Robinson, Forbes miss out as GB take 12 to Poland

Chris Finch has finalised his 12-man squad for the Eurobasket finals and, as expected, Jermaine Forbes and Justin Robinson are the unlucky duo who were left behind as the team flew out to Warsaw from London on Saturday morning.

The decision on Forbes is understood to have been the toughest call with Finch gambling on an extra forward, saving Dan Clark or Kieron Achara from the axe.
Remarkably, the line-up includes just three members of the line-up which began the qualifying process three years ago.

Jarret Hart remains a doubt, however, for Monday’s opening against Slovenia due to the stomach bug that ripped through the team and coaching staff this week.

It's an interesting roster, we have a lot of depth up front in the big guys and that will be the strength we need to play to," said Finch. But I also want to acknowledge the guys who didn't make the roster. Justin did a great job playing at this level and I'm sure he learnt a lot.

"This was probably the highest level he has played at in his life. He is definitely one for the future as he gives us some things we just don't have at the moment. I'm looking forward him making a big step between now and next summer.

"It was the first chance to see what Jermaine could do. He was extremely solid and I will be interested to see what happens with him over the next year. It was a difficult decision to leave him off but we went for youth in there instead, even though it's a little unbalanced.

"For the first time yesterday we had a chance to have our full squad train together. Everyone is in the right frame of mind to compete. Over the last couple of days there has been a good spirit in the team and I think everyone is looking forward to arriving in Poland.

"The key to competing internationally is understanding that you can't control your environment. When it comes to the national team you can't control certain aspects so you have to make the best of it and stay flexible. This year was a good example of that and we have had to demonstrate how we've had to be creative, but I'm confident we have it right."

Great Britain squad for Eurobasket finals: Sullivan (capt.), Achara, Archibald, Betts, Boyd, Clark, Freeland, Hart, Lenzly, Mensah Bonsu, Reinking.