ESSEX Pirates’ Jamell Anderson believes playing for Great Britain’s under 20s during the summer will help him impress in the BBL this season.

The talented forward, who will face Leicester Riders at home in the BBL Trophy tomorrow, figured for GB in the European Championships B Division which took place in Austria.

And he benefited greatly from the international experience.

“It was amazing and I loved every single second of it,” said Anderson, who was coached by Pirates’ Tim Lewis at the championships.

“We lost one game during the group stages which meant we couldn’t go through to the semi-finals but we played really well.

“The officials and other coaches there realised Great Britain were one of the strongest teams in the competition and we won one of our matches by 30 points.

“It was great and everyone got on so well too.

“There were no issues and it was just such a positive experience that it really gave me a lift and that can only help me ahead of the new season with the Pirates.”

Anderson,20, played in all eight of Britain’s games in the European Championships as the team finished a fine sixth.

He bagged a combined total of 30 points in those outings, with a high of seven in a 73-52 triumph over Belgium.

Anderson also helped GB see off Denmark, Norway, Poland, Slovakia and Portugal but his thoughts have now switched back to Southend and performing well for the Pirates this season.

The youngster became more involved as the campaign progressed last time around.

But he played the whole match for the first time last weekend against Leicester Riders.

And he is determined to force his way on to the court on a more regular basis.

“I played the whole game and I really enjoyed it,” said Anderson.

“I had no problem at all doing it and jumped at the chance to be honest because I want to try and play more minutes this year.

“That’s my target and, after talking to the coach, I know what I have to do to make that happen so I’m aiming to make more of an impression.”

Anderson was used sparingly at the start of last season but played 24 minutes against both Worcester Wolves and Cheshire Jets towards the end of the campaign.

Overall, he bagged 28 points but he netted 11 against Riders last Saturday and was delighted by the team’s display in an 80-70 defeat.

However, Anderson now wants a win at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre “Being at home I think we have even more of a chance this time,” he said.

“We need to come out hard and do what we did last week but Leicester are a good side so we know it’s going to be very difficult, whatever side we put out.”

The game tips off at 7.30pm with tickets available on the door.