Hesson's legacy realised as Hamstead court is launched

Hamstead Playing Fields basketball court - now known as the Myles Hesson basketball court - has been launched back to the public after receiving a refurbishment as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games 3x3 basketball legacy project.

Part of a collaborative project between Basketball England, Birmingham City Council and Sport England, the court now boasts four new baskets and a striking new purple and grey colourway that pays homage to the Birmingham 2022 court at Smithfield, where England won 3x3 gold and silver medals.

The court renewal was also dedicated to England and GB international, Hesson, who created one of the most watched moments of the Games, scoring the buzzer beater that sunk Australia in the 3x3 final.

Hesson began his basketball journey playing on the court and wanted to make sure his and his teammates achievements left a true long-lasting legacy.

“I spent countless hours playing basketball at this court as a child, either by myself or with friends. Seeing it restored and revamped in this way means the world to me," said the 6’6” forward.

“The renovation is not just a recognition of what my teammates and I were able to achieve but it’s a commitment to the next generation and the community in which I come from.

“I want to say a huge thank you to Basketball England, Sport England and the National Lottery and Birmingham City Council for making it happen.

“I can’t wait to see it being used by the future generation of ballers of Birmingham.”

Bolster basketball infrastructure

Although the man himself couldn’t be there for the launch day on Saturday, 21 September, having just started his season in Mexico with his new club Fuerza Regia, his mum and friends turned out, alongside fellow gold medallist, Orlan Jackman, former player and Love Island star Zach Noble, coaches from National Basketball League club City of Birmingham Rockets - who hosted coaching clinics with local ballers - and councillors from Birmingham City Council.

Part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Birmingham 2022 legacy project will renovate and enhance 17 basketball courts across England’s second biggest city.

BE and its partners have made the significant financial investment to bolster the basketball infrastructure in the city to increase grassroots participation opportunities in both the 3x3 and 5v5 formats of the game.