GBR/CAN - Vanderbeken chooses GB over Canada

LONDON (EuroBasket 2009) - Jamie Vanderbeken has admitted he could not turn down the chance to play international basketball after being called up by Great Britain last week.

The 6ft 11in center, who qualifies for GB via his Scottish mother, might have chosen to decline the call-up in the hope of one day playing for his native Canada.

"Just being able to play on any national team would be a real honour." Vanderbeken said. "I will go there and do my best. I am just trying to make the most of it, to get exposure to make the team."

Vanderbeken believes he will be able to learn a tremendous amount by playing alongside the professionals in GB's squad.

"Even if I don't make (the final 12-man squad), the competition I'll be playing against in try-outs alone will be beneficial to bring what I learned back here," said Vanderbeken, who is currently playing at the University of Iowa.

"It'll give me a chance, if I have questions, to ask guys about it. Pops Mensah-Bonsu, (Robert) Archibald, a bunch of other guys who played in the US and Europe. It's a great opportunity."

The 21-year-old now wants to be part of GB basketball history as Chris Finch's team aim to qualify for the 2010 FIBA World Championship an earn the right to play on home soil at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Vanderbeken will get his chance to impress when GB host Poland, Turkey and Israel at the GameOn tournament in London later this month.

GB will then play in EuroBasket warm-up tournaments in Spain and Turkey before Finch names his final squad to go to Poland.

"Even if I don’t make the team this year, I want to leave a good impression so I can come back next year, make the team by [London] 2012,” Vanderbeken added.

GB have been drawn against Spain, Slovenia and Serbia in Group C at the EuroBasket.

FIBA