EUROBASKET 2011

Luol Deng had an outstanding EuroBasket Qualifying Round last summer, averaging 22.6 points and 8.3 rebounds for Great Britain

Great Britain have received a huge boost ahead of the EuroBasket by securing a deal that will allow Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng to play regardless of the NBA lockout.

It means that Deng will get his first taste of a major international competition after missing out on the 2009 edition - Britain's first EuroBasket appearance - through injury.

Britain are still working on a deal for Detroit Pistons guard Ben Gordon - yet to make his international debut - in the hope of having both their NBA stars on hand in Lithuania.

Deng will miss upcoming friendlies against Nigeria and the Netherlands as he is running a youth camp, but will join his international team-mates in time to play in the London International Basketball Invitational tournament which will open the Olympic venue in a fortnight's time.

"Playing for GB has always been hugely important to me so I'm really glad we could resolve this," Deng said.

"It has been a long process but a great team effort. I can't wait to get back to the UK to run my Foundation camps before joining up with the team to prepare for Lithuania."

British Basketball's Performance Director Chris Spice said: "It is great for basketball in Britain that Luol has signed up for our programme again this summer. He has always been a great supporter of the GB basketball programme and we are excited to have him on the court again this year after he played such a key role for us in qualifying last year.

"With Olympic tickets sold out it is fantastic that the British public will get to see Luol play in the Olympic Basketball Arena in the London International Basketball Invitational tournament in two weeks time."