If not the greatest certainly the longest day for Chris Dixon basketballer

It will be a day Chris Dixon will have in his memory for a long time the longest trip to a game ever. Only 10 days earlier Chris was working at the YMCA gym in Atlanta helping people appreciate the powers of basketball on and off the court then he heard of the opportunity to do something similar in another country with the Arrows he gathered his stuff booked and paid for a flight that was scheduled to land some 9 hours before the flight. However because of engine problems and weather it landed some 6 hours late.

He arrived in Sheffield 4 hours before the game but armed with his kit and great love for the game he laced up his boots and accepted the number 10 shirt for the Arrows. Chris opened his account with 2 free throws and a clever finish in the first quarter then iced the game from the line some 60 minutes later to make it a winning debut in his first game overseas.

Chris Dixon returned 20 points in the game a tremendous effort considering he had never met his team – mates before the warm up. He linked well with Captain James Kelly who appeared to enjoy the extra space the arrival of Chris Dixon will give him.

James Kelly stated “It was an impressive effort on debut from Chris, his pedigree is great and I look forward to learning from him on and off the court. He is a most welcomed addition to 2016 and will help us face the tough challenges ahead with greater confidence.”

At the end of the game Chris was pleased but clearly trying to take in an extraordinary 24 hours in his basketball life as he reflected and commented.

“I’m just grateful and excited for the opportunity to help this team win games. I know and have worked with former USA Select and Arrow Noah Brown who told me what a great experience he had enjoyed and how he continues to feel part of the family. I would like to thanks the management and coaches for allowing me to become a part of this same Arrows family. It was fun today however I can and will play better”

Another product of the Team USA Select organisation under coach Sean Kilmartin Chris Dixon will have the chance to experience life and basketball in another country.