TWO South Essex based experts are celebrating slam dunking success within the Great Britain basketball set up.

The men’s senior side are one of 24 teams to have qualified for the 2017 Eurobasket competition.

And that was achieved with Thundersley’s Paul Fisher as head of sports science and medicine and Rayleigh’s Mark Williams as head strength and conditioning coach.

The duo spent six weeks in camp with Britain’s top talents and Williams – who also works at Southend United as well as Seevic College – remains on a real high.

“It’s been brilliant and I’m still on a high off the back of the men’s camp and qualifying for the Eurobasket,” said Williams.

“It’s a fantastic group to have been involved in and getting success like that gives you a real boost.

“These guys are awesome athletes and I really enjoy working with them and with the women’s squad as well.”

Williams has been in the role within the basketball set up since last November and will touch base with the players throughout the season to assist in keeping them in top shape.

“I’ll touch base with players and discuss their training load,” explained Williams, a former Southend Rugby Club captain.

“It’s a different sport for me but the principles don’t really change.

“Fundamentally it’s about keeping them on court and, where necessary, developing aspects of their athleticism such as increasing strength.

“You learn lessons in one environment and can use them in another as well so this experience is enhancing what I do right across the board.”

Fisher echoed Williams sentiments and also remains overjoyed by Britain’s success on the court.

He first joined the GB system in 2009 after being brought on board by Tim Lewis who coached the former BBL side Essex Pirates who were based in Southend.

Fisher initially teamed up with the under 20s but has now also progressed to the senior set up where he continues to enjoy his work.

“It’s fantastic,” beamed Fisher.

“It’s a great sport to work in and they’re amazing athletes to work with too.

“They’re some of the fittest, strongest athletes on the planet and they’re willing to do the work.

“It’s also very rewarding when you get results like we just have.”

Fisher, who is based at the David Lloyd gym in Southend, works remotely with the players during the season but will also meet with them if required.

“If they’ve got a problem at their club or wherever they’re based they will get in contact with me and tell me about their injury,” explained Fisher.

“We might Skype, I might visit them or they might come here as and when it’s needed “When the camps are on I’ll be away with them and I’ve just been with the men team for six weeks.

“It’s very rewarding and there was a women’s game in February against Montenegro where the team came back from 10 points down to win the game.

“Mark and I spoke about for four hours non-stop on the way home.

“It’s the same now with the men qualifying and it gives you a boost of energy.

“I’m proud to be a part of it all and I’m sure Mark is too”