Former NBA forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu delivered 27 points and 9 rebounds as Great Britain remained unbeaten in their European Championship qualifiers with a 104-96 win over Macedonia in Newcastle.
However Chris Finch’s men were forced to hold their nerve, rallying from seven points down in the fourth quarter to force overtime before they saw off their most dangerous rivals in front of around far from capacity crowd at the venue that will be home to the Eagles next term.
It should have been much simpler after GB opened up a 15-point cushion in the first period but the visitors eased back into contention to trim the gap to 47-43 at half-time.
As in Hungary, Finch saw his players suffer from the third quarter blues and it almost proved fatal. The Macedonians maintained their push to eventually go 83-76 in front with three minutes of regulation play left but the hosts rallied back from the brink. After Mensah-Bonsu intentionally missed a free-throw, Dan Clark tipped the rebound out to Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng, who calmly stepped out and hit a three-pointer with 6 seconds left that forced an extra period at 87-87.
And after the lead changed hands four times, Mensah-Bonsu scored six points in quick succession to spark a decisive burst that killed off Macedonia for good with Finch again rewarded from another series of clutch performances from captain Andrew Sullivan and Nate Reinking.
"For most of the game, even when we were down, I felt we were controlling the game," said Finch. "We lost our discipline a bit on defence in the third quarter. There was some tiredness. We tried to change things. Our rhythm went down a bit. Sometimes, when you go 6 or 7 down, you feel you have no response but when we called time out, we felt we had a response. You have to make big plays and we were able to do that."
Deng added 23 points and 11 rebounds for GB, who visit Bosnia - who lost 74-70 in Hungary - on Wednesday but for once he was over-shadowed by his team-mate.
"I'm not here if Luol isn't the player he is," Mensah-Bonsu countered. "Most of my points came from the attention that he got and he is that good of a player to find me and make me look good. The coach's game plan was good coming in. Defensively we were told to just disrupt them and get them out of their offence. They got a lot of lay-ups but we were trying to run them off the three-point plays and force them to finish at the basket."
Hometown hero Sullivan continued his inspirational form in his new sixth man role with 17 points and some key defensive plays that included a stunning block in the closing seconds of regulation.
"He played his role to a tee," said Finch. "He's an energy guy, a high-level garbage guy. People think that's a derogatory term but you can't win without guys like him."
Naturalised American Ivica Dimcevski hit a game-high 30 points for the Macedonians.
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Showing posts with label luol deng. Show all posts
Showing posts with label luol deng. Show all posts
Sunday, 8 August 2010
Saturday, 7 August 2010
GB rivals pushed me forward, says Ogo Adegboye
Ogo Adegboye has thanked his fellow guards for steering him to a surprise place in Great Britain’s line-up, even though it has left his rivals out in the cold.
The rookie point guard, who is about to begin his senior season at St. Bonaventure University in New York, is expected to keep his starting role when GB meet Macedonia in Newcastle on Sunday in the second tie of their Eurobasket qualifying campaign.
The 22-year-old overcame early foul trouble that limited him to 18 minutes in last Monday’s 91-82 win over Hungary, holding his nerve to make four critical free throws in the closing minutes and earning praise from head coach Chris Finch for his performance in his first competitive international. And he admits that the support from within the GB backcourt ranks has smoothed his path.
“They’ve been giving me advice on how to keep pushing myself and keep on working hard,” said the Londoner. “We all bust a gut at practice but off the court, they’re like brothers. In games they advise you and keep you calm and that’s been really helpful.
“Basketball is a mental game. It translates to the physical. I’ve become tougher and got much more knowledge about the game, more than I had before. I’ve had to adjust from the American game to the European game. And the process has really pushed up my basketball IQ.”
The newcomer is part of Britain’s Brixton enclave, which also includes Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng and Adegboye’s fellow first-timer Matthew Bryan-Amaning. And the bond between the trio has provided the playmaker with a huge lift.
“It’s so great,” he declared. “They’re like my brothers. They are my brothers. It’s fun to be with them and it’s encouraged me. It’s made it easier because they have my back on and off the court.”
Meanwhile skipper Drew Sullivan, who could equal Bill McInnes’ long-standing GB caps record if he makes his 49th appearance for the national side, is hoping for a full house in the first major fixture at Northumbria University’s new 3000-seater venue.
“I’ve been telling them to come and play in Newcastle for years so it would be great if we pack it out,” he said.
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The rookie point guard, who is about to begin his senior season at St. Bonaventure University in New York, is expected to keep his starting role when GB meet Macedonia in Newcastle on Sunday in the second tie of their Eurobasket qualifying campaign.
The 22-year-old overcame early foul trouble that limited him to 18 minutes in last Monday’s 91-82 win over Hungary, holding his nerve to make four critical free throws in the closing minutes and earning praise from head coach Chris Finch for his performance in his first competitive international. And he admits that the support from within the GB backcourt ranks has smoothed his path.
“They’ve been giving me advice on how to keep pushing myself and keep on working hard,” said the Londoner. “We all bust a gut at practice but off the court, they’re like brothers. In games they advise you and keep you calm and that’s been really helpful.
“Basketball is a mental game. It translates to the physical. I’ve become tougher and got much more knowledge about the game, more than I had before. I’ve had to adjust from the American game to the European game. And the process has really pushed up my basketball IQ.”
The newcomer is part of Britain’s Brixton enclave, which also includes Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng and Adegboye’s fellow first-timer Matthew Bryan-Amaning. And the bond between the trio has provided the playmaker with a huge lift.
“It’s so great,” he declared. “They’re like my brothers. They are my brothers. It’s fun to be with them and it’s encouraged me. It’s made it easier because they have my back on and off the court.”
Meanwhile skipper Drew Sullivan, who could equal Bill McInnes’ long-standing GB caps record if he makes his 49th appearance for the national side, is hoping for a full house in the first major fixture at Northumbria University’s new 3000-seater venue.
“I’ve been telling them to come and play in Newcastle for years so it would be great if we pack it out,” he said.
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Monday, 2 August 2010
Great Britain survive Hungarian onslaught
Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng scored 32 points as Great Britain began their European Championship qualifying campaign with a battling 91-82 victory over Hungary in Szolnok.
And Chris Finch's men were forced to scrap to emerge on top from their opening tie after the hosts rebounded from 14 down to lead in the fourth quarter before GB produced a decisive late flurry.
The visitors had looked set for a comfortable win, Deng hitting 20 by half-time to spark his side into a 54-42 advantage. However the unfancied Hungarians - led by 20 from Adam Hanga - punished a series of lapses to eventually surge 71-67 in front.
And it was American-born guard Nate Reinking who calmed Britain's nerves when it mattered most, hitting consecutive baskets to push Finch's inconsistent line-up ahead for good with seven minutes left.
