Team England basketballer Evan Walshe will honour the memory of his grandfather 56 years after his own Commonwealth experience on Scottish soil, writes Joseph Terry.

The Games were first held in Scotland in the capital, Edinburgh, back in 1970, with Morris Davies, Walshe's grandfather, competing in the hammer.

Walshe, from Tring in Hertfordshire, will follow in his footsteps when he runs out for England’s 3x3 basketball defending champions in Glasgow this month.

And the Bristol Flyers’ guard wants to continue the legacy of those 1970 Games when he takes to the court.

“Glasgow 2026 is bigger than just Evan Walshe,” said Walshe, who previously helped Great Britain qualify for their first-ever FIBA 3×3 World Cup in 2025. “It's more about the last name and continuing a legacy for my family that has been really important for us.

“That responsibility is something I'm relishing, and my family are really excited. Unfortunately, Grandad won't be there, but we had a really strong relationship when he was with us.

“Ever since the Commonwealth Games came on my radar, it's been on my mind.

"I am representing England, but I am also representing the name on the back of my jersey.”

Walshe has gained valuable game time in the 3x3 World Tour with the London 3x3 franchise, alongside Team England teammates Jamell Anderson and Ashley Hamilton, competing against the world’s best club teams.

The versatile player, who has played both 3x3 and the traditional five-on-five game this season, has represented British basketball on the continent in Spain and Germany, as well as having spells with the Leicester Riders, Surrey Scorchers and Manchester Giants.

A British Basketball League treble-winner in 2022, he was pivotal to Great Britain making history last year, as GB secured maiden appearances at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup and FIBA Europe Cup.

The Hertfordshire native got his start at the Oakland Wolves academy programme which is based near St Albans.

He said: “I think it's a positive time for British players, there are a lot of opportunities for British guys to show their worth in the United States, in Europe and in the UK.

“London 3x3 has done an amazing job at opening that door for a new wave of basketball avenues that kids should really be looking into, creating a pathway for British kids to stay here and to grow.

“I am hoping that we're able to be role models for kids, and lampposts to grow the game, allowing British kids to have a pathway through an elite programme.

“I’ve had so many people in my basketball career that have propelled me, and the Oakland Wolves definitely pushed me forward.

"The Wolves are second to none in being available for people.”

Walshe and his teammates start their campaign to retain England’s Commonwealth title on Saturday 25 July at the SEC Armadillo, facing Jamaica, Fiji and Kenya, all in one day.

England will be hoping to return to the Armadillo on Wednesday 29 July, when the medals are handed out.