Kareem Queeley’s Blog
- Updated: 3rd April 2017
Kareem Queeley came through the Leicester Warriors pathway, signed for Real Madrid in 2015.
Follow him here as he gives us an insight on his basketball journey.
September 1st 2017
During the summer I returned to England where I continued to keep my fitness level up by training with some of my old Team mates whilst spending time with my family.
I went on holiday to the United States and was able to have some personal training which I think was very beneficial to me. I also visited my family in St Kitts. This summer I took the opportunity to focus on my personal development and attack areas that I think I need to improve.
I have returned to Spain and have been back in training since the end of August. My Basketball season has now started and I am playing with 2 teams this year. I played my first EBA game last weekend and my first game with Juniors (U18Men) today. We are also preparing for a Tournament in Tenerife.
May 1st 2017
Kareem Queeley gives us an insight into his 4 amazing days at the Jordan Brand Classic 2017 – New York.
Day 1
I did really well in New York at the Jordan brand classic, I was in Brooklyn for five days from 11th April until the 15th April.
On Tuesday 11th April the Jordan Brand Classic started and I didn’t fly into New York till late. I was given all my documentation with the schedule for the next few days and also Jordan gear to wear.
Day 2
Breakfast was from 8:30 – 9;30 and there was an opportunity to ask questions at the Athlete Q&A session, which went on till lunchtime.
Our lunch finished at 11.45 and then we travelled to the Brooklyn Nets practise facility (Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Training Center) at 168 39th Street in Brooklyn. The place was amazing, I was not only able to see the court that the Nets practise on, but I actually played on the court where the NBA players trained.
We played on the two full-sized basketball courts, which had on either side a wall of 16-foot windows, showing a panoramic view of Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. It was amazing.
After practice there was lots of media around and we spoke to a couple of people, had a tour of the facility and then were given 2 hours free time to shop and view the sites.
At 730 we met at the famous Planet Hollywood restaurant, had our evening meal and then met back at the hotel with the rest of the players, where we relaxed in our rooms and also played NBA 2k17 on the four huge flatscreen TVs.
There was also a basketball shooting machine which I played against my friends Tom Digbeu, Jaime Pradilla and my roommate Jermaine.
Day 3
We woke up for breakfast at 7:30, and then met at Madison Square Garden for 9.30 where we had a hour tour of the venue. We then had some downtime where we toured around New York and Times Square and then met for lunch at a beautiful restaurant in Times Square at 12.30.
Our practise at the Brooklyn Nets facility was from 315 till 430 and then we had some free time to relax in the hotel. In the evening we met in Chelsea at Terminal 23 for dinner.
Day 4 (Game day)
The most exciting day of all was Friday, 14th April 2017. We had breakfast at 830 and then had a bit of time to relax and prepare for the global showcase we went to the Barclays Center early to get used to the court and have a little shoot around from 1130 until 12.
The game tipped off at 1pm and it was the most amazing experience to be able to play against some of the best u16s basketball players in the World U16, on an NBA court.
I played really well scoring 14 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.
April 10th 2017
We met up with Kareem Queeley as he spent time with the Leicester Warriors, giving back, at their morning session at Evington Leisure Centre. He talks about how he first got involved in Basketball with the Leicester Warriors, how his first 2 years have been with Real Madrid Basketball, his thoughts on his upcoming trip to the Jordan Brand Camp, and advice for up and coming youngsters.
March 30th 2017
How are you enjoying Spain?
It’s really fun out here in Spain, and I have got to know a lot of people. I train every day Monday to Friday. On Wednesdays we do not have training but on the weekend we tend to have games, either on the Saturday or Sunday, and if we dont have a game on either of the days we train.
How did you feel about attending the Jordan Brand Camp in Barcelona?
I was really excited when I was told that I was selected to attend the Jordan Brand Classic in Barcelona. I felt it was great privilege to be selected as one of the top 40 players in Europe for the Under 16 age group.
I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but I felt that if I put my mind to it and focus then there could be chance I could be selected, and have the opportunity to fly to New York.
What was the most memorable part for you?
The most memorable part of the Jordan Brand Classic for me was day 2. We played 5 versus 5 and I felt i played well and as a team we worked really hard and won all 4 games. Personally I played defense well, shoot the ball and attacked the basket.
So you off to New York in the next few weeks, have you been before?
I am very excited to be going to New York in April, and I have been once before with my family for a holiday. I was quite young at the time so do not remember much, but I am looking forward to visiting again.
Anybody that would like to play for our teams get down to one of our community sessions THE FIRST SESSION IS FREE! We are always looking for new players whatever ability!
Boys: 10am-12noon at Evington Leisure Centre on Saturdays
Girls: 10am-12noon at Gateway College on Saturdays
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