Before leaving for Paris Gregg Warburton and Lee Manning talked to me about team strengths, their journey into wheelchair basketball, and about the goings on behind the scenes. 

I caught up with both Gregg and Lee in Marlow the day before travellng to Paris, sat in the sun, we chatted about feelings, family, how the team has bonded, and preparations ahead of their opening games against Germany.

You leave for Paris tomorrow, how are you currently feeling?

Greg “Super excited. That’s probably the overriding feeling at the minute. Chomping at the bit to get going, so I’ll have to remember that still a fair few day until we start competing. We have a few training days in the village sort of getting accustomed to life in the village when we get there.”

Lee “This is gonna be my third games. Did Rio as a rookie and have a special attachment to that, but it was a different time zone, I was inexperienced and trying to find my feet. Tokyo was behind closed doors. Paris is only a short swim across the water, though I would advise not to, and is being referred to as the second home games. So, I’m very much looking forward to it and enjoying every part of it.”

Your first game is against Germany, do you think you are prepared? 

Gregg “I’m really looking forward to our first game and. I think we’re, sort of locked and loaded and prepped and exactly where we need to be to get going and kick off.”

How did you get into Wheelchair Basketball?

Lee “I was 15, a guy called Gordon Perry came to my school, to give taster sessions. I’ve always been quite a sporty guy, but my disability just meant that I was. I was slightly too disabled to run around and play, but not disabled enough to fit into the disability sport category. Then I jumped in a wheelchair and the wheels became my legs and the wheelchair became a bit of sporting equipment, and here I am 18 years later sitting in front of you guys!”

Gregg “I was very fortunate in school, and I had really good teachers. that grounded me. My PT teacher, Mr Bertelli’s back in high school was huge on keeping me involved and making sure I could participate in everything. It’s had a huge impact on my love for sport. I already had a love for sport, and he helped grow that. My parents as well helped me realise that my disability wasn’t an obstacle. 

What is your teams biggest strength?

Gregg “I guess the thing about our team is the uniqueness. Our talent overall, and work ethic. I think if you get them two hand in hand, you’ve got a pretty good recipe for a good team. I think that coupled with how unified and together as a group we are, is our teams biggest strength.”

Lee “We are a family, the talents that we’ve got, and we work together perfectly without compromising each other on the court. We’re a team.”

What is a tip you were given at the beginning of your career that has carried you through to today?

Lee “Fall in love with the sport first, then see where it takes you.”

Gregg “Dan Johnson, an ex-men’s Basketball player, has been huge in my journey, said to me ‘just because you’re a good basketball player doesn’t make you a good person’.”

What is something you get up to as a team behind the scenes to chill out?

Lee “Golf. I don’t mean finding a field to hit a load of golf balls. I mean going to our room and hitting the Xbox.”

Gregg “Virtual golf!”

Quick Fire Questions… (That weren’t very quick fire)

Which member of the team is the messiest?

Gregg “Between Harry Brown and Lee Fryer.”

Lee “Harry Brown.”

Who has the funniest jokes?

Gregg “Pete Cusak.”

Lee “if it’s cheesy nonsense is Ben Fox. But they’re not funny. Otherwise, I would say me, but that’s a straight-out flat lie!” (lots of laughter)

Best Dance Moves?

Lee “We’re boring we don’t dance! I would say Ben Fox, but that is only because his crutches go up in the air!” 

Three things you can’t live without?

Gregg “British cup of tea….” Five minutes later “This is not very quick fire, is it! Virtual golf, and the team!”

Lee “Basketball, Friends and Family and the desire to inspire the next generation.”

by Victoria Scholes, ADJ CFJ Alumni & Diploma Student

https://www.legallypowered.co.uk

Para Wheelchair Basketball begins on Thursday 29th August at 9.30am at Bercy Arena