Leigh’s epic journey brought him all the way to Athens, Greece, where I had the pleasure of playing host - and also dropping some bombs from behind the line. We embarked on an unforgettable basketball open court battle at Strefi Hill, surrounded by the stunning Athenian scenery. It was a blast connecting with other basketball fans and forming new friendships that have lasted beyond our time on the court. Leigh’s innovative ideas and passion for the game are one of a kind , and I’m eagerly looking forward to the opportunity of playing with him again -this time in Nafplio, Greece with a very solid play!

Rarely do you make a friend so easily, even though he scored so much on you. But I guess it's not impossible when talking about Leigh. Truly one of a kind soul. His game is as pure as his voice and soul. This Aussie charms everyone with his awesomness and then scores 20 on your team. I warned you... After the game I spoke with some other guys that played, and I tell you, never have i seen so many Serbs agree on something so easily - "Leigh is awesome". I spent couple of hours with Leigh, playing basketball, drinking cocktails and talking about life and his experiences. It really changed my outlook on life. I really think this world would be a dull place without Leigh. If you get a chance to play with him don't miss out!

So absolutely surreal to meet up in my city of Athens with THE Leigh Ellis after watching him as a fan from afar for so many years. For me it was truly special as I was one of the first people to reply to his initial instagram post which helped spark the inspiration for his idea to take shape. Yet even more impressively the opportunity to witness and contribute in the reality of his friggin awesome idea - meeting up with other like minded Leigh Ellis/nba fans and playing a really enjoyable game of pickup 🏀, talking trash, making new friends and just letting the basketball culture bring us together via Leigh. I’d love to see a world cup of Leigh Ellis bucket getters of each country competing against each other and getting to know each other as all the characters look fascinating and the level of basketball across the board is excellent!!!

Sport has the ability connect and break through all barriers and Leigh’s globetrotting b-ball trip epitomises this to the max! His arrival to the Clapham courts in South-West London brought a buzz of excitement as a mixture of court locals, and fans of Leigh’s, came to ball out. Leigh served as a great organiser for the day facilitating competitive 4x4 games, an entertaining half-court shot contest and a jaw dropping slam dunk competition. The winners of the NBA jerseys, courtesy of Leigh’s business partnerships, were delighted and the whole event was a great success. UK Basketball is growing in stature on the international scene with the London Lions joining the Eurocup & more BBL teams joining continental leagues at the start of next season. Visits from top basketball influencers like Leigh is essential to perpetuate this momentum and with NBA star Steven Adams popping down to Clapham Common courts in recent days it seems the word is getting out! Leigh’s enthusiasm is contagious, and he is always welcome to hop across the pond and cheer along our London Lions. I’m sure many adventures lie ahead of Leigh on his global basketball mission and the success of his 20/20/20 tour so far will just be the tip of the Iceberg! Keep on balling Leigh!

“Throughout my life, I always loved basketball. I grew up in a difficult home environment and basketball was always my therapy. When I turned 16, I moved to Canada and shortly after, I began to lose function in my body. I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and had to stop all basketball activities. The doctors told me I would probably never play again. Throughout that time, I kept my love for the game through fantasy leagues and a podcast called “No Dunks”. A couple of years later, when I had lost function in my legs and was moved to a wheelchair, this podcast would uplift my spirits. Leigh was always someone I admired for his ability to take life as it comes and make the most of any situation. After the neuromuscular doctor told me I’d never play again, I set out to prove him wrong. Through intense therapy and rehab, I have come so much further than anyone thought I could. When I saw Leigh was in town, I knew I had to get there no matter what it took. Much like Leigh himself, I ceased the day and made my way to Toronto despite the 4 hour commute. That was the first time I was able to play 3 v. 3 since 2017 and in that moment I had never been more grateful. This game not only connects us, but has a way of motivating us beyond what seems possible. I will always remember the 20 20 20 tour and the day I got buckets against all odds.”

“The last time that I was engaged in basketball related activities before the Leigh Leigh pick up game was back in my hometown of Odessa, Ukraine. Ball became an escap from the anger and sorrow of having a war in our country, of being separated from my wife. Me playing ball as the sirens are screaming over city might have been frustrating for my neighbours, but was quite therapeutic. The despair pushed me to seek ways out of Ukraine to rejoin with my wife. I've packed my necessities in one backpack and two small shopping bags. I am not necessarily proud of the way I had to leave my country and all my elder family, but I had to do it to support my new family settling in a foreign country. My way taken me to the Carpathians, where I had illegally crossed the border through the river. The first night outsife of Ukraine I have spent sleeping in border patrol cell, with no communication, my clothes and bags drying on the bunk bed.

I have arrived to Portugal, met my wife in person first time in 5 months, all on the Ukrainian Independence Day, on 24th of August. I was very excited when Leigh announced the Lisbon pick up game. I came over half the city to get there and I already knew what kind of souvenier I can give him. Many other guys also brought some stuff, and so to help him carry it I've given the International man of mystery a bag, otherwise insignificant, but the one that endured my vagabond adventures, got soaked in mountain river, dried in the cell and flown with me across the Europe. The game reminded me of the good spirited competition, healthy and friendly atmosphere. I have finally seen how good the guys from Lisbon really are at the game and my heart warmed that even in one of the most obsessed by football (soccer) countries there are still stellar hoopers.

Even though I did not win the prize jersey, the biggest victory of the event for me was a chance to celebrate the game and share piece of mind about future of basketball now that Eurpoe has been put on the map of NBA. Wishful part of me wondered how soon am I gonna be able to invite Leigh to Ukraine and what court to advice him to choose.”