By Tom Degun

May 7 - NBA star Ben Gordon (pictured) has given the Britain's basketball team a huge boost ahead of the London 2012 Olympics by announcing that he will make his debut for the side at this summer’s European qualifying campaign.



The 27-year-old Detroit Pistons guard has spent the majority of his life in the United America although he was born in London.

Britain have been looking to secure the services of Gordon for several years but he had previously made himself unavailable for the side because of his efforts in securing a multi-million dollar move from the Chicago Bulls to Detroit.

Gordon though, will now join up with good friend and former Bulls team mate Luol Deng (pictured below standing with Gordon), who returns to the side after injury ruled him out the 2009 campaign.

Armed with the two NBA superstars, a confident Britain team will look to take the next step towards London 2012 starting with the challenge of the Eurobasket qualifying campaign, which is due to be held in August.

Gordon said: "I am delighted to have committed myself to GB for this summer and beyond.

"I have heard a lot from Luol about the team and where we are going so I am excited about the prospect of pulling on the GB vest.

"I have been in discussion with British Basketball for a while now, but various things have stopped me being able to fully commit, however, I am now settled with the Pistons and the time is right.”

Britain's head coach Chris Finch is looking forward to having Gordon’s influence in the squad and claims it is another example of the team moving in the right direction in the build-up to London 2012.

Finch said: "The news of Ben’s inclusion is great for the team as he will bring considerable experience to the group.

"Over the last few years with the Bulls and more recently the Pistons, he has excelled in the NBA, so it’s great to be able to include him in the roster.

"We have always been aware of this desire to play for the team, but unfortunately things didn’t quite come together, however this year everything has worked out.

"We have a challenging summer programme ahead, so myself and the rest of the coaching team will be looking to get Ben settled in the team as quickly as possible to enable him to bring his considerable talent to the team.

"For me the inclusion of Ben is just another great example of the progress British Basketball has been making in the last few years, and I truly believe we are pulling together a very talented roster of players."

Gordon is set to make his debut in Britain's first Eurobasket qualifying match against Hungary in Szolnok on August 2.

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