• Home
• News

6 February 2026  5 min read

Junior GB star Mboura gives back to players starting their talent journey

The point guard, who is from South London, has come up through the ranks of the English Talent Pathway (ETP); sharpening his fledgling skills as a South East Aspire player, to being selected to represent South Magic at the inaugural Aspire All-Star tournament and then going on to win caps for England as a junior.  

Last summer he was called up the GB U16 squad to play in the FIBA U16 EuroBasket Division B tournament, earning himself seven caps and 6.4 points per game, as well as 3.7 assists per game.  

At club level Mboura has played for Sutton Storm, Kingston Wildcats, London Legends, and finally London Westside Rangers before moving to the states to represent North Carolina’s Asheville School. 

His ambition is to push his basketball career as far as he can go and perhaps play at an NCAA Division One college, before looking to make it as a professional.  

Josh Mboura was selected for GB to play at the 2025 FIBA U16 EuroBasket Division B tournament. Image: FIBA

Mboura mentors new cohort of English talent 

Under the invitation of his former England junior coach Dan Petts, who is one of BE’s full-time regional talent managers, Mboura spent the day at a South East Aspire camp, mentoring a new cohort of participants who are just beginning their journey on the ETP. 

“The level of competition at these camps is high,” Mboura told the attending players. 

“These are some of the best players your age in the area. The exposure you get is huge as well. 

“From Aspire, you can go to Super South, and there you’re in front of England coaches and GB coaches. Then when you play for the national team, you’re in front of Division 1 coaches in the States. That exposure, along with the competition, has really helped me develop as a player.” 

Inspired by his older brother, Mboura started playing basketball when he was 10-years-old, and soon came to the attention of Basketball England; invited onto a South East Aspire camp by the age of 12, where he got to grips with the skills of being a point guard, as well as the importance of nutrition and getting a good night’s sleep.  

He also pressed to his audience that preparing for a life in basketball performance is about making sacrifices, including giving up time to hang out with friends and making the effort to train and get to extra practices to be the best player you can be.  

“The most important advice I’ve received came from my brother,” added Mboura.  

“He always told me to keep pushing, put one step in front of the other no matter what, stay consistent, and believe in yourself. 

"It’s simple, but it’s really powerful. There are always ups and downs but staying consistent with your mindset has helped me become the player I am today.” 

Mboura earned caps for England as a junior athlete, playing in European competitions

Accept you’re going to be nervous to play freely 

As a junior England player, Mboura won the U14 Tri-Nations against Scotland and Wales, took bronze at the Globasket Tournament in Catalunya, toured Greece and competed against some of Europe’s best players at the Jr. NBA European Finals in Valencia.  

As he’s progressed, he says one of his biggest struggles has been confidence.  

“It’s easy to try to play it safe. There were times I was scared to take shots or felt really nervous. 

“Everyone gets nervous before games. To overcome that, you have to accept that you’re going to be nervous and get used to it. Once you accept it, that’s when you’re able to play freely. 

“One thing for me is not worrying about what other people think. Social media is big, and the higher the level you play at, the more people are watching. 

“It’s easy to compare yourself to other players your age or top players in the US. But when you remember it’s you versus you, your journey becomes a lot easier. Don’t worry about other people - just focus on yourself.” 

Through sacrifices you can achieve your dream

Mboura paid tribute to his parents and reminded his mentees that family members and guardians often make the ultimate sacrifice, giving up their time and money so that players can achieve their dream.  

“Without my parents’ support, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. You always have to be thankful. Parents drive you around late at night, spend money on camps, and make sacrifices for you. 

“You have to appreciate that and honour it by playing hard every time you step on the court. My older brother has also been huge for me—he’s like a mentor. 

“If you have younger siblings who play basketball, make sure you’re there for them. Just always be appreciative of your parents and the people who support you.” 

England Talent Pathway