Commonwealth Games gold medalist Orlan Jackman has had a Golden Gateways plaque unveiled in his honour at Finsbury Park basketball courts.

Jackman, originally from Hackney, won England’s first ever 3x3 basketball gold alongside Myles Hesson, Kayne Henry and Jamell Anderson at Birmingham 2022.

And he was joined by Mayor of Haringey Cllr Lester Buxton and Basketball England Head of Talent and Performance Steve Bucknall for the unveiling.

Team England’s Golden Gateways initiative celebrates the athletes who won gold at Birmingham 2022 by installing a commemorative plaque at a location relevant to their route to glory.

And stalwart Jackman nominated the Finsbury Park courts as the place where his sporting journey began, before going on to win numerous titles and individual honours in the British Basketball League and in the National Basketball League, as well as overseas in Portugal and Germany. 

“It is a real honour to have the support of the Mayor and Haringey Council in installing my plaque at the place where I grew up playing basketball," he said.

“As a teenager, Finsbury Park was my second home, and my friends and I would play ball here whenever we could and for hours on end. These courts really are the foundations to my development as basketball player and as the man I am today. Without Finsbury Park, there is no Commonwealth gold medal. 

“Last summer was a joyous occasion for me and my teammates, not only because we took the title, but we showed the Commonwealth and Britain that this country is a nation of basketball players. 

"I hope this plaque inspires the next generation and serves as a reminder that basketball matters and changes people’s lives in London and across England.”

Mayor of Haringey Cllr Buxton added: “I'm delighted to have been invited to join Orlan Jackman for the plaque unveiling in Finsbury Park.

"Orlan is not just a terrific basketball player, but a true ambassador for the sport, and it’s fitting that he is now honoured with a plaque in Finsbury Park where his basketball journey began.

“I hope this inspires future generations to take up the sport – and bring home more medals for England.” 

The quicker format 3x3 basketball competition was the jewel in the crown of last year’s Commonwealth Games, with Smithfield in Birmingham playing host to an unforgettable tournament, which also saw England’s women - Hannah Jump, Chantelle Handy, Cheridene Green and Shanice Beckford-Norton - win a hard-earned silver medal.

England's men beat Australia 17-16 in their final, with Hesson scoring a dramatic overtime winner to seal gold, after a clutch assist from Jackman, who also contributed four points to the cause.

Since his success, Jackman has been helping to administer Basketball England’s 3x3 Legacy Fund, which aims to engage over 10,000 participants via 160 playing opportunities and educate 180 activators in the next 13 months.