By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

May 1 - British Basketball has strengthened its coaching staff for this summer's Eurobasket campaign by appointing former NBA star Paul Mokeski (pictured) as its new assistant coach, it has been revealed.



Mokeski has been given the new role by Chris Finch, who he has been working under at Rio Grande Valley Vipers, helping guide them to the NBA Development League title.

Finch said: "We're excited to bring him on board, considering what he has to offer.

"I've gotten to work with him this year, and the results are fairly obvious.

"I think he'll fit in well with our staff."

The 53-year-old, who is 7ft tall, was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 1979 before moving onto the Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors during an 11-year NBA career that saw him make the playoffs in each of his last nine seasons, advancing as far as the Eastern Conference Finals twice.

Mokeski said: "I'm excited about continuing my work with Coach Finch and to be given the opportunity to get more international experience.

"Last year I was with the Jamaican national team and really enjoyed it."

Mokeski will continue to work with the Jamaicans during a Centrobasket tournament in the Dominican Republic in June before leaving for Britain, who begin their Eurobasket campaign at Birmingham on August 14 with a match against the Ukraine as the team's build-up to the London 2012 Olympics continues.

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