In the closing stages, the hosts were forced to foul desperately. But rookie guard Ogo Adegboye hit four clutch free throws that pulled GB clear in front of a noisy 3,000 capacity crowd.
“Every win is important especially on the road,” said Deng. “Two years ago we lost our first qualifying game and we had to climb up the hill then. But I think the experience of some of the guys from that situation brought us through here.”
Pops Mensah-Bonsu chipped in 14 points and a mammoth 18 rebounds for GB while Reinking added 16 after sitting out much of the third quarter in foul trouble.
"Getting Nate back in the game was a big advantage for us - he made some big plays," said Finch, who was in his 50th game at the helm of the national team.
"Luol's such a smart player. He's a team player and we've seen it before. It takes some time to settle down and it'll get better."
GB host Macedonia, who beat Ukraine 71-58, in Newcastle on Sunday with the coaching staff set to use the time to install more of their offensive schemes.
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And Chris Finch's men were forced to scrap to emerge on top from their opening tie after the hosts rebounded from 14 down to lead in the fourth quarter before GB produced a decisive late flurry.
The visitors had looked set for a comfortable win, Deng hitting 20 by half-time to spark his side into a 54-42 advantage. However the unfancied Hungarians - led by 20 from Adam Hanga - punished a series of lapses to eventually surge 71-67 in front.
And it was American-born guard Nate Reinking who calmed Britain's nerves when it mattered most, hitting consecutive baskets to push Finch's inconsistent line-up ahead for good with seven minutes left.
In the closing stages, the hosts were forced to foul desperately. But rookie guard Ogo Adegboye hit four clutch free throws that pulled GB clear in front of a noisy 3,000 capacity crowd.
“Every win is important especially on the road,” said Deng. “Two years ago we lost our first qualifying game and we had to climb up the hill then. But I think the experience of some of the guys from that situation brought us through here.”
Pops Mensah-Bonsu chipped in 14 points and a mammoth 18 rebounds for GB while Reinking added 16 after sitting out much of the third quarter in foul trouble.
"Getting Nate back in the game was a big advantage for us - he made some big plays," said Finch, who was in his 50th game at the helm of the national team.
"Luol's such a smart player. He's a team player and we've seen it before. It takes some time to settle down and it'll get better."
GB host Macedonia, who beat Ukraine 71-58, in Newcastle on Sunday with the coaching staff set to use the time to install more of their offensive schemes.
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Pre-Game Notes from Szolnok
- Great Britain's players emerged from their final team lunch at their hotel clutching the points of emphasis to remember during tonight's opening European qualifier against Hungary.
In the sleepy provincial outpost, there has been little alternative but to study the scouting reports and sleep since they arrived 24 hours ago. But they have already had the chance to practice twice at an arena described by one staff member as “a complete hothouse”. Their advice to the handful of GB fans? “Leave your jacket and jumpers at home or you'll fry!” Intriguingly, entrance is free.
- It is also the first competitive outing for the new-look coaching staff of Chris Finch, Nick Nurse and fresh recruit, Paul Mokeski, the one-time Philadelphia 76ers centre who is now doubling as Finch's aide de corps for the national team as well as at D-League champions, Rio Grande.
“Paul is awesome,” declared Nurse. “He is a great experienced basketball mind. Defence is his thing. When he speaks, people listen because he can say 'hey, I played in the NBA for 10-12 years'. He pushes the little things. Plus he's a great guy. How he's not on a NBA bench is beyond me. He's got a knowledge and experience that is valuable. He coaches big guys. He understands scouting. It's been excellent.”
The switches on the bench have been that Tony Garbelotto and Tim Lewis are now on scouting duties, with the lack of a British presence roundly criticised by many in the UK coaching fraternity. However Nurse, who remains the head coach the D-League's Iowa Energy, thinks the dynamic is working with the addition of extra backroom staff.
“We've really improved,” he said. “I think our preparation is better. Tony did a great job with the scouting and he's now focusing on that. Same with Tim. Our new video guy is out of this world. He comes from the Philadephia 76ers and he gives us stuff as soon as we need it. If I go to him and say 'I need to see Pops' last ten post touches', I have it in a minute and I'm done watching it in ten minutes. It's crazy. It's so smooth.”
- With several players on the GB squad unsigned, the Euro campaign will, inevitably, be a showcase for those who are hoping for a solid deal for next season. Pops Mensah-Bonsu's agent is holding talks with Maccabi Tel Aviv, a move which the Londoner confirmed would be “an attractive option.” His representatives are also understood to have received an approach from ACB play-off champions Caja Laboral Baskonia.
Kieron Achara is thought to be on the radar of both San Sebastian and Menorca as a Spanish switch for the Scot looms large. While captain Drew Sullivan has had no further contact from Newcastle Eagles, despite being linked strongly with joining Everton.
- Let's play Fantasy Coach. Given the performances, I'd expect young point guard Ogo Adegboye to start against the Hungarians in the backcourt beside Nate Reinking. Luol Deng is an obvious lock at small forward, Dan Clark will likely be utilised as a pop-out four-man, leaving Mensah-Bonsu to man the middle on defence while continuing to post up offensively. That unit would see Drew Sullivan as a sixth man off the bench with Flinder Boyd as the main back-up guard and either Matthew Bryan-Amaning, Kieron Achara or Eric Boateng spelling the frontcourt after none of the trio made a sufficiently compelling case in the build-up. As always, let's see what Finch comes up with, come gametime.
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In the sleepy provincial outpost, there has been little alternative but to study the scouting reports and sleep since they arrived 24 hours ago. But they have already had the chance to practice twice at an arena described by one staff member as “a complete hothouse”. Their advice to the handful of GB fans? “Leave your jacket and jumpers at home or you'll fry!” Intriguingly, entrance is free.
- It is also the first competitive outing for the new-look coaching staff of Chris Finch, Nick Nurse and fresh recruit, Paul Mokeski, the one-time Philadelphia 76ers centre who is now doubling as Finch's aide de corps for the national team as well as at D-League champions, Rio Grande.
“Paul is awesome,” declared Nurse. “He is a great experienced basketball mind. Defence is his thing. When he speaks, people listen because he can say 'hey, I played in the NBA for 10-12 years'. He pushes the little things. Plus he's a great guy. How he's not on a NBA bench is beyond me. He's got a knowledge and experience that is valuable. He coaches big guys. He understands scouting. It's been excellent.”
The switches on the bench have been that Tony Garbelotto and Tim Lewis are now on scouting duties, with the lack of a British presence roundly criticised by many in the UK coaching fraternity. However Nurse, who remains the head coach the D-League's Iowa Energy, thinks the dynamic is working with the addition of extra backroom staff.
