Everton Tigers forward Olu Babalola has received a last-minute invite to Great Britain’s training camp as the squad prepares to check into its training base this weekend.
The 17-strong group contains a number of first-timers and as well as losing Joel Freeland and Robert Archibald to injury, head coach Chris Finch will also have to do without Mike Lenzly after the guard’s late withdrawal.
“It is unfortunate that we have suffered a number of high profile injuries, but we now need to concentrate on the players we have available, which is still a very talented group of individuals,” said Finch. “I am really looking forward to the impact the younger guys can make, I have no doubt they have the ability to be very important to the team having worked with them during the GB Futures campaign.
“Two other absentees are Robert Archibald and Mike Lenzly. Both Rob and Mike had long seasons with their clubs, so we are unfortunately going to have to do without them this summer. Although this is a blow, we have planned accordingly and brought in cover in those position.”
Prior to the Eurobasket qualifiers, Finch’s men will take on Canada and Finland in home friendlies next week in Surrey before travelling to Israel to take part in a four-team tournament.
GB Standard Life Senior Men’s Squad List:
Achara, Kieron – Angelico Biella, ITA
Adegboye, Ogo – St Bonaventure University, USA
Babalola, Olu – Everton Tigers
Bailey, Devan – Central Connecticut University, USA
Boateng, Eric – unattached
Boyd, Flinder –Ourense, ESP
Bryan-Amaning, Matthew – University of Washington, USA
Clark, Dan – Estudiantes, ESP
Deng, Luol – Chicago Bulls, USA
Hamilton, Ashley – Loyola Marymount University, USA
Mensah-Bonsu, Pops – unattached
Reinking, Nate – Mons Hainaut, BEL
Robinson, Justin – Rider University, USA
Sullivan, Andrew – Newcastle Eagles
Toney, Tafari – Sheffield Sharks
Van Oostrum, Devon – Baskonia, ESP
Yanders, Rob – Glasgow Rocks
