Reaching the A-Division is imperative because Fiba, basketball's world governing body, wants to be certain Britain will be strong enough in 2012 to merit the place reserved for the Olympic hosts.

 

Britain has not had a basketball side at the Olympics since the Games were held in London in 1948. Experts are optimistic that there is enough talent to make an impact in 2012. Luol Deng, who plays for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA, is asking for a British passport so that he can represent the country that took in his family when they fled the war in Sudan.

 

But the side for the match tomorrow will be lacking the likes of Deng and will instead include Eric Boateng, Joel Freeland, Steve Hansell, Chris Haslam, Roger Huggins, TarickJohnson, Julius Joseph, Perry Lawson, Robert Reed, NateReinking, Chris Sanders, Andrew Sullivan (captain) and YorickWilliams.

Britain completed their preparations for the match by attending training camp in Belgium and sharing the honours in their two-match series against Bree, the home club of Finch.

 

Chris Haslam top-scored for GB with 16 points in an 83-70 defeat, with Roger Huggins adding 15 points, in the first match last Friday.

 

Then, on Saturday, five points in the last minute from Nate Reinking secured an 80-78 win for GB, with the former Sheffield guard scoring 18 points.