“We've really improved,” he said. “I think our preparation is better. Tony did a great job with the scouting and he's now focusing on that. Same with Tim. Our new video guy is out of this world. He comes from the Philadephia 76ers and he gives us stuff as soon as we need it. If I go to him and say 'I need to see Pops' last ten post touches', I have it in a minute and I'm done watching it in ten minutes. It's crazy. It's so smooth.”
- With several players on the GB squad unsigned, the Euro campaign will, inevitably, be a showcase for those who are hoping for a solid deal for next season. Pops Mensah-Bonsu's agent is holding talks with Maccabi Tel Aviv, a move which the Londoner confirmed would be “an attractive option.” His representatives are also understood to have received an approach from ACB play-off champions Caja Laboral Baskonia.
Kieron Achara is thought to be on the radar of both San Sebastian and Menorca as a Spanish switch for the Scot looms large. While captain Drew Sullivan has had no further contact from Newcastle Eagles, despite being linked strongly with joining Everton.
- Let's play Fantasy Coach. Given the performances, I'd expect young point guard Ogo Adegboye to start against the Hungarians in the backcourt beside Nate Reinking. Luol Deng is an obvious lock at small forward, Dan Clark will likely be utilised as a pop-out four-man, leaving Mensah-Bonsu to man the middle on defence while continuing to post up offensively. That unit would see Drew Sullivan as a sixth man off the bench with Flinder Boyd as the main back-up guard and either Matthew Bryan-Amaning, Kieron Achara or Eric Boateng spelling the frontcourt after none of the trio made a sufficiently compelling case in the build-up. As always, let's see what Finch comes up with, come gametime.
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Luol Deng ready to make up for lost time as GB start Euro campaign
Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng is ready to put two years of frustration behind him and help Great Britain qualify for next summer's European Championships, according to the national team's captain Drew Sullivan.
Chris Finch's side begin their campaign tonight against Hungary in Szolnok with their most formidable asset back in the ranks after missing last summer through injury. With a number of seasoned performers suffering a similar fate this time, his return provides a massive boost to Britain's chances of featuring in the 2011 finals in Lithuania – and, in turn, persuading the sport's governing body FIBA to confirm their place in the London Olympics.
“I'm glad Luol's back,” said Sullivan. “Last summer he was around the team as much as he could and you could see how upset he was that he couldn't play at the Eurobasket finals, which is something we'd spent two years working towards. He was devastated that he'd helped us qualify and then, unfortunately, got hurt with the Bulls and didn't recover in time. From our perspective, we need him. We're a much better team with him.”
With Deng barred from featuring in any of GB's warm-up games due to an issue with his NBA-sponsored insurance, Finch has been forced to take an extended look at a number of younger faces with the Spanish-based centre Dan Clark and American collegiate prospect Matthew Bryan-Amaning seizing their opportunity to stake a claim.
“Potentially, if they do well, it will benefit us because it shows that we have depth,” Sullivan stated. “If someone decides to pull out through injury, we now have guys who can step up and take their place at short notice. And it also puts pressure on the older guys, or players who might pull out for less than legitimate reasons. They'll now know that they won't necessarily get back in.”
Regular updates on Twitter on http://twitter.com/markbritball
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Chris Finch's side begin their campaign tonight against Hungary in Szolnok with their most formidable asset back in the ranks after missing last summer through injury. With a number of seasoned performers suffering a similar fate this time, his return provides a massive boost to Britain's chances of featuring in the 2011 finals in Lithuania – and, in turn, persuading the sport's governing body FIBA to confirm their place in the London Olympics.
“I'm glad Luol's back,” said Sullivan. “Last summer he was around the team as much as he could and you could see how upset he was that he couldn't play at the Eurobasket finals, which is something we'd spent two years working towards. He was devastated that he'd helped us qualify and then, unfortunately, got hurt with the Bulls and didn't recover in time. From our perspective, we need him. We're a much better team with him.”
With Deng barred from featuring in any of GB's warm-up games due to an issue with his NBA-sponsored insurance, Finch has been forced to take an extended look at a number of younger faces with the Spanish-based centre Dan Clark and American collegiate prospect Matthew Bryan-Amaning seizing their opportunity to stake a claim.
“Potentially, if they do well, it will benefit us because it shows that we have depth,” Sullivan stated. “If someone decides to pull out through injury, we now have guys who can step up and take their place at short notice. And it also puts pressure on the older guys, or players who might pull out for less than legitimate reasons. They'll now know that they won't necessarily get back in.”
Regular updates on Twitter on http://twitter.com/markbritball
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Sunday, 1 August 2010
Chris Finch names final 12 for GB opener against Hungary
Ashley Hamilton has been confirmed as the final cut from Great Britain's European Championship team as head coach Chris Finch named a 12-strong line-up for Monday's opening qualifier against Hungary.
The GB squad arrived in Szolnok on Sunday afternoon, fresh a brief break following three friendlies in Tel Aviv last week.
"It definitely helped us to play three pretty tough teams" Finch said. "They all had different styles, which was good for us, and we managed to use a lot of the younger players. We played pretty well, and although we had mixed results, we found out a lot about ourselves and it was a really worthwhile trip."
Finch confirmed that Nate Reinking and Pops Mensah-Bonsu have recovered from minor niggles and are fit to meet the Hungarians.
Great Britain (from): Achara, Adegboye, Bailey, Boateng, Boyd, Clark, Deng, Bryan-Amaning, Mensah-Bonsu, Reinking, Robinson, Sullivan (capt.)
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The GB squad arrived in Szolnok on Sunday afternoon, fresh a brief break following three friendlies in Tel Aviv last week.
"It definitely helped us to play three pretty tough teams" Finch said. "They all had different styles, which was good for us, and we managed to use a lot of the younger players. We played pretty well, and although we had mixed results, we found out a lot about ourselves and it was a really worthwhile trip."
Finch confirmed that Nate Reinking and Pops Mensah-Bonsu have recovered from minor niggles and are fit to meet the Hungarians.
Great Britain (from): Achara, Adegboye, Bailey, Boateng, Boyd, Clark, Deng, Bryan-Amaning, Mensah-Bonsu, Reinking, Robinson, Sullivan (capt.)
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Thursday, 22 July 2010
Luol Deng gets GB go-ahead
Luol Deng's insurance issues have been resolved and the Chicago Bulls forward has been cleared to play for Great Britain, as expected, in next month's European Championship qualifiers.
The NBA player surprised British Basketball officials by arriving in the UK on Thursday on an overnight flight from Chicago in time to link up with the squad at their media day in Surrey.
Deng's insurance deal allows him to practice with his team-mates and although he admitted he will need "a week" to regain full fitness after his recent trip to Sudan, he is expected to be ready for GB's opening qualifier against Hungary.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu also arrived early at camp and will likely feature in Friday's friendly with Finland.
