GBR - Gongs for Van Oostrum, Page

LONDON (Olympics) - Devon Van Oostrum has been given an extra shot of confidence as he attempts to make Team GB at next year's Olympics after being named as the British Basketball Emerging Athlete of 2011.

The 18-year-old point guard, who excelled for the British at the U20 European Championship Division B and followed that up with a senior team debut at the EuroBasket in Lithuania, said: "I am so happy to have been awarded this title, especially since it was my first official outing with the GB senior men's side.

"The under-20 and senior games were a great chance to play with older and more experienced players.

"I learned a lot from them and also made some new friends along the way.

"Without their help I wouldn't have won this award."

Julie Page, who will lead the British women when they compete at the Olympics, has been named British Basketball Player of the Year.

She made her EuroBasket Women bow this summer in Poland.

"Both Julie and Devon have had great seasons for GB this summer and I congratulate them on their awards," British Basketball performance director Chris Spice said.

"They also both know the value of hard work and determination and we hope they will continue to improve and become major players in our Olympic campaign next year."

FIBA