Oaklands Kyla called up to GB Women EuroBasket squad

03 February 2016

A member of the College’s Wolves Basketball Academy is celebrating after getting the call to join a senior team to take part in a European tournament. 

Kyla Nelson, 18, has been called up by Head Coach Jose Maria Buceta to the GB Senior Women’s squad ahead of two crucial EuroBasket 2017 qualifiers in February. 

Kyla, who was named Basketball England Trophy Final Most Valuable Player last year, said: It is a huge privilege to get invited to take part in the Senior GB program.  I can’t wait to absorb every second of this experience. It’s crazy to think I’m going to be amongst the best senior players GB has to offer. I excited to get to work with them and Coach Buceta.” 

Kyla’s coach Lee Ryan said: “This is fantastic news for Kyla, her family and all at Oaklands College. She has been an outstanding example of a student athlete in her time here at the Academy. She deserves the recognition and I know she will maximise this opportunity as she does with everything.” 

Kyla will be looking to continue her impressive form in the Women’s British Basketball League (WBBL) that has seen her help Brixton Topcats to back-to-back wins since her return to play. 

Brixton Head Coach Steve Vear said: “I’m really pleased for Kyla. She had a tough start to the season, sitting out due to rehab, but this is testament to how much patience she has and the hard work she continues to put in.”

GB Women will be facing off against their Group C rivals Albania and Montenegro on Saturday 20 and Wednesday 24 February.