Finch's elite eight

Nice interview by Jimmy Double-H with Chris Finch on the Basketball 247 website at the moment.

Check it out at: http://www.basketball247.co.uk

As you'd expect from a man and a coach of Finch's quality he doesn't give too much away - but it is clear that if everyone is healthy and available - there is a core of eight players who will definitely be on the plane to Warsaw.

Not surprisingly that includes our three NBA men in Luol Deng, Ben Gordon and Pops Mensah-Bonsu. Finch also name checks Robert Archibald and Andrew Betts given their proven quality and experience. After his performances last Summer and his break-out season in Spain Joel Freeland is now also on the elite list. Finally, there are Finch's trusted lieutenants who have been with him on every GB squad: skipper Dru Sullivan and Nate Reinking.

So taking the optimistic view that everyone shows - the remaining sixteen players at camp will be fighting for the final four slots.

Although in the interview Finch makes a point of stating that Deng can play from 2 to 4, reckon he'll be looking to take at least two more recognised guards.

So take your pick from Lenzley, Midgley, Boyd, Corletto, Forbes, Hart and Robinson. Reckon the likely choice based on past GB performances and European experience will be Boyd and Lenzly. Boyd as he is the best ball handler in that group and Lenzly because he is the best outside threat at Euro level.

Although a fit Deng will play most of the minutes per game at small forward, reckon Finch will favour Nick George as back-up ahead of someone such as Steve Leven.

That leaves one more big from Achara, Bryan-Amaning, Boateng, Clark, Hanke, Larkai and Toney. Given an encouraging first season at a big club in a tough league think Achara will get the nod for that final slot.

Plenty more fantasy basketball to come for us GB fans as all the twists and turns of the Summer pan out!