s team and Harper at the game as well, and pushing for the Playoffs on top of that… I couldn’t ask for more.
“I’d much rather Temi was on my team than playing against her, but I’m so happy that she’s captaining the South team. It’s going to be a great game to watch and it’s bound to be very competitive because that’s who we are. It’ll be a great occasion for the League and the game in this country.
“If you’d asked me a couple of years ago I’d have been desperate to win this game like I would any other, but after having a baby and starting a family, my perspective has completely changed.
“Some things are bigger than basketball and coming home to my husband and my daughter has shown me what is really important. Sharing this experience with them is what I’m truly excited for and I can’t wait for a great weekend in London.”
Get your tickets to support Georgia and all of the players in the first-ever Women’s British Basketball League All-Star Game this weekend at the Copper Box by clicking here.