The GB men's team will play eight qualifying group games against Macedonia, Ukraine, Bosnia-Hercegovina and Hungary. Last year they qualified for the finals in Poland but went out early as Deng, one of their star players, had to sit out with a stress fracture to his leg. However, Deng, now in his fifth season with the Bulls, has had a strong season so far at the Chicago club aiding them on the path to claim a spot in the NBA's end-of-season playoffs.

Finch will be looking to reunite the partnership of Deng and Pops Mensah Bonsu, of CSKA Moscow, a combination drawing considerable success in GB's qualification for Poland in 2008.

It is also thought that Deng's attendance will make it more likely that his fellow NBA player, Ben Gordon, will make his GB debut.