For Cheridene Green, rediscovering the team chemistry from 2022 may provide the golden touch for Team England’s 3x3 basketball team at the Commonwealth Games. The women’s side claimed a valiant silver medal in Birmingham, falling agonisingly short of glory in a 14-13 final loss to Canada, who they had beaten in pre-tournament matches and the group stage.
And as the self-appointed ‘fun auntie’ of the group, Green knows the working environment is pivotal to repeating success. She said: “It’s nice to create new goals and to keep moving forward. Whether you have won a medal before or not, everyone is coming in to achieve something.
“We start fresh because we’re a different team, so we are learning with each other and understanding people’s different communication styles. Team chemistry is so important and once you have that, you can accomplish anything. Last time, our team chemistry didn’t start off the best but it developed over time. And it makes things a lot smoother. I’m looking forward to who I’m playing with and being of one accord to get gold.”
Though the squad has yet to be announced, the Londoner is set to reprise her role from 2022, though with a little more experience under her belt. She said: “When we played in Birmingham, it was my first time playing at home, because prior to that I had played around Europe and for the Lions.
“It was an amazing experience. We had a lot of preparation, travelling around Europe and playing games in Serbia for a week. To lose in the last few seconds hurt at first. I was devastated. I was crying and emotional, then I realised that I was a Commonwealth Games silver medallist. I should be happy!
“Being on the podium and among the English teams, all of whom won something, I was overwhelmed and honoured to have been able to take something home. I think people will be supporting us a lot more because of the last Commonwealths. People don’t often think about basketball, but it’s the second most popular participation sport in our country.”
The sport was given a central London showcase ahead of the Games as part of the King’s Baton Relay, supported by Team England’s official automotive partner, Geely, with a 3x3 basketball pop-up event taking place in Paternoster Square. Green hopes this summer can take the sport to a new level while her influence will be key on the younger members of the squad.
She said: “I’m very personable and I like to get to know people. I create a safe space and I want everyone to know that you don’t have to be happy every day. It’s okay if you only have 50% today, so we can support you a bit extra, so we’re all A*. I tell people, chill out, you’re only human first, so it’s okay to be honest about how you’re feeling.”
