Ashley recently took to social media and email via whoisashleyhall.com to answer some interesting questions posed by young players about his life and work as a professional basketball player. Here are some of the questions posed and his responses from the Q&A session.
How often do you practice?
I practice 6 days a week and usually twice each day apart from on game days. But sometimes I like to sneak extra sessions in.
Who did you look up to as a kid?
I looked up to my Uncle Shaun a lot growing up. He didn’t play basketball but he did a lot of things as a person that I respected, admired and wanted to emulate. I played football before I turned to basketball and Andrew Cole was a icon for me. I had his posters on my wall. In terms of basketball, there were some older players in Nottingham that I saw play and train regularly and I took a lot from them. Mark Woodhouse, James Gardiner, David Watts and Ayodeji Jegede are a few players that come to mind.
Have you been/are you the best player on your team?
On my current team, I’m a key player. I don’t know if I’m the best player but I always aim to give ‘my best’ performance. In the past, maybe I would have been considered the best player on my team, but also there will have been times when I’ve been considered the worst player on my team. That’s for sure! I’ve played with some quality players so it has been different at different points in my career.
Can you dunk?
Yes I can dunk. Just about. Basic though. Nothing fancy.
How many hours do you practice a week?
I practice between 20 and 25 hours a week depending on game schedules and travel. Sometimes it can be a little more.
What do you work on in training?
In my individual training, key areas for me are shooting form, ball handling and passing, footwork both offensive and defensive and my own conditioning. I like to do my own thing before and after practice. In team sessions our work is focused on positioning for our offence and defence and the concepts of playing together.
What basketball shoes do you wear?
I wear the Jordan CP3 VI AE at the moment. I’ve had them in a few different colour ways and I like them a lot. I’m on my 4th pair. They are very comfortable and have great grip. When I find a shoe that I like, I try to stay with the same model for as long as possible.
What is your diet like?
My diet consists primarily of lean meats and fish along with carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes, sometimes pasta and always some steamed vegetables or salad. In between meals I eat fruit and natural nuts. I drink lot’s of water, sometimes with some Robinson’s Fruit and Barley mixed in.
Why did you make it to the professional level when other people that you played with not?
Lot’s of my previous team mates have gone on to play professionally and if not, still at a high level. For me lot of factors come into play but I think mainly it’s a case of timing, preparation and opportunity. I had an opportunity that came at the right time for me and I was prepared for it. Some people don’t get that opportunity, often it’s for a number of reasons out of their control. Others aren’t prepared for the opportunity or fail to recognise one when it does present itself. And in some cases because they aren’t prepared the opportunity never comes. I have been very fortunate to make it to my age without any severe injuries but also I’ve been very diligent and persistent with my work.
Have you ever played for England / GB?
No, unfortunately I have never had the honour of representing my country.
What are your plans for life after basketball?
Specifically, I’m not sure. However I would like to do something in the creative field related with art and design (that’s something else that really interests me), but maintain an involvement with basketball in some capacity.
Who is your favourite player in the NBA?
My favourite NBA player? Well, I have two. Tony Parker and Chris Paul are my favourites.
[A special Thank you to Chris Michaelides at Elite Basketball UK, Chelmsford Lions and all those who participated in the Q&A session.]