Declan Rice has revealed who he believes is the best basketball player at Arsenal and shared how his appreciation for the sport has grown.
He was among several Premier League stars in attendance for the Memphis Grizzlies’ win over the Orlando Magic in London.
The Arsenal midfielder spoke about his interest in basketball and which teammate dominates their casual games at the training ground.
Rice admitted that basketball has become one of the squad’s favourite ways to unwind, with one player showcasing some talent on the court.
Declan Rice praises William Saliba’s basketball skills
Rice was quick to name William Saliba as the standout basketball player at Arsenal, admitting that the defender rarely misses a chance to practice when the team sets up a hoop.
“William Saliba is really good. We have a little hoop and we always play inside. Saliba is always there practicing,” he told SunSport.
He added that seeing NBA stars play in person had given him a new appreciation for the sport’s demands.
“It’s actually good to be courtside and witness it in the flesh. The speed of thought, always trying to look for the best person open and just seeing up close how quick they are.”
Rice said he was particularly struck by the precision required for free throws, joking that it was one part of the game he had no talent for.
“The free throws are actually a really hard thing to do,” he explained. “You don’t appreciate how tough it is, and I’m terrible at it. But they make it look really easy.”
Declan Rice reveals Arsenal squad’s late-night NBA habit
Rice also revealed that the Arsenal squad often watch NBA games together after late kick-offs.
“There are games on so late and, when we have our night games, it’s always shown on the TV,” he said. “So we’re always watching games and always catching up about it.”
The Arsenal midfielder added that one of his close friends is a devoted New York Knicks supporter, which has only deepened his own interest.
“One of my best friends is a massive NBA fan and a Knicks fan, so when we saw the Grizzlies-Magic was on, we decided to come.”
Rice’s visit to The O2 for the NBA London game reflected that connection, with several footballers attending as the Grizzlies and Magic played in front of a sold-out crowd.
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