London 2012 Olympics: Rose Anderson believes bulldog spirit can blitz basketball rivals

Edinburgh ace Anderson will be part of a GB squad making history at the London Games as the first female team ever to take part, courtesy of a host-nation berth. On paper, the expectations are low. However,  Anderson is thinking big,  insisting the old-fashioned British values coursing through the side will stand them in good stead.

“We’re a blue-collar team,” he said. “We work hard – a classic British attitude – so hopefully people will see that and enjoy watching that. We think we can cause upsets this summer. People aren’t expecting us to go out and take gold but we think we can get a few upsets.

“It’s so exciting, it’s a great opportunity – I’m the only Scottish girl on the team as well so to be representing Scotland as well is amazing, I’m so excited.

Anderson and Co will begin their Olympic experience tomorrow against Australia before taking on Canada, Russia, France and Brazil in Pool B.

With the top four from the six-strong group progressing GB will be eyeing a quarter-final berth however Anderson admits she’ll spend most of the early stages of her Games  experience pinching herself.

“For a basketball player,  especially a woman, it’s never even something I thought of when I was growing up, let alone dreamed of,” said guard Anderson. “The home crowd, home advantage, it’s an  amazing feeling.

“People such as myself had to leave the country to play  basketball.

“Hopefully, if we can get the right amount of funding in the next couple of years people can ply their trade in quality clubs in this country.”

• Bank of Scotland, proud supporter of Team GB and proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Get closer to the Games at bankofscotland.co.uk/London2012