GBR - Deng cleared to play for Great Britain

LONDON (EuroBasket 2011) - Luol Deng will suit up for Great Britain at the EuroBasket after securing an insurance deal that will allow him to play regardless of the NBA lockout.

Deng, who missed the 2009 EuroBasket through injury, declared himself delighted as he prepares to return to the UK and join up with the team.

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

The Chicago Bulls star will miss upcoming friendlies against Nigeria and the Netherlands as he is running a youth training camp, but will be in the team for the London International Basketball Invitational tournament which will open the Olympic venue in London in a fortnight's time

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."

Great Britain are continuing to work on a deal for Detroit Pistons guard Ben Gordon, who was hoping to make his international debut this summer.

FIBA