No player was more important for Great Britain in their successful EuroBasket 2011 qualifying campaign than power forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu. That's quite impressive considering Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls is also in the squad.

Mensah-Bonsu, a 2.06m center, averaged 19.3 points and a 13.5 rebounds.

Spain Head Coach Sergio Scariolo says Ricky and Rudy are only going through a rough patch

He was the sixth-leading scorer in Division A and the number one rebounder, which included an average of 4.6 on the offensive glass as the Brits won six of eight games.

The 27-year-old is hoping Britain will be at their best when they compete in next year's 24-team field in Lithuania.

"I feel that with the potential team that we could put together," Mensah-Bonsu said, "we have a chance to raise some eyebrows.

"Also, I know that as a team we feel we have the potential and capabilities to go far in the competition.

"It will be very exciting, and something that I am looking forward to."

In the autumn, Mensah-Bonsu earned a place on the roster of the New Orleans Hornets, who are one of just two sides that is still unbeaten in the NBA at 7-0.

He's not playing much, but is confident of making his mark with the Hornets.

"I just want to make the most of this opportunity that I have been given again and build on every game," he said.

"And I feel that in the end, everything will fall into place."

Scariolo Backs Ricky, Rudy

Ricky Rubio wasn't at his best this summer when starting at point guard for Spain at the FIBA World Championship, and he's struggled at times this season for Barcelona.

But Spain's national team coach Sergio Scariolo thinks the 20-year-old has only hit a bump in the road.

"Regardless of talent," Scariolo said, "there are stages to be covered.

"I don't know anyone who does not combine progress and stumbling.

"We must accept that a 20-year-old player has months of reduced performance.

"His team (Barcelona) is doing very well with him, shielding and surrounding him, giving him peace of mind to focus on his game.

"He will continue to get better."

As for Spain's Rudy Fernandez, who is unsettled in Portland, Scariolo said: "This is a test of maturity, character and personality for him.

"He has the resources to overcome this."

Scariolo is also the coach of BC Khimki in Russia.

Kaman Ankle Sprain

Chris Kaman, who played for Germany at the 2008 Olympics and could be a candidate for the team for next year's EuroBasket in Lithuania, sprained his left ankle on Tuesday night while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kaman is expected to be out of action for between two and three weeks.

The 28-year-old center is averaging 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game for the Clippers.

Kaimakoglou Anxious To Set Record Straight

Greece didn't enjoy themselves this summer at the FIBA World Championship in Turkey where they lost to Spain in the Eight-Finals.

Don't count out the Greeks responding with a big performance at next summer's EuroBasket, though.

Kostas Kaimakoglou believes that Greece will bounce back next year

Forward Kostas Kaimakoglou was in this year's team and he'll be eager to make up for that showing by helping the Greeks earn a trip to the London Games when they compete at the EuroBasket next year.

Kaimakoglou is in his first year at Panathinaikos and was named as the most valuable player for the second week of the A1 league.

"Yes, for sure it's a big honor," he said to Basketball World News, when asked about playing for Greece.

"Unfortunately, this year we didn't have a good result at the end.

"We got disqualified too early but we want to go to the Olympics and we'll give our best (at the EuroBasket)."

Greece have an important decision to make in the coming weeks.

The team needs a coach because former boss Jonas Kazlauskas' contract expired after the World Championship.

A former national team player that understands how difficult it can be at the highest level in international basketball is Fragkiskos Alvertis.

"We have no contract with success," Alvertis said to Basketball World News.

"This year was not so good for us.

"Next year is a new challenge, so we'll see what's going on."