Deng Looking Forward to Lithuania
Great Britain star Luol Deng is confident GB can come together and compete at Eurobasket 2011 in Lithuania this September, despite being huge underdogs.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the Chicago Bulls forward said:
“I think teams might underestimate us,we always seem to be the underdogs every game we play, but we win. I guess it takes the pressure off but still feel we do not necessarily get all the credit we deserve.”
With a number of question marks hanging over the team with regards to Deng and Ben Gordon’s insurance due to the ongoing NBA lockout, and Pops Mensah-Bonsu already confirmed out with a shoulder injury, the team is in an uncertain situation.
“It’s frustrating, but if we can get our full squad together we are in really great shape. But this is a part of sport, something you have to deal with. We have adapted every time and still been successful.’
Despite the problems, and being drawn in the ‘group of death’, Deng remains excited:
“It’s really exciting for me. We have a very tough group which shocked me but we know it’s not easy, that we have to play the best and compete. We prepare well and have good chemistry so am confident we can perform in Lithuania.’
Regardless of how GB perform at Eurobasket in September, Luol is sure the Olympics in London next year will provide a much needed boost to the sport in this country.
“You never know what the future will hold, but I am confident that the Olympics will help to put the sport and Team GB on a platform for the world to see which can only be positive.”
“It will inspire young kids in the UK to want to play the game or even to continue playing but taking it more seriously.”
Do you think the team will compete at Eurobasket? How are you feeling about our chances?
Image: Dan Wooller/wooller.com
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