GBR - Great Britain duo welcome appointment of Buckle

LONDON (EuroBasket Women 2015) - The Great Britain duo Stef Collins and Azania Stewart have welcomed the appointment of Peter Buckle as new head coach of the senior women's team after the Australian swapped roles with former play-caller Damian Jennings.

Buckle was a late addition to the coaching staff prior to EuroBasket Women 2013 in France, assisting Jennings in guiding the Brits to their highest-ever finish at the event, only just missing out on a Quarter-Final spot.

He also brings experience from being part of Australia's Opals coaching staff that won a bronze medal at London 2012 and will now take charge for the all-important qualifying campaign for EuroBasket Women 2015.

Reflecting on the change, Great Britain's most capped women's international, Collins said: "There's great continuity in these appointments for this summer (following on) from last year's EuroBasket.

"Our success in 2013 was monumental and it provides a wonderful spring board for our qualifying games in June."

Stewart, a center who was handed a contract by Buckle at WNBL side Adelaide Lightning, added: "I am very happy to hear that 'Bucks' will be with us again.

"I feel that we have unfinished business together."

As for Buckle himself, he expressed his delight at taking over the reins from Jennings, who was unable to continue for personal reasons relating to his duties at the University of Calgary.

"I'm very privileged to be named the head coach," he said.

"This is a team that has risen in the (FIBA) World Ranking (Women) over the last six years, from 76th to 24th. I'm looking to see that rise continue.

"Our first challenge is to make sure we put together six great games, against some very tough opposition in June and qualify for EuroBasket 2015."

Meanwhile, British Basketball's National Teams Director Warwick Cann was delighted that continuity had been assured.

"It's pleasing that we have a certain stability with the coaching staff to build on last year's achievements," he said.

"While there is a change to the head coach role, the group are all very keen to work under Peter."

"The reality is that we have to hit the ground running with limited preparation.

"We hope to pick up where we left off last year, but now take the team’s performances to the next level.

"Much is happening around us, but the players' and coaches' focus with our goals are all clear."

Great Britain will face Belgium, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MKD) and Lithuania in their quest to qualify for a third successive EuroBasket Women Final Round place.

FIBA