Irvine Sharks basketball star Graham gets his third Scottish cap – at the age of 42

Graham has been playing the sport since he was 15 and won his first Scottish cap in 2000… and his second in 2007.

He thought his international career was over. But after forming the Sharks with friends and winning promotion to the second division this year, he was amazing to get another callup to the over-35 squad.

And he played a key role as Scotland delivered two victories, beating England 101 to 79 and Wales 212 to 43 in the Over 35 Tri-Nations tournament in Manchester.

Graham, who is also a coach with KA:Leisure, said: “I was really overwhelmed be called up. It was such a surprise and such an honour.

(Image: Graham Hunter)

“It was pretty amazing. There’s nothing better than pulling on a Scotland jersey.

“Around three years ago, I didn’t think I’d play basketball again. But we put together a social basketball team, which became the Sharks.

“Everyone was pushing 40 and some were overweight, but they started pushing it further and further and getting fit again. But we won the league and got promoted.”

Graham with dad Alex at the tournament. (Image: Graham Hunter)

Graham’s proud dad Alex Hunter, who is recovering from illness, was there to see his son play for Scotland again.

Graham said: “It was a surreal experience getting a Scotland call up again. And it was just great to have my dad there too.

“He has just beat cancer and had a knee replacement. It was my dad – and my mum – who took me to practice as a youngster and I was so glad he was there to see me get my third cap.”

Looking to the future, Graham is hoping to get another call up to the Scotland squad, after the success of the recent tournament.

“I’m planning to keep going and hoping for more caps,” he said. “And this year the Sharks will be progressing to Division 2 and we will try to continue this journey until we’re too old to do it.”