GBR - Deng desperate to play for Britain

CHICAGO (EuroBasket 2007) - Luol Deng is set to become the role model for a generation of young basketball fans in Britain and it's something he doesn't mind in the slightest.

Now a star with the Chicago Bulls, Deng grew up in London after leaving war-torn Sudan just over a decade ago and though he now resides in America, the majority of his family still live in the English capital which he still calls it home.

The 21-year-old is unable to play for Great Britain as he is still waiting for confirmation he has been granted a British passport. England Basketball say they are doing all they can to help him get his credentials.

But even so, he is not wasting any time in making a difference to the British game.

"It means a lot to me," he told PA Sport. "I think, right now, Britain is in a position where my generation and the generation coming up is very talented and I don't think the country realises yet.

"Basketball's growing in Europe but, in the future, I really see it growing in Britain, and the British team is capable of being one of the best in Europe because of the talent that's available now and in the younger generation.

"I really believe that Britain has better athletes than the rest of Europe; maybe France has a few, but overall, Britain has great athletes."

Deng is actively seeking out young British players in the States to offer a helping hand as they aim to build their careers.

"I just call the guys or email them and try to see how they're doing," he said. "During the season it's really hard because I'm so busy, but right now, I try to see what their plans are and maybe we can all be in London at the same time.

"I do feel like a role model but it's something I enjoy. I love the game with a lot of passion and I would love it even more if I could do something for Britain.

"I would like to help scout, just let them (British Basketball) know about some of the players that they don't know about or can't see.

"It's not something I demand must be done, but I think that it would allow me to use my opinion on some players.

"We've spoken about it a little bit, and I'd try to tell them my opinion on who I think could be a great player, and even by 2012 (the London Olympics), who could be a star."

One prospect that stands out for Deng is London-born center Eric Boateng, who recently opted to transfer college and leave Duke after one season.

Deng was a sensation at Duke, leading them to the NCAA Final Four as a freshman, and he elected to turn professional.

Boateng rarely played in his first year at Duke, one of the traditional powerhouses in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

"I try to do a job and stay in contact with all the young (British) guys that are here right now," he added.

"There are some in college and some in high school, and I try to give them a little bit of a heads-up of what's coming.

"But I really think that if Britain were to focus on those guys right now, then basketball would develop very fast because these guys are out here making names for themselves, and a lot of people in Britain don't even know who they are - I just think there's got to be a better job done with that.

"I don't think a lot of people know that we have a guy who's 7ft (Boateng), who's transferring college right now but pros are already looking at him.

"A kid called Matthew Bryant is highly recruited by every school in the country, and there's another kid, from Manchester, who's committed to UConn.

"For the national team, you've got to focus on those kind of talents and try to keep them in touch - that's how you develop it."

At the moment these players are relatively unknown, but come 2012, Deng knows he may be playing alongside them as they carry the hopes of a nation.

Britain's men and women do not have to qualify as the other participating countries do, but they must prove to basketball's world governing body FIBA they are going to be competitive enough before being allowed to take up their places.

"I want to play with these guys, some of them are the guys I grew up with, and I want the chance to compete in something with them," he added.

"I'm just looking forward to playing. I'm totally committed to playing and when I go back we'll talk about it even more.

"I want to do something with the national team and you won't hear any objections from me about playing, unless I'm in my (NBA) season.

"Whenever they want to get together to talk about it again, I'm open to whatever date."

That will probably happen some time in August when Deng returns to England.

As well as taking some well-earned rest and catching up with friends and family, Deng will also attend his annual camp at Sevenoaks School in Kent and a series of Nike events around the country.

By Ben Collins, PA Sport