UK TO GB FOR KILLEYA-JONES
University of Kentucky forward Sacha Killeya-Jones is the shock new name in Great Britain’s initial EuroBasket squad.
The freshman, who qualifies to represent GB through his British-born mother, is among 24 names picked by head coach Joe Prunty ahead of the start of training camp in Manchester on July 31.
The Milwaukee Bucks assistant, entering his final campaign at the helm, has also included former Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon as well as Luke Nelson, who played for the LA Clippers in the recent NBA summer league in Las Vegas.
And while, to the surprise of no-one, there is no return for Lakers forward Luol Deng or CSKA Moscow centre Joel Freeland, the other unexpected name is Worcester Wolves forward Jermel Kennedy on a roster that will be reduced to 12 for the final in Istanbul following seven warm-up friendlies.
“Selecting the squad has become increasingly difficult each year,†said Prunty. “This is a testament to the players who have continually committed to the programme, but also reflects the talent that is emerging and the overall growth of basketball in the UK. It will be extremely competitive for the final 12 spots which should help prepare us for EuroBasket.â€
Prunty’s side open their EuroBasket campaign against Belgium on 1 September.
GB squad: Kieron Achara, Fahro Alihodzic, Kavell Bigby-Williams, Eric Boateng Chris Caird, Jesse Chuku, Dan Clark, Jules Dang, Ben Gordon, Myles Hesson, Kyle Johnson, Kofi Josephs, Jermel Kennedy, Sacha Killeya-Jones, Andrew Lawrence, Ben Mockford, Gareth Murray, Luke Nelson, Teddy Okereafor, Gabe Olaseni, Justin Sears, Ovie Soko, Conner Washington, Carl Wheatle
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