A victory against Portugal in the semi-final sealed GB's place in the top flight for 2011, and the following day's 47-46 win against Slovak Republic saw Jennings' become the first GB team to lift a major European trophy. The success of the U20 women is another example of how the T16 strategy will benefit British Basketball in the long term.

Jennings says that it was tough for his side to lift the trophy: "Division B is a really tough competition to progress from" he said. "Winning our opening three games was massive, and upon reflection the second game versus Hungary was really a stake in the ground as to how we could compete with the top countries.

"If you were to look at skilled talent alone probably Hungary, Slovak Republic and the Czech's were the teams with the best individuals. What I think we did better than others was utilise all of our players across the preparation and the tournament and stick to a game plan where we could punch with as much weight as possible. Those areas from the beginning were offensive rebounding, individual/team defence and offensive transition.

"The bonus was that we also shot very well from the line and because we were often so much more physical than everyone else we found ourselves at the strip more than most, finishing only second to Hungary with an average of 14.3 made free-throws per game for the tournament.

"From day one Matt [Johnson Assistant Coach] and I spoke passionately about a Division A level of intensity and mental application to training and make quantum shifts in the tempo, approach and rhythm of play. Tom Maher talks categorically that with GB teams it is about generating an environment and a level that plays higher than the rhythm of the leagues our players have come from.

"We are not putting superstars together for an all-star meet-up and roll the ball out type of international programme. For me it is also more important as the under-20s services the university concept that Chris Spice refers to so passionately. At the under-20's level it is as much about basketball and athlete education as it is about successful results! Something I feel we made as much growth steps with as we did our performance outcomes.""

Jennings had praise for his team after a gruelling seven weeks together: "I can't talk highly enough of the players' commitment to this journey, and their ability to work against adversity, trust in our messages and each other this really was a special journey.

"The leadership of Kashmere Joseph, Kristie Shiels, Mairi Buchan and captain Tamzin Barroilhet was evidently strong, but in fairness there were strong enough leadership traits in all to offer something when needed throughout the seven weeks together.

"I feel a lot of the recognition should go the staff team. I knew that if I could assemble the team of choice then it would be strong but I didn't realise just quite how impacting they would be. I brought in a performance analyst (David Bailey), who worked tirelessly to help prepare us for teaching and scouting off the court.

"Our physio team was excellent. I met Michelle Angus (lead physio) at the World University Games and she made an instant impact on me from a professional knowledge standpoint as well as her fantastic rapport with the players - she once again did a great job this year. She was supported by Mike Carolan who adapted perfectly to this group. Both worked tirelessly keeping 12 players fit throughout the tournament and preparation phase.

"Marlies Kiefer (FIBA Europe Coaching Certificate graduate) was our Team Manager, and she just did an amazing job. You know when someone is a good team manager as a head coach when you don't have to worry about anything off the court. Her temperament, relationship with players and diligent characteristics were perfect for this team and her role. Lastly but certainly by no means least a lot of praise and recognition should go to Matt Johnson. He was never really an assistant coach, always an associate head coach, but he worked selflessly throughout the preparation and during the tournament. I have never worked with a less ego-driven, knowledge giving, committed person. His teaching was at times inspirational, and as I said to the players afterwards I feel that I learnt as much from him as they did."

In common with the comments by his under-20 men counterpart, Jennings also praised the improvement in the over all GB Basketball programme: "I also would like to acknowledge the support from GB. From the preparation dating back to 2009 with Ron Wuotila and Chris Spice, to what has turned into invaluable mentorship from Warwick Cann. Warwick's input, guidance and style has been perfect for me personally and I also know that the players always appreciate his style and level of feedback."

Despite having led his UWIC Archers side to two runners-up spots and then the EBL play-off crown, and well as finding time to get married over the summer, there's no rest for Jennings as he links up with senior GB Standard Life women's team who will be attempting to qualify for EuroBasket 2011:

"I am now really looking forward to jumping straight back into the senior team who I have been with since 2006" he said.

"Working for Tom and alongside Ken and Vanessa has meant masses to my personal learning and experience. I have no doubt that under Tom's leadership the GB senior women will be playing a style of basketball all in Britain will be proud of. I know the players are incredibly passionate about achieving on the international stage this is going to be an exciting summer.""