The NBL Weekend Takeover for 23/24 February will see Cardiff Met Archers take the reins of the NBL Instagram story.
We caught up with Archers' Kimberley Kheing ahead of their takeover weekend, in our second Player Spotlight feature.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Name: Kimberley Kheing
Team: Cardiff Met Archers - WNBL Division 2
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m from Bristol, 18 years-old and have played Basketball since the age of 12. I’m the only one in my whole family who plays basketball. I have been involved in both regional and national England programmes. I’m a first year undergraduate at Cardiff Met University studying Sports Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage. I currently play for the WNBL Division 2 team and have also stepped up to the WBBL squad alongside playing BUCS for the University
What brought you to the NBL in the first place?
The level of competition. It allowed me to play regular games and get involved at different standards as I was able to play up for higher age groups
What was your first impression of the NBL? How has that changed?
There weren’t many teams to compete with to start with but over the years playing in NBL, there has been an increase in teams which means there is more divisions to compete in and more fixtures which is always great
What was your biggest challenge?
Coming back to play after months off from an ankle surgery. Rehabbing it properly to ensure I have a fit and healthy first season with Cardiff Met Archers
What changes have you noticed in yourself since joining the NBL?
Increased confidence and the ability to take leadership on and off the court. I’ve also developed my understanding and physical ability much more as a player
What are you working on right now, what are your current goals?
I’m still getting to know my new team as the weeks go on. But we are a much stronger unit than we first started. Communication is always key. My current goals are to take what I have learnt from teh WNBL and transfer it into WBBL
What is your favourite NBL memory?
Winning the U16’s league with Bristol Storm then reaching the finals in the playoffs and getting top scorer – promoting them up to the premier league for the year after. Also my first game with Archers in Division 2 getting into double overtime against University of Hertfordshire Wolves. Even though we didn’t get the outcome we wanted, the atmosphere was great, and it was a fantastic way to start off the season
What advice would you give someone who is just getting started in basketball?
Get as involved as you can, take every opportunity that is given to you. Be confident and play every game like it’s your last. Don’t settle for what you’re comfortable with, go outside your comfort zone.
What do you like to do outside of basketball?
Socialise with my friends, family and of course my dogs. With the training schedule we have with team practice, S&C sessions, individual shooting sessions and then games, I don’t really do much other than basketball, study and see my friends.
Finally, who is your favourite British basketball player and why?
Steve Bucknall as he’s an inspiration for being the first British player in the NBA and is still involved in British basketball
You can follow Kimberley's progress this weekend when Cardiff Met Archers takeover the NBL Instagram story!
