The O2

BASKETBALL TO TIP OFF LONDON OLYMPIAD ACTION AT 2012 VENUE

The Great Britain men's basketball team will be the first to compete in the London Olympiad at a 2012 venue when they take on the Czech Republic at The O2 arena on September 6.

Having gained promotion to EuroBasket Division A last summer the GB men are now focusing on reaching next year's EuroBasket finals, which would keep them on course for Olympic qualification, something no GB team has previously done.

The O2 arena will host the basketball finals at London 2012, when it will then be called the North Greenwich Arena, meaning the GB men could potentially be the first and last team in action during the four-year Olympiad, and coach Chris Finch is calling for his players to take full advantage of their early trip to the venue.

"The O2 arena is a world class sports venue and is fantastic, and now it is our job to show up and be sensational in it," said Finch.

"It is exciting because that is where the Olympic finals will be played so we need to make that our home now. The message to our guys will be that this it is sacred turf in terms of both London and that venue."

One member of Finch's squad, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, was already relishing the chance to represent his country for the first time but now the London-born forward insists that playing at The O2 arena will be the icing on the cake.

"It was already enough that the Olympics are going to be held in my home country but to know that I'm also going to get the opportunity to compete at one of the venues already is amazing," said the 24-year-old, who will celebrate his birthday a day after the game.

"I've been looking forward to representing my country since last year and other than making the NBA this will definitely be the highlight of the summer.

"Everybody I know will be coming, my mum, dad, uncles, aunts, friends and people I grew up with, I'm going to start making a list now!"

Also looking to make the squad alongside fellow Londoner Mensah-Bonsu, will be Chicago Bulls players Luol Deng and Ben Gordon as well as last year's Great Britain captain Andrew Sullivan.

"My friends and family are still based in the city and although they came to support me last year it will be even more special being able to step out in front of them in London this year," said Deng.

Philip Beard, Chief Executive of The O2 added: "After the success of the NBA games at The O2 I am thrilled we'll be hosting the British team in the London Olympiad. As an official 2012 Olympics venue nurturing the talent of GB players and bringing these games to the attention of the public is vital."

Tickets go on sale on Thursday 22 May at 9am and will be available by phone on 0844 856 0202 or online at www.theo2.co.uk.

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