Coach Chris Finch has also released teenage guard Devon van Oostrum from his squad. The Caja Laboral playmaker, considered a long shot to make the final squad, will now link up with England's Under-18 team for their European Championship series in Israel.
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The NBA player surprised British Basketball officials by arriving in the UK on Thursday on an overnight flight from Chicago in time to link up with the squad at their media day in Surrey.
Deng's insurance deal allows him to practice with his team-mates and although he admitted he will need "a week" to regain full fitness after his recent trip to Sudan, he is expected to be ready for GB's opening qualifier against Hungary.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu also arrived early at camp and will likely feature in Friday's friendly with Finland.
Coach Chris Finch has also released teenage guard Devon van Oostrum from his squad. The Caja Laboral playmaker, considered a long shot to make the final squad, will now link up with England's Under-18 team for their European Championship series in Israel.
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Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Luol Deng a doubt for European campaign
Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng is set to miss all of Great Britain’s friendlies ahead of next month’s Eurobasket qualifiers due to problems with insuring the Londoner against injury.
Both Deng and former NBA forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu have yet to join up with Chris Finch’s squad at their Surrey training camp and neither will play in Wednesday’s international against Canada in Cobham.
Mensah-Bonsu is expected to be available for Friday’s tune-up against Finland if he arrives, as scheduled, from his off-season base in Washington DC.
However Deng – who signed a £46 million contract with the Bulls in 2008 – might not even be allowed to practice with the national side while British Basketball officials continue their negotiations with the NBA’s insurers to cover him on international duty.
“He’ll be considered high-risk until his contract runs out in four years time,” admitted British Basketball’s performance director Chris Spice. “So although we’re still working through the details, it’s probably less than 50/50 that he’ll be able to play in any of the warm-up games. It’s the worst thing for him and the worst thing for us because he has to be ready to play.”
Meanwhile Kieron Achara believes he can cement his place in Finch’s plans by filling the void left by Deng. The 6’9” Stirling-born forward, who plays for Italian club Biella, is set to make his first start for GB against the Canadians.
“I believe I’m growing as a player every game and every practice,” Achara said. “I feel more comfortable with my role and what I can and can’t do. I know what I need to work on. My confidence is building. I just need to go into camp and show what I can do.”
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Both Deng and former NBA forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu have yet to join up with Chris Finch’s squad at their Surrey training camp and neither will play in Wednesday’s international against Canada in Cobham.
Mensah-Bonsu is expected to be available for Friday’s tune-up against Finland if he arrives, as scheduled, from his off-season base in Washington DC.
However Deng – who signed a £46 million contract with the Bulls in 2008 – might not even be allowed to practice with the national side while British Basketball officials continue their negotiations with the NBA’s insurers to cover him on international duty.
“He’ll be considered high-risk until his contract runs out in four years time,” admitted British Basketball’s performance director Chris Spice. “So although we’re still working through the details, it’s probably less than 50/50 that he’ll be able to play in any of the warm-up games. It’s the worst thing for him and the worst thing for us because he has to be ready to play.”
Meanwhile Kieron Achara believes he can cement his place in Finch’s plans by filling the void left by Deng. The 6’9” Stirling-born forward, who plays for Italian club Biella, is set to make his first start for GB against the Canadians.
“I believe I’m growing as a player every game and every practice,” Achara said. “I feel more comfortable with my role and what I can and can’t do. I know what I need to work on. My confidence is building. I just need to go into camp and show what I can do.”
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Friday, 16 July 2010
Luol Deng dishes out an assist in Sudan
Great Britain international Luol Deng has dished out an assist in the country of his birth after making a first trip to the Sudan in 20 years.
The Chicago Bulls forward, who will report for GB duty next week, visited the Kakuma Refugee Camp as part of a goodwill trip to Kenya and Sudan through the UN High Commission for Refugees.
The 25-year-old, whose family fled to London when he was six, provided £60,000 in funding to rebuild Udichi Primary School, which was destroyed during the long-running civil war in the country.
“We don’t want that to be the case for the kids,” said Deng. “We have a chance to change it and build more schools and help more kids and that is how we turn the country (around).”
He added: “We Sudanese should focus on the kids who need to go to school in order to become smarter than we are.”
Amanda Seller, Director of Fundraising at UNHCR Geneva, described the NBA player as an inspiration.
“Luol Deng, who was once a refugee in the West, is a wonderful example for all people … that refugees can rebuild their country when we give them hope and the means to resettle their lives,” she said. “We hope Deng’s contribution will have a great impact.”
Deng has his own charitable foundation, based in London, that targets education and welfare projects in Africa, as well as on both sides of the Atlantic.
“If I make one kid happy today, this means I have already done something," he added.
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The Chicago Bulls forward, who will report for GB duty next week, visited the Kakuma Refugee Camp as part of a goodwill trip to Kenya and Sudan through the UN High Commission for Refugees.
The 25-year-old, whose family fled to London when he was six, provided £60,000 in funding to rebuild Udichi Primary School, which was destroyed during the long-running civil war in the country.
“We don’t want that to be the case for the kids,” said Deng. “We have a chance to change it and build more schools and help more kids and that is how we turn the country (around).”
He added: “We Sudanese should focus on the kids who need to go to school in order to become smarter than we are.”
Amanda Seller, Director of Fundraising at UNHCR Geneva, described the NBA player as an inspiration.
“Luol Deng, who was once a refugee in the West, is a wonderful example for all people … that refugees can rebuild their country when we give them hope and the means to resettle their lives,” she said. “We hope Deng’s contribution will have a great impact.”
Deng has his own charitable foundation, based in London, that targets education and welfare projects in Africa, as well as on both sides of the Atlantic.
“If I make one kid happy today, this means I have already done something," he added.
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Monday, 3 May 2010
Newcastle's Chapman, Flournoy head awards list
Newcastle Eagles duo Joe Chapman and Fabulous Flournoy have been named, respectively, as the Player and Coach of the Year.
The awards from the Basketball Journalists Association come at the end of the 2009-10 season in which the Tyneside outfit secured the double of winning the British Basketball League and BBL Trophy.
Sheffield Sharks centre Tafari Toney has won the Pete Jacques Trophy for Best British Player in the BBL.
While Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng has been named International Player of the Year for the Great Britain star’s performances in the NBA.
Chapman claims the Player of the Year prize despite being Newcastle’s sixth man for much of the campaign. The American edged out Sheffield’s Mike Cook (second) and Glasgow’s Rob Yanders (third) in a poll of media who regularly cover the domestic league.
Flournoy picks up Coach of the Year for guiding the Eagles to a fourth league title in five years, beating out Sheffield’s Atiba Lyons (second) and Cheshire’s Paul Smith (third).
