John Amaechi

6 April 2009

The Speaker

John will be a judge, with Joe Brand, in the new TV show - The Speaker - where young people are taking part. Episode 1 airs on Tuesday 7th April at 8pm. 
Episode 2 is Wednesday  8th at 8pm, and it airs weekly from then.

For more information see the BBC website: The Speaker - www.bbc.co.uk/speaker

JOHN AMAECHI HISTORY

John first learned his basketball under coach Joe Forber as a 16 year old Stockport schoolboy. Prior to this, he was a rugby player of some renown but he preferred the round ball to the oval ball.

Because of a fantastic work ethic, John made sufficient progress in 2 years in England to be recruited by an American High School, where he made such an impact that he was heavily recruited by American Colleges. At Penn State, he played in the Big 10 Conference which is one of the strongest Conferences in the USA.

From Penn State, he was recruited by Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA where he became the first English player ever to start a game in the NBA. His travels since have taken him to Italy, Spain, France and Greece to play in top leagues in all these countries, before a highly successful 2-year spell with Orlando Magic in the NBA.

John returned to England a few weeks before the Magic 2003/2004 season ended and was able to put on the Magic shirt for the first time and represent his hometown Club. His appearances gave the Club the highest of profiles and the Magic played to capacity audiences for the rest of the 2003/2004 season.

Off the floor, he now intends to complete his studies as a doctor specialising in Child Psychology which, he has always insisted, is more important to him than his basketball career.

Praise for John comes from many quarters, not least from his mentor, Joe Forber -"John has been unbelievable in his support for our Club and our Basketball Centre. His first stop whenever he is back in England, is the Basketball Centre where the members have got used to him popping his head through the door. I, personally, and the Club could not have had more support than John has given. We are all truly grateful for his help and inspiration".

John's financial input of £250,000 enabled the Amaechi Basketball Centre to be built and, without this money, local youngsters would not be able to enjoy such a fantastic facility.