Gladiators Chantelle Handy and Patrick Tapé are set to represent Great Britain and Ivory Coast respectively in international duty in the countries’ upcoming windows.
Chan’s GB side, coached by Chema Buceta, are set to face Estonia and Portugal in a crucial Manchester double-header for EuroBasket 2023 qualifiers. The two games are set to take place on 9th and 12th February at the National Basketball Performance Centre.
For Pat, his Cote d’Ivoire squad face Nigeria, Uganda, and Cape Verde across three days spanning from the 24th of the month, to the 26th. Already qualified for the tournament, the country’s final three FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying fixtures are to be played in Angola.
Upon her call-up to the squad, Handy said: “I’m excited. I’ve got a lot of good friends on the team, Azania (Stewart) is one of my best friends. These games are huge for us – we need to get wins and by as many points as possible against Portugal to qualify for EuroBasket. We all know what we need to do to get the job done.”
Tapé said: “I’m truly honoured to be called up for the national team. It’s always a special feeling being able to represent the country and be reunited with my brothers on the squad.”
This season, the two have been pivotal for the BBL & WBBL sides. Handy has so far averaged 13.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists, leading on the court and coaching from the sidelines. Tapé has been flying high above the rim all season long, scoring 9.8 points, grabbing 5.6 rebounds and dishing out 1.5 assists per night of Championship action.
Come along for our next game as the BBL side welcome Sheffield Sharks on Sunday evening – TICKETS.
