A Brecon teeanger has made a name for himself in the world of basketball by winning his first cap while playing for Wales last week.

At just 17 years of age, Tom Gilbert has made an impressive start to his international career, earning his first cap while playing for Wales under 19 men in Luxembourg.

Tom first discovered his love for basketball at Brecon High School, where he participated in lunchtime practices under the tutelage of Charlie Northey. He then went on to play for the Pontypridd Panthers under coach John Bunyon and attended coaching sessions with Cameron Seeley at Crickhowell Bulldogs. He further honed his skills at Crickhowell High School, training with sixth form players and coaches Ayub and Youbab Khan.

Tom’s passion for basketball eventually led him to Cardiff and Vale College, where he studied A-levels and played for the college’s basketball team as well as the Pontypridd Panthers and Cardiff Archers. It was at the college where Tom was coached and supported by Ieuan Jones, who helped him develop his skills even further.

After attending trials for Basketball Wales, Tom was selected for the under 19 squad at the age of just 16. He then went on to study in the sixth form at Canterbury College in Kent, where he will soon be playing in the EABL (Elite Academy Basketball League).

With his talent and determination, there’s no doubt that Tom has a bright future ahead of him in the world of basketball.