The NBL Weekend Takeover for 10/11 November will see City of Birmingham Rockets take the reins of the NBL Instagram story.
We caught up with Rockets' Emanuel Jr. Bradshaw of their takeover weekend, in our latest Player Spotlight feature.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Name: Emanuel Jr. Bradshaw
Team: City of Birmingham Rockets - NBL Division Four (West Midlands)
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m Emanuel Jr. Bradshaw, I am 27 years old and have been playing basketball for around about 11 years. I’m passionate about sport in general.
What brought you to the NBL in the first place?
I was encouraged by friends to try the sport at this level and haven’t looked back since.
What was your first impression of the NBL? How has that changed?
It made me want to work harder to develop my game. as well as giving me confidence and determination to want to succeed more.
What was your first "bright spot" with your team?
It would have to be this summer, getting to represent my country Montserrat on the international stage in the FIBA AmeriCup 2021 Caribbean Pre-Qualifier hosted in Suriname. It was my first ever call-up and it was was a proud moment as I felt all my hard work paid off.
What changes have you noticed in yourself since joining the NBL?
I am very vocal, confident, and more sure about myself - but at the same time I want to help others around me to develop themselves.
What are you working on right now, what are your current goals?
We are working towards achieving promotion in NBL Division Four, and as I am also a coach within the club I am one of many who are working on developing the youth who are the future.
What is your favourite NBL memory?
Winning NBL Division Four previously with Newcastle-under-Lyme College Knights, now known as the Stoke-on-Trent Knights, while I was at university.
What advice would you give someone who is just getting started in basketball?
Give your all, work on your craft outside of your set training hours, listen and follow instructions, ask questions if you don’t know what you are doing, become a student of the game, and don’t limit yourself.
What do you like to do outside of basketball?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching various other sports & watching documentaries.
Finally, who is your favourite British basketball player and why?
Fabulous Flournoy, as he has done and is still doing great things for British basketball.
You can follow Emanuel's progress this weekend when City of Birmingham Rockets takeover the NBL Instagram story!