Toney averaged 16.3 points and 9.7 rebounds to help Sheffield lift the BBL Cup in January before the Sharks missed out on the league crown on the final weekend of the season. The Great Britain cap narrowly beat out Newcastle’s Darius Defoe for the Pete Jacques Trophy for the leading British Player in the BBL. The award has been newly named in honour of much-respected basketball journalist Pete Jacques who died last month.
“Pete was a good guy so I’m honoured to get this,” said Toney. “It’s been a great season even if I’m disappointed that we’re not in the playoff final."
Luol Deng takes the International Player of the Year award after helping the Chicago Bulls reach the first round of the NBA play-offs. The Londoner, who is expected to feature for Great Britain in this summer’s Eurobasket qualifiers, finished just ahead of Unicaja Malaga’s Joel Freeland in the voting with the University of Washington’s Matthew Bryan-Amaning in third following his impressive performances Stateside in March’s NCAA Tournament.
BJAUK Awards Winners 2009-10
Player of the Year: 1. Joe Chapman, 2. Mike Cook, 3. Rob Yanders
(Others receiving votes, in order, were: Charles Smith, EJ Harrison, Jason Johnson, Reggie Bratton, Jessie Sapp, Shawn Myers)
Coach of the Year: 1. Fab Flournoy, 2. Atiba Lyons, 3. Paul Smith
(Others: Dave Titmuss, Rob Paternostro, Sterling Davis, Tony Garbelotto)
Pete Jacques Award for Best British Player in the BBL: 1. Tafari Toney, 2. Darius Defoe, 3. Olu Babalola
(Others: Anthony Martin, Sam Cricelli, James Jones, Mike Martin, Perry Lawson, Ibrahim Gariba, Andrew Bridge, Drew Sullivan)
International Player of the Year: 1. Luol Deng, 2. Joel Freeland, 3. Matthew Bryan-Amaning
(Others: Andrew Betts, Justin Robinson, Nate Reinking, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Robert Archibald)
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The awards from the Basketball Journalists Association come at the end of the 2009-10 season in which the Tyneside outfit secured the double of winning the British Basketball League and BBL Trophy.
Sheffield Sharks centre Tafari Toney has won the Pete Jacques Trophy for Best British Player in the BBL.
While Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng has been named International Player of the Year for the Great Britain star’s performances in the NBA.
Chapman claims the Player of the Year prize despite being Newcastle’s sixth man for much of the campaign. The American edged out Sheffield’s Mike Cook (second) and Glasgow’s Rob Yanders (third) in a poll of media who regularly cover the domestic league.
Flournoy picks up Coach of the Year for guiding the Eagles to a fourth league title in five years, beating out Sheffield’s Atiba Lyons (second) and Cheshire’s Paul Smith (third).
Toney averaged 16.3 points and 9.7 rebounds to help Sheffield lift the BBL Cup in January before the Sharks missed out on the league crown on the final weekend of the season. The Great Britain cap narrowly beat out Newcastle’s Darius Defoe for the Pete Jacques Trophy for the leading British Player in the BBL. The award has been newly named in honour of much-respected basketball journalist Pete Jacques who died last month.
“Pete was a good guy so I’m honoured to get this,” said Toney. “It’s been a great season even if I’m disappointed that we’re not in the playoff final."
Luol Deng takes the International Player of the Year award after helping the Chicago Bulls reach the first round of the NBA play-offs. The Londoner, who is expected to feature for Great Britain in this summer’s Eurobasket qualifiers, finished just ahead of Unicaja Malaga’s Joel Freeland in the voting with the University of Washington’s Matthew Bryan-Amaning in third following his impressive performances Stateside in March’s NCAA Tournament.
BJAUK Awards Winners 2009-10
Player of the Year: 1. Joe Chapman, 2. Mike Cook, 3. Rob Yanders
(Others receiving votes, in order, were: Charles Smith, EJ Harrison, Jason Johnson, Reggie Bratton, Jessie Sapp, Shawn Myers)
Coach of the Year: 1. Fab Flournoy, 2. Atiba Lyons, 3. Paul Smith
(Others: Dave Titmuss, Rob Paternostro, Sterling Davis, Tony Garbelotto)
Pete Jacques Award for Best British Player in the BBL: 1. Tafari Toney, 2. Darius Defoe, 3. Olu Babalola
(Others: Anthony Martin, Sam Cricelli, James Jones, Mike Martin, Perry Lawson, Ibrahim Gariba, Andrew Bridge, Drew Sullivan)
International Player of the Year: 1. Luol Deng, 2. Joel Freeland, 3. Matthew Bryan-Amaning
(Others: Andrew Betts, Justin Robinson, Nate Reinking, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Robert Archibald)
.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
The 10 Best Basketball Stories of 2009
1. The Win That Almost Was. September 8 2009. Warsaw. 3:27 left in the fourth quarter. Spain – reigning world champions, Olympic silver medallists – are staring a most improbable defeat in the face to Great Britain after leading by 16 points at one stage. Mike Lenzly puts the underdogs 73-69 ahead. The sound of pins dropping.
It was not to be. The Spaniards put up a 15-3 finish to avoid an early exit before going on to lift the title. GB went home but with some face saved.
2. Phil Jackson’s Supremacy. Sure, the legends of MJ, Scottie, Kobe and Shaq will live on in history. But Phil’s NBA title number 10 affirmed his place in the pantheon, if any additional evidence were required. The late Red Auerbach, ceding his throne atop the rankings, would have hated that the Lakers won another crown but you can’t begrudge Jackson his dues.
3. And likewise Kobe… All the talk about who is better: Kobe Bryant or LeBron James, has been settled. For everyone who thought the young pretender had assumed the crown (myself included), the Lakers guard provided the answers with a string of stellar showings and his fourth championship ring. LBJ, at 25, still has it all to do.
4. Capital Calamities. We were promised that London Capital wouldn’t remain the laughing stock of the BBL after last season. They were wrong. London lost 110-38 to Leicester in December, equalling a league-record of infamy. There have been claims of bills unpaid. Their only consolation is that Essex are bottom on loss difference headed into 2010. As one BBL director said recently: “I think the time is coming where no matter how much we want a team in London, it’s not doing us any good to have them in the league.”
5. Worcester-isms. It says a lot about basketball’s decline in the UK that the claims of racism made against former Wolves coach Chuck Evans received scant attention in the mainstream media. Or perhaps, it says something about our culture that while white-on-black racism is (thankfully) spotlit and decried, the inverse provoked little comment. Throw striking players, sackings and the welcome return of Paul James to the BBL into the mix, and what a bizarre tale it all was.
