Jamell Anderson might have swapped the court for the boardroom but he's still hoping to be part of a title defence at Glasgow 2026.

The 35-year-old was part of the golden buzzer winning moment at Birmingham 2022, helping Team England clinch the men's 3x3 crown in memorable style.

Anderson has since hung up his domestic boots and taken on a new challenge in the corporate world, as a Corporate Sales Director for Worldpay, though he retains his international ambitions.

And while bringing his two worlds together has not been the easiest transition, it's one he is thoroughly enjoying.

"My (domestic) retirement felt very natural," he said. "I’m 35. I could play for another five years domestically if I wanted to and I’m fortunate and blessed in that way, but I needed a new challenge."

To the outside world, there may not seem many similarities between elite sport and corporate life, but Anderson admitted that many of the scenarios are still the same. It's just instead of gold medals; he's playing for sales.

"I’m managing it in lots of different ways," he added. "I’m still mourning my career and there’s still an aspect of me that's sad about not being Jamell Anderson the professional athlete anymore, but I’m learning about the corporate world, and I feel as though I’m still in training. 

"I’m trying to bridge that gap and make an impact and I’m bringing my experience into the scenario. I’m also trying to learn the landscape and that’s been challenging but really rewarding."

The shortened version of 3x3 basketball made its Commonwealth Games debut on the Gold Coast in 2018, with the full court game having made an appearance at Melbourne 2006.

England finished sixth on the Gold Coast but saw a flurry of change in next four years carry them all the way to the top of the podium one home soil.

According to Anderson, it all came down to the preparation and learnings in the lead-up to Birmingham, travelling the world to learn from the world's best.

And whilst England are still playing catch-up with other nations in 5x5, the fledgling nature of 3x3 has enabled the squad to quickly rise up the ranks.

"Being that it’s a new sport, it’s an opportunity to build great foundations as everyone is on a level playing field," he said.

"5x5 is not a new sport and England and GB are very behind on their journey to catch up, while 3x3 is a completely new landscape where everyone is on a level playing field.

"We knew that, so we decided not to do what we did with 5x5 and decided to go and learn the game. We went to Serbia, France, we went to a host of countries, to learn 3x3 from the best.

"From those few tournaments and camps that we had, we just flew. Our understanding of the game went up, and it just matched our ability and skill. For me, that was the difference maker."

At Birmingham 2022, England won four medals on the basketball court, with men's gold, women's silver and two bronzes in the men's and women's 3x3 wheelchair events.

Anderson hopes such success can only help platform the sport across the UK.

"It's about that legacy and impact we can have," he said. "Gold helped us realise that we are better basketball players, whether it's 3x3 or 5x5. 

"It brought this whole new concept of the sport to us and now that 3x3 is starting to get adopted more into the sport in the UK, the level is only going to rise. Especially for the younger generation."

Despite retiring from the domestic game, Anderson is still hoping to suit up for England at Glasgow 2026.

And with a title to defend and people to inspire, Anderson is counting down the days until he can showcase England's basketball strengths once more.

"I don't feel the pressure to perform because I feel confident that we're prepared," he said.

"The team is stronger, and we have a larger pool of players to choose from which actually gives us more strength. 

"We know what it takes now and it's just a case of can we repeat it."