London Lions star Robinson ready for new career in basketball

Former London Lions star Paige Robinson has joined the British Basketball League as its new Marketing Assistant following the conclusion of the WBBL season.

And she spoke about her basketball career in a special Q&A with Lee Power.

Q.How and when did your basketball journey begin?

A.My basketball journey started when I was 13.

It was a bit weird because I was initially getting ready to go acting school and I dropped other sports I was playing like swimming and taekwondo, but my mum pushed me to continue with physical activities and got me into basketball.

Within a month, I got scouted to go and play in Spain. At the start, I didn’t see my life going down that path, but I’m thankful it did as it opened a lot more opportunities.

Q.What was it like playing for GB?

A.Representing your country is a humbling experience, it’s something that not everyone gets to do, so to have that opportunity I have a lot of gratitude.

I’m happy they trusted me to be apart of the squad and perform.

Q.How did you enjoy studying/playing in Florida?

A.It’s probably one of the easiest yet hardest things I’ve done in my life. The basketball and academics were fine, but everything outside of it like the social life, missing friends and family, was a bit of a struggle.

I think of everyone who was international, I was probably the most prepared given my time in Spain, but I did have a tight network in America who were able to support me through any issues.

The experience as a whole was a journey that I couldn’t miss, and I’m so happy I went out to play there.

Q.What was it like to join the Lions and how would you describe your time with the team?

A.I came back in 2020 and seeing how the Lions have grown since then, it’s a beautiful thing.

The organisation has come such a long way, we’re now playing in Europe, hopefully the Euro League in the coming seasons, and the fact the team have the talent, support and investment, it’s great.

This wasn’t there three years ago, so to be part of that transition and a winning team that is helping change the narrative of British Basketball makes me incredibly happy.

Q.What did it mean to go out on a high with a play-off win?

A.It meant in three years I had 10 titles in British Basketball, which is wild!

It means everything to me, finishing in my city with the dub [win], what more could you ask for?

Q.Who has been your biggest inspiration/help/supporter during your career?

A.He has nothing to do with basketball and everything to do with American Football, but Ray Lewis came to the UK early in my career to do a talk at the London School of Basketball, and that has stuck with me ever since.

When I feel down, I always go back to that talk and all the motivational things he discusses. To hear his story and how he conquered his obstacles, just gives me hope and strength.

Everyone has a story and for someone to be open with his vulnerability, you connect with it, and you feel like someone is on your side. I don’t know him, but I feel like he has my back.

Q.Do you think you will play again at all?

A.Most definitely, I love the sport and it’s been a huge part of my life. I’ll always be around basketball on and off the court.

Q.What attracted you to the Marketing Assistant position?

A.Everything I wanted to do after playing in America was leading to a position on the business side of sport.

I did my masters in Sports Management because I knew I lacked experience in the field, and then this opportunity arose, and I applied for it.

It’s not that I don’t enjoy basketball, but there’s so much of me that wants to give back to the game, and I feel I’m ready to do so.

Whether that is my knowledge of the sport, helping the kids, community work, anything I can do to give back, that’s what makes my heart smile more than playing.

I’m hoping to help with the fantastic work already taking place in the British Basketball League and continue to grow the game.

Q.What would your message be to any youngster thinking of getting involved in basketball or any sport?

A.Basketball is the second-most played team sport in the UK, so there’s definitely places where everyone can play, and everyone is welcome.

That’s one thing about the sport, it is so diverse and inclusive you’re going to feel at home and part of a community straight away.

Do get involved, whether that’s a small or big club, find what best fits you, but just enjoyed the journey, so there’s many great moments and opportunities that come with playing the sport.