6. AI or not AI? Is Allen Iverson done or about to do something improbable? His meek exit from Memphis hinted at the mortality of a once-omnipotent star who could not accept his slide into the realms of lowly back-up. As anticipated, , he made a swift, unlikely, return in the colours of the Philadelphia 76ers. In the last chance saloon, this will either be AI’s time to cement his legacy or the ignominious final chapter in his riveting journey.
7. The enigma that was Andre Smith. Two weeks after arriving in the BBL, Everton’s expensive capture admitted the league “wasn’t as good as I thought it would be.” It was one thing to accomplish the astonishing feat of regularly putting up 30 points and 20 rebounds while, at the same time, appearing utterly disinterested. It was quite another when he was alleged to have told an opposing player that he hoped the Tigers would lose the game so he could go home early for the summer. One of the best performers in BBL history, it spoke volumes when the ballot of coaches declined to vote him as MVP.
8. The Ups and Downs of the NBA Brit-Pack. Luol Deng will surely be glad to see the back of 2009, having been sidelined for six months with a fractured tibia and watching the mixed messages surrounding his return to the Bulls damage his stock – and his reputation. With coach Vinnie Del Negro on the verge of being sacked, and Deng no longer considered an potential All Star, where does Lu go from here?
Credit, at least, to Pops Mensah-Bonsu for sticking to his pursuit of his personal NBA dream. Cut by San Antonio, dropped by Toronto, jettisoned in Houston, the popular Londoner is back in Raptor-land, hoping to stick through the end of the season. Coming back to Europe may have been his best bet. But who would argue with his persistence?
9. Joel stays in Spain. In an unrelated move, Great Britain forward Joel Freeland turned down a three-year rookie deal with the Portland Trailblazers in the summer, in favour of a (slightly) more lucrative move from Gran Canaria to ACB rivals Unicaja Malaga. "I would prefer to go (to the NBA) when I feel I am ready,” he said. “I don't want to sit on the bench for a couple of years.”
Ironically, with Portland’s injury problems, playing time wouldn’t have been an issue. Those of us who have followed the progression of Aldershot’s finest would argue he is ready as he’ll ever be – right now.
10. Two steps forward, two steps back. For basketball in the UK, this was a year of minimal progress. Great Britain’s men and women did not produce the results needed to advance their cause sufficiently to get FIBA to end their damaging Olympic dithering. The BBL went an entire year without any TV coverage and the trend toward smaller venues continues.
The NBA sold out the 02 Arena but, for all the noise it made, it otherwise flirted with obscurity on these shores at a time when the NFL is solidifying its own position. And for all the extra cash arriving in the lead-in to 2012, there are still too many familiar tales of volunteers not getting the support they need at a grassroots level.
There is a coherent strategy on paper for British hoops but no real evidence of delivery or results. Must do better in 2010.
.
It was not to be. The Spaniards put up a 15-3 finish to avoid an early exit before going on to lift the title. GB went home but with some face saved.
2. Phil Jackson’s Supremacy. Sure, the legends of MJ, Scottie, Kobe and Shaq will live on in history. But Phil’s NBA title number 10 affirmed his place in the pantheon, if any additional evidence were required. The late Red Auerbach, ceding his throne atop the rankings, would have hated that the Lakers won another crown but you can’t begrudge Jackson his dues.
3. And likewise Kobe… All the talk about who is better: Kobe Bryant or LeBron James, has been settled. For everyone who thought the young pretender had assumed the crown (myself included), the Lakers guard provided the answers with a string of stellar showings and his fourth championship ring. LBJ, at 25, still has it all to do.
4. Capital Calamities. We were promised that London Capital wouldn’t remain the laughing stock of the BBL after last season. They were wrong. London lost 110-38 to Leicester in December, equalling a league-record of infamy. There have been claims of bills unpaid. Their only consolation is that Essex are bottom on loss difference headed into 2010. As one BBL director said recently: “I think the time is coming where no matter how much we want a team in London, it’s not doing us any good to have them in the league.”
5. Worcester-isms. It says a lot about basketball’s decline in the UK that the claims of racism made against former Wolves coach Chuck Evans received scant attention in the mainstream media. Or perhaps, it says something about our culture that while white-on-black racism is (thankfully) spotlit and decried, the inverse provoked little comment. Throw striking players, sackings and the welcome return of Paul James to the BBL into the mix, and what a bizarre tale it all was.
6. AI or not AI? Is Allen Iverson done or about to do something improbable? His meek exit from Memphis hinted at the mortality of a once-omnipotent star who could not accept his slide into the realms of lowly back-up. As anticipated, , he made a swift, unlikely, return in the colours of the Philadelphia 76ers. In the last chance saloon, this will either be AI’s time to cement his legacy or the ignominious final chapter in his riveting journey.
7. The enigma that was Andre Smith. Two weeks after arriving in the BBL, Everton’s expensive capture admitted the league “wasn’t as good as I thought it would be.” It was one thing to accomplish the astonishing feat of regularly putting up 30 points and 20 rebounds while, at the same time, appearing utterly disinterested. It was quite another when he was alleged to have told an opposing player that he hoped the Tigers would lose the game so he could go home early for the summer. One of the best performers in BBL history, it spoke volumes when the ballot of coaches declined to vote him as MVP.
8. The Ups and Downs of the NBA Brit-Pack. Luol Deng will surely be glad to see the back of 2009, having been sidelined for six months with a fractured tibia and watching the mixed messages surrounding his return to the Bulls damage his stock – and his reputation. With coach Vinnie Del Negro on the verge of being sacked, and Deng no longer considered an potential All Star, where does Lu go from here?
Credit, at least, to Pops Mensah-Bonsu for sticking to his pursuit of his personal NBA dream. Cut by San Antonio, dropped by Toronto, jettisoned in Houston, the popular Londoner is back in Raptor-land, hoping to stick through the end of the season. Coming back to Europe may have been his best bet. But who would argue with his persistence?
9. Joel stays in Spain. In an unrelated move, Great Britain forward Joel Freeland turned down a three-year rookie deal with the Portland Trailblazers in the summer, in favour of a (slightly) more lucrative move from Gran Canaria to ACB rivals Unicaja Malaga. "I would prefer to go (to the NBA) when I feel I am ready,” he said. “I don't want to sit on the bench for a couple of years.”
Ironically, with Portland’s injury problems, playing time wouldn’t have been an issue. Those of us who have followed the progression of Aldershot’s finest would argue he is ready as he’ll ever be – right now.
10. Two steps forward, two steps back. For basketball in the UK, this was a year of minimal progress. Great Britain’s men and women did not produce the results needed to advance their cause sufficiently to get FIBA to end their damaging Olympic dithering. The BBL went an entire year without any TV coverage and the trend toward smaller venues continues.
