The NBL Weekend Takeover for 12/13 January will see the University of Chester take the reins of the NBL Instagram story.
We caught up with Reiss Faure-Daley of their takeover weekend, in our latest Player Spotlight feature.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Name: Reiss Faure-Daley
Team: University of Chester - NBL Division Three (North)
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m from Birmingham and I’m studying Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Chester, I’ve been playing basketball since I was 13 years-old. I’m a 6’1 point guard that wishes he was a big or to have five more inches of height.
What brought you to the NBL in the first place?
I first started playing in the NBL at age 13 for Birmingham A’s and it was coach Nigel Hanson that brought me over to the NBL. I played just one season before returning to play football. But coach convinced me to come back and play at U16 and since then I have been one hundred percent committed to basketball.
What was your first impression of the NBL? How has that changed?
At the age of 13 it was very overwhelming due to me only having played recreational basketball before. But when I began playing again at age 15 it was a lot different due to me understanding basketball a lot more, but the level was still ridiculously challenging for me. I feel that over the last two seasons the NBL has changed to me because I had just recently been promoted with Team Birmingham Elite to Division Two. This is the highest NBL level that I have played at and that was an eye opener for me, which was good because it allowed me to grow and become leader on the court.
What was your first "bright spot" with your team?
My first bright spot was in my first game against my old club which is Team Birmingham, where I scored 14 points, 5 steals and 5 assists. It showed that in preseason I had been working on my improving my game.
What was your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge was last January when I suffered a major injury when I was bitten by a dog on my right ankle. Strengthening my ankle and physio was the hardest part of my journey. Coming back from that was biggest challenge I have had to face.
What changes have you noticed in yourself since joining the NBL?
I have noticed that in there is a contrast in playing styles between North and South, with this my game has developed in many ways.
What are you working on right now, what are your current goals?
My goals right now are to maintain the top spot in NBL Division Three along with going to the final of the playoffs and the shield. Along with me improving as a player and a person.
What is your favourite NBL memory?
My favourite NBL memory is when I played for Birmingham A’s as a junior and we won the National Sure Shot Cup. This is because it was my first final that I had been to since I had started playing basketball. The togetherness of the team was what made the cup win so special to me.
What advice would you give someone who is just getting started in basketball?
I would always tell them to stick at it regardless of their ability and to ensure they’re having fun. From my experience of playing in the NBL as a junior I’ve realised that they were the years that I most in enjoyed playing basketball and retaining all the information that was given to me. I would advise them to do the same.
What do you like to do outside of basketball?
Outside of basketball I usually will be doing university work or playing Fortnite.
Finally, who is your favourite British basketball player and why?
My favourite British player is Myles Hesson, why? He’s from Birmingham just like me, so during the summer when he’s back we usually scrimmage. He is effortless when he plays and his basketball IQ is very high and I also feel when watching him that he’s an all round team player that would be an asset to any team that he is on.
You can follow Reiss's progress this weekend when the University of Chester takeover the NBL Instagram story!
