Standard Life Great Britain coach, Chris Finch has spoken of his excitement for this summer’s EuroBasket qualifiers, as he prepares to lead his team into training.
Finch has had some selection problems, with key-players, Joel Freeland, Nick George, Andrew Betts and Robert Archibald not suiting up for Great Britain this summer. So, Finch has recruited a mix of youth for the upcoming fixtures – and is looking forward to seeing them all in action.
“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.” Finch stated.
“This year we will have some talented younger players in the program and we are excited and hopeful as to what they can provide. Additionally, we’re happy to have Luol [Deng] and Pops [Mensah-Bonsu] back playing their normal significant roles.”
Great Britain go into these qualifiers under more pressure then any other nation, as any kind of slip-up could result in Finch’s squad not being apart of the 2012 Olympic Basketball Tournament, being held in London – England’s capital. A result like this would be the ultimate low point for British Basketball – as it continues to make improvements slowly, but surely.
The British begin their qualifying campaign on the August 2nd away to Hungary in Szolnok, about 60 miles south of the capital, Budapest. They then start their home fixtures against Macedonia, six days later in the new state-of-the-art Sport Central venue at Newcastle’s Northumbria University campus.
British Basketball and Chris Finch recognize the passion and continuing growth of basketball in the North-East and are delighted to be staging basketball of the highest calibre in Newcastle.
“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. We are honoured.” Finch added.
John Hobbs for Talkbasket.net
John will be covering Great Britain’s qualifiers both home and away for Talkbasket.net – as they bid to reach EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania.
