Hot off the heels of yesterday’s announcement, BSR AMIAB Albacete’s newest signing, GB international, Ben Fox sat down with Rollt’s Dylan Cummings to discuss why he moved to Albacete following his departure from Mideba Extremadura. He will join fellow GB teammates, Gaz Choudhry, Harry Brown, Kyle Marsh and Lee Manning as well as newly signed Spanish internationals, Alejandro Zarzuela, Fran Lara, Vicky Perez and the returning Almu Montiel next season.
Why did you decide to move to Albacete?
“I was all set up to return from Spain and begin my studies in Sheffield, but the postponement of the Tokyo Paralympic Games meant I would have to juggle full-time training and studying at university. When I heard Albacete were interested it was an easy decision for me to make, they are a competitive team with some outstanding players, the additions they have made this year will make for a great environment to learn and train in! It also helps having four other GB guys there, I spoke to them about the decision and they all spoke highly about the way the club is ran and structured. I’ve been welcomed with open arms and I’m super excited to get going!”
How will the move to Albacete benefit your game prior to Tokyo?
“The Division de Honour is probably the most competitive league in the world, every game offers a chance to go up against world-class players. It’s a league in which you can learn and improve in all the time, both on and off the court! A part of my game I want to focus on is finishing strong against players who have an obvious size advantage against me, going up against Lee (Manning) and Alejandro (Zarzuela) in training every day will most certainly challenge that aspect of my game and help improve it!”
How do you intend to fit into the team?
“I hope to bring my pick and roll and slashing game to the team, working for others to create open looks. I would also love to improve my defensive skills and become a better all-round defender, when you have players like Harry Brown to watch and learn from its a good way to get better at that skill.”
What new challenges do you think you will face with the team?
“As with every new team, you must be willing to adapt to the culture and environment you are in. I will 100% need to learn more Spanish. The new format of the season also means every single game now matters during the regular season which I think will be the biggest challenge!”
You and Harry Brown have basically grown up in the game together, as a teammate, what does he mean to you?
“Anyone who knows Harry will know what an incredible player and person he is! He is the kindest guy I know, always offering to help. I feel very fortunate to be able to share the court with him both at club and international level. I’m sure there will be plenty of times I shake my head in disbelief as he pulls off a ridiculous move that’s never been seen before!”
Gaz Choudhry, Kyle Marsh and Lee Manning have had longer tenures on the GB squad than you or your former Mideba teammates, how will their expertise help benefit you as a player?
“Those three have experienced winning the Division de Honour before, having that winning mentality is crucial in a tough season. They will also be able to give me valuable advice both on and off the court and tell me how to adapt to a new team. I’m also looking forward to them pushing me in training to be a better player. Lee can push me to improve finishing and defence whilst Gaz and Kyle will be able to mentor me in creating looks, plays, shots and space, so I’m in good company!”
Why did you decide to leave Mideba?
“I had a fantastic time at Mideba. The fans, staff and teammates were all amazing and so welcoming. When I knew I was deferring university again (sorry mum, I promise I’ll complete a degree soon!) I wanted to challenge myself in a new environment, as mentioned earlier, I heard nothing but good things about Albacete. I wish Mideba the best of luck in the coming season, they have a great squad assembled, with talent in every position!”
How do the styles of play differ between Albacete and Mideba?
“I think both teams will push the floor hard, transition is a huge part of both teams’ game! It will be interesting to see how both teams play this season with their improved rosters!”
I think it’s fair to say that Mideba didn’t have a good season, last season. How do you aim to change your fortunes this season with Albacete?
“I’m going to continue to play my game, improve every day and aim to contribute to Albacete’s success this season!”
Finish this sentence. Ben Fox will help bring success to Albacete because…
“…I’m a good fit for the team, I will push myself hard and do everything possible to help the team succeed!”
Thanks for your time mate!
Rollt. would like to thank Ben Fox for the interview!
Ben Fox Profile:
Date of Birth: 16/08/1995 (aged 25)
Hometown: Swindon, Wiltshire
Started playing: 2007
GB senior debut: 2019 Men’s European Championships – Walbrzych, Poland
Classification: 3.5
Disability: VATER Syndrome and right-leg above-the-knee amputee
Future Club: BSR AMIAB Albacete, ESP (starting 2020)
Former Clubs:
_RGK Sporting Club Wolverhampton Rhinos, GBR (2007-12)
_CWBA, GBR (2012-14)
_Swindon Shock, GBR (2015-16)
_Sheffield Steelers, GBR (2016-19)
_Mideba Extremadura, ESP (2019-20)
Career Highlights:
_2013 U23 World Championships – Adana, Turkey – 4th (GB)
_2017 U22 European Championships – Lignano Sabbidoro, Italy – Silver (GB)
_2017 U23 World Championships – Toronto, Canada – Gold (GB)
_2019 Men’s European Championships – Walbrzych, Poland – Gold (GB)
To learn more about Ben Fox, check out the interview he done with Rollt. last year here.
Interview: Dylan Cummings | Photo: Steffie Wunderl