Will Pops be playing for us at 2012?

[Samuelsson]

I'm not sure whether he or anyone else has already stated that he won't be, but I really hope he does, as someone else said, he is a good shot-blocker etc etc and I really think he'll benefit us.

I tweeted him and asked him if he would be, and he replied 'definitely'

Your thoughts?

[Matt]

Injury was the only reason he sat out this year, and I don't think it's too serious so barring another injury he'll definitely be there and in the starting five.

We really missed Pops this year - in 2010 he dominated on the boards, and we struggled at times in that department in Lithuania.

I don't have high hopes for the quality of the GB support at the Olympics (I'm expecting a lot of people who are just going "to see something at the Olympics" rather than basketball fans), so Pops' dunks and blocks will be important for getting the crowd into it.

[Samuelsson]

That's really good news to hear then, is he currently playing for anyone at the moment?
Yes, from seeing his highlights and from watching his games for the Rockets/Raptors a few years ago, he was grossly underrated in the NBA, his dunks and blocks were something else, although he could work on his shooting.

Side note, something off-topic, but I was wondering if there was any news on Kelenna Azubuike joining team GB? I read a few articles a couple of years ago that he was applying for citizenship or a visa or something, which would allow him to play for team GB, do you/anyone know what happened there?

[Matt]

Pops played in France for Asvel last year after being cut by New Orleans. I haven't heard anything about him re-signing, whether that's because he's still injured or because he's holding out for an NBA job I don't know. I would be surprised if it were the latter, given the uncertainty surrounding this NBA season.

Last concrete news on Azubuike was that his citizenship/passport request got rejected. I would imagine GB have looked into pursuing this and decided it's a lost cause. It's a shame it never worked out as it would have been a huge boost to the team to have another guard of that quality.

Here's an article which covers the issue pretty well: Blow for Britain as London-born Kelenna Azubuike is denied passport - Times Online

[Sam]

No doubt Pops will suit up next year barring injury. I'm intrigued to see where he ends up this season...someone just commented (in the last 15 minutes) on one of the Hoopsfix vids of him saying welcome to Partizan Belgrade-ran searches and there's nothing online bout it, so not sure what this dude is on about...but the rumour mill begins

Pretty sure GB have given up on Azubuike at this point...