The NBA sold out the 02 Arena but, for all the noise it made, it otherwise flirted with obscurity on these shores at a time when the NFL is solidifying its own position. And for all the extra cash arriving in the lead-in to 2012, there are still too many familiar tales of volunteers not getting the support they need at a grassroots level.
There is a coherent strategy on paper for British hoops but no real evidence of delivery or results. Must do better in 2010.
.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Sullivan remains GB captain
British Basketball officials have denied reports that Drew Sullivan has been stripped of the Great Britain captaincy and replaced by Luol Deng.
It followed a news release from the NBA's UK office that claimed Deng was now the team skipper, which was also reported by the Daily Telegraph.
"The process for captain selection is for Chris Finch to appoint at the beginning of each international season," said a British Basketball spokesperson. "It has always been this and will remain to be this, therefore at present it probably makes sense for any reference to the GB captain to be to Sullivan, as he was the 2009 captain.
"Unfortunately it has previously been wrongly reported that Luol was the GB captain, but this was an assumption from both the NBA and the non-basketball press at various events."
Hope that makes sense.
It followed a news release from the NBA's UK office that claimed Deng was now the team skipper, which was also reported by the Daily Telegraph.
"The process for captain selection is for Chris Finch to appoint at the beginning of each international season," said a British Basketball spokesperson. "It has always been this and will remain to be this, therefore at present it probably makes sense for any reference to the GB captain to be to Sullivan, as he was the 2009 captain.
"Unfortunately it has previously been wrongly reported that Luol was the GB captain, but this was an assumption from both the NBA and the non-basketball press at various events."
Hope that makes sense.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Deng's return invites interest, questions
Luol Deng’s official return to the NBA on Thursday won’t quite be viewed around the league with quite the same anticipation as that of Kevin Garnett on opening night. The Boston Celtics beating the Cleveland Cavaliers? Hype that up as a really early Eastern Finals forecast. The Bulls, Deng included, against San Antonio? Keep us posted.
However for Deng, playing a competitive game for the first time since February 28 means a lot. Months of recovery and rehab. Enduring the criticisms of the doubters who wondered why a stress fracture of the tibia was enough keep him on the sidelines. Plus, inevitably, proving to himself and his employers that he can be an elite player who merits every dollar of his $70 million contract.
No pressure then.
Two years ago, the Londoner played all 82 games, averaging 18.8 points, 7.1 rebounds – both career-highs. He led Britain in the Eurobasket finals. Life couldn’t be better. Then fate took a twist. Deng is having to prove himself all over again in an offense that has evolved during Vinny Del Negro’s second offseason and with the replacement of Ben Gordon with John Salmons in the Chicago line-up.
So what can Lu do? “I really have to use my versatility, focus on defence and rebounding," he said. "It's not going to be one of those things where I have to get 20 or 30 points every night. We have different options. The most important is going out there, chipping in and doing all parts of the game."
If he doesn’t, the criticism, the doubts and the analysis will continue. But that comes with being paid the big bucks. Lest we forget, it’s only a year since no-one questioned Deng’s primetime value. His best, quite probably, is still to come.
"I can't tell you how confident and excited I am for the season to start," he declared.
A long time coming, the return starts here.
Season predictions
Eastern Conference champions: Boston Celtics
Western Conference champions: LA Lakers
NBA Finals winners: LA Lakers
Regular season MVP: LeBron James
Rookie of the Year: James Harden
Coach Of The Year: Flip Saunders
Monday, 5 October 2009
Deng ready to go - just not at full tilt
Luol Deng wants to put on a show in his hometown on Tuesday evening but not at the expense of his entire season. The exhibition against the Utah Jazz is, after all, only the second game the Chicago Bulls forward has played in six months after the shin injury that sidelined him for Britain's Eurobasket campaign this summer.
The recovery is ongoing, he admitted.
"It's not 100% but it's definitely starting to feel better with each practice," said Deng, who made his comeback against Indiana on Friday.
"We've got to be smart, though. It's still pre-season and I've just come back. Also this game is for our team and we've got to prepare ourselves in the right way."
So don't expect Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro to push him too much. Then again, don't expect the hysterical reaction that Greg Popovich got when he held out Tony Parker in the fourth quarter when the Spurs came to Paris a few years ago.
"Luol is always one of our showcase players and we need him to play and consistent all the time," Del Negro said. "This is only our second exhibition game. He's coming back from missing a lot of last season. So we need to monitor his minutes as well as enjoying the game, play hard and play well.
"Luol took the guys to the soccer game yesterday and they enjoyed themselves. But they know the importance of the practices we had today and the game tomorrow."
Read Kirk Hinrich's thoughts on the game here. (Fox Sports)
"It's not 100% but it's definitely starting to feel better with each practice," said Deng, who made his comeback against Indiana on Friday.
"We've got to be smart, though. It's still pre-season and I've just come back. Also this game is for our team and we've got to prepare ourselves in the right way."
So don't expect Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro to push him too much. Then again, don't expect the hysterical reaction that Greg Popovich got when he held out Tony Parker in the fourth quarter when the Spurs came to Paris a few years ago.
"Luol is always one of our showcase players and we need him to play and consistent all the time," Del Negro said. "This is only our second exhibition game. He's coming back from missing a lot of last season. So we need to monitor his minutes as well as enjoying the game, play hard and play well.
"Luol took the guys to the soccer game yesterday and they enjoyed themselves. But they know the importance of the practices we had today and the game tomorrow."
Read Kirk Hinrich's thoughts on the game here. (Fox Sports)
Deng converts new Gooners
Luol Deng is playing host to the Bulls in London - and foremost in his mind was the opportunity to take his team-mates to the Arsenal-Blackburn game on Sunday.
Brad Miller, Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, Jerome James and Kirk Hinrich all made the trek to the Emirates. “It was probably pretty similar to a college football game,” said an impressed Hinrich. "We were in a box. We snuck in late and left early but it was an enjoyable game. I’m definitely going to start following Arsenal now.”
So far though, the Great Britain star hasn't yet had a really daft query from his team-mates about the capital.
Brad Miller, Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, Jerome James and Kirk Hinrich all made the trek to the Emirates. “It was probably pretty similar to a college football game,” said an impressed Hinrich. "We were in a box. We snuck in late and left early but it was an enjoyable game. I’m definitely going to start following Arsenal now.”
So far though, the Great Britain star hasn't yet had a really daft query from his team-mates about the capital.
“Honestly," he added, "there haven’t been a lot of bad questions. A lot of guys are familiar with London. But I’ve been waiting for it"
The Bulls practiced at the O2 Arena on Monday morning - Derrick Rose and Tyrus Thomas sat out and will likely miss Tuesday's game against the Jazz.
