By Tom Degun

July 9 - Britain men’s basketball head coach Chris Finch admitted that he is excited about reuniting his squad for this summer’s qualifying campaign for EuroBasket 2011 and confident that they can do well with Chicago Bulls superstar Luol Deng (pictured) returning to the side.



NBA-star Deng missed last season with the British team following stress fracture to his right leg but has now fully recovered and is set to play a significant role for the side in their EuroBasket qualification campaign.

The team also welcomes back the influential Pops Mensah-Bonsu, who, like Deng has recovered from a long term injury, and Finch believes the two will provide a vital boost to the side once they get on the court. 

Finch said: "I’ve always said one of the toughest parts of coaching a national team is that you only get together once a year.

"As such, we miss the guys and their spirit and are ready to get underway.

"We must once again prove our worth and I feel that is when we are at our best.

"This year we will have some talented younger players in the programme and we are excited and hopeful as to what they can provide.

"Additionally, we’re happy to have Luol and Pops back playing their normal significant roles."

The team’s first home fixture will take place on August 8 at the new state-of-the-art £30 million ($46 million) Sport Central facility at Northumbria University and Finch admitted the side is hoping to receive huge support from the home crowd in Newcastle.

He said: "We are very excited and looking forward to playing in the North East. 

"It’s become a real hotbed for basketball activity and success and we are hoping to tap into that for some great support while we open our campaign at home. 

"Additionally, with the country ever in need of newer and better basketball facilities we are encouraged by the new Sport Central venue at Northumbria University and what better way to christen it with some top-class basketball."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
May 2010: Boost for British basketball as Ben Gordon commits himself to Eurobasket campaign
May 2010: Finch recruits US assistant to help British basketball drive for London 2012
April 2010: Britain's basketball teams to play summer double headers
January 2010: Tough draw for Britain in 2011 EuroBasket
January 2010: Finch predicts London 2012 will help basketball explode in Britain