Just as the Great Britain squad was announced, NBA star Luol Deng pulled out of September’s Eurobasket tournament.

“It’s a very tough decision not being able to play but it was just a tough year last year with my injury,” Deng said. “The fracture of my leg was such a serious injury that I need all summer in order to go full speed and I’m not full speed yet, but I’m almost there.”

The decision is a huge blow to GB, who were looking forward to having Deng’s services for the upcoming European Championships.  Deng had injured his right leg last NBA season and the stress fracture to his leg has been slow-healing for sure.

“If I was healthy I would definitely be playing and I’m sure the Bulls wouldn’t mind it,” the 24-year old Deng said. “But because of my injury, it changed a lot of things.”

Despite the disappointment of missing out on this year’s tournament, Deng is still looking forward to representing in the 2009 Olympics, which is being hosted in London.

“ I’m very committed to the (Great Britain) program, as everybody knows.  I’m really heartbroken that I’m not able to participate this summer…” Deng said. “but I would be lying if I said I didn’t think about 2012 a lot.”

Great Britain’s roster includes NBA player Pops Mensah-Bonsu, former Illinois star Robert Archibald, 2006 NBA draft pick Joel Freeland, as well as Kieron Achara, Andy Betts, Flinder Boyd, Dan Clark, Germayne Forbes, Nick George, Randall Hanke, Jarrett Hart, Mike Lenzly, Steve Leven, Nate Reinking, Justin Robinson, Andrew Sullivan, and Jamie Vanderbeken.

Links and Resources: Luol Deng explains decision to skip Great Britain committment (Chicago Tribune)