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Bulls arrive in London
I'll be blogging more over the next few days ahead of Tuesday's meeting in London between the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz.
But a few notes from Sunday practice. Bulls guard Derrick Rose sat out the run around which happened just a few hours after the bleary-eyed for Bulls landed in the UK. Rose, who turned 21 today, is uncertain for the 02 contest. John Salmons, his expected backcourt partner for this season, is likely to miss the Jazz friendly due to the birth of a child.
Here's a great story on Luol Deng from my good friend KC Johnson at the Chicago Tribune.
But a few notes from Sunday practice. Bulls guard Derrick Rose sat out the run around which happened just a few hours after the bleary-eyed for Bulls landed in the UK. Rose, who turned 21 today, is uncertain for the 02 contest. John Salmons, his expected backcourt partner for this season, is likely to miss the Jazz friendly due to the birth of a child.
Here's a great story on Luol Deng from my good friend KC Johnson at the Chicago Tribune.
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Deng ready for comeback, and to answer questions
Luol Deng sat on the bench at the 02 Arena just six weeks ago, a cheerleader without the uniform, a spare part with only advice to contribute. Great Britain’s only genuine NBA star was part of the side but outside it. Dropping by to rally the team-mates who would carry the flag in his absence at the European Championships, he took the applause, signed autographs and offered his counsel. While everyone else was looking forward to Poland, Deng headed back to Chicago to watch on from afar.
The Bulls forward will return to his hometown this weekend and this time he is anticipating more than a cameo role. On Tuesday night, back in the Docklands, Deng will lead his NBA club in an exhibition against Utah and for those who pay his hefty salary, the excursion is about more than spreading goodwill and the gospel of David Stern.
They want to know if the old Deng is back, the one who was expected to become an All-Star when he agreed a new long-term contract last summer. The one who was a focal point of a play-off side before a fractured tibia, sustained on February 28, cut his campaign short – and eventually ruled him out of national duty.
The rehab has been arduous. The gym. The weights room. For the past month, practice at full-tilt. But – right now – even Deng doesn’t know where – or how – he stands.
"I could say whatever I want to say, but until I'm on the floor I really don't know," Deng declared. "I'm going to go by how it feels. I'm going to try to do my best to do two practices a day. I think I'll be able to. I feel great. But if I feel anything early, I will try to monitor it."
The Bulls staff are keeping a close watch. This may have become Derrick Rose’s team. However in the absence of the departed Ben Gordon, head coach Vinny Del Negro admits he needs a nightly contribution from the former Brixton Topcat.
"He's finally healthy,” said Del Negro at the Bulls media day. “He's had a couple of injury-plagued seasons. But he's confident. He feels great. He's had a very productive summer. His weight, his body fat, all those things, he's probably in as good a condition as he's been in, and he knows how important he is to us."
Deng will do what he can to play tour guide when the Bulls land in the UK for their brief pre-season tour. “Winning,” he insists, is all that matters this term.
"One thing I do is I work very hard," Deng said. "I really don't take shortcuts. I felt like the past two years I had unfortunate injuries. There's nothing I could do about that. But I really worked hard this summer."
The Bulls are about to find out if it’s payback time for all concerned.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Early days yet
Someone asked me on Friday night, following the loss to Poland, what I thought Great Britain's chances were at Eurobasket. "Not great," I said. "But let's not judge them just yet."
Someone asked me on Saturday night, following the spirited but ultimately losing effort against Turkey, what I thought Great Britain's chances were at Eurobasket. "Not great," I said. "But let's not judge them just yet."
Someone asked me on Sunday, after a comfortable reverse to Israel left Chris Finch's side at 0-3 for the weekend, what I thought Great Britain's chances were at Eurobasket. "Not great," I said. "But let's not judge them just yet."
And so it should remain for the time being. It was hardly a surprise that GB failed to break their duck in their opening three preparatory games for Poland, given the long list of injuries and absentees in London.
Afterwards, Finch was asked if a trio of home friendlies had been the right move at this time in the calendar. It is what it is, he said, after a weekend in which the average crowd at the 02 Arena was, disappointingly, only around 3,000 per night (with a rush of late giveaways). But the American, creditably, refused to contemplate that the choice of opponents had been too tough, like a boxer opting to go for the champ rather than a makeweight to pad his statistics.
"If we wanted easy games we could have stayed in Division B," Finch bristled. "This is what we wanted, this is what we earned. I expected us to come here, compete and play hard and get better and I think we did that."
It won't get any easier in Seville where - even if one or all of the trio of Archibald (likely), Mensah Bonsu (possible) and Betts (unknown) - it's quite likely that GB will again go 0-3.
But let's not lower the flag and give up just yet. There were positives to take from the 02 excursion.
1. Joel Freeland looks like a legitimate NBA-level player, rather than just a prospect. The former first-round pick confirmed to me that his contract with Unicaja Malaga is for five years with opt-outs to go to the NBA after three seasons. Freeland did receive a two-season offer from Portland but, like a bunch of opponents' shot attempts, swatted it away. "I looked at the situation there," he said. "But I felt I would end up at the end of the bench and I didn't want that."
On his evidence in London, his prediction may have been off. He's now skilled enough to compete at the highest level.
2. Dan Clark hasn't had much playing time at Estudiantes Madrid and on Friday it showed. He struggled to get into the offensive flow, there were lapses at the other end and he looked lost at times. Fast forward to Saturday and Sunday and we got a glimpse of why the young Englishman was lured to the ACB at an early age. "I'm hoping to get more of a chance next season," he admitted. If Estudiantes see the tape of his performance against Turkey, they'd be nuts not to.
3. The three-spotters. Nick George, Kieron Achara and Drew Sullivan may all be fighting for time when Pops Mensah Bonsu (hopefully) pitches up. But they can all stretch opponents, hustle for boards and play solid defence.
On the negative side, only when Flinder Boyd shook off injury against Turkey did GB look like they have a capable playmaker. Losing Luol Deng will be felt harder on ball-carrying duty, despite the hard work put in by Boyd and Jarrett Hart. Nate Reinking looked out of sorts (we'll give him a pass just yet) and while Justin Robinson gave us flourishes of being the PG of the future, he was honest enough to concede this was a tough introduction at this level. Which leaves Mike Lenzly, who hit a team-high 16 against Israel, as the main offensive threat.
"Mike's back in the mix and he's much sharper right now," said Finch. "I told him I wanted him to be more aggressive. Having him back is big. It gives us another guard with experience who can make shots."
Add in Steve Leven - who is discussing a move to relegated ACB side Mallorca - fighting back from injury, to a crowded mix and it's obvious that there will be cuts here prior to Poland. There's more analysis here from my good chum Rob Dugdale but Finch's greatest challenge looks to be to mask his backcourt's weaknesses as best he can.
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