Newcastle Eagles and Great Britain Men’s National Team Head Coach Marc Steutel has confirmed the 24-man roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup Qualifiers against Belgium and Serbia, with 10 BBL superstars named amongst the squad for the final two games of the campaign.
The National Team will take to the court at Newcastle’s
Vertu Motors Arena on February 24th against Belgium before travelling to
Belgrade to face the Serbians on February 27th as Steutel and his staff
conclude what has been a historic FIBA World Cup Qualifying campaign, with GB
reaching the second qualifying phase for the first time in their history.
Coach Steutel has called upon 10 BBL stars to feature in his squad, including: Jamell Anderson (Cheshire Phoenix), Kyle Johnson, Ben Mockford (both Newcastle Eagles), Kimbal Mackenzie, Patrick Whelan, Aaron Menzies (all Leicester Riders), Luke Nelson, Josh Sharma, Mo Soluade (all London Lions) and Jelani Watson-Gayle (Bristol Flyers).
Eight of the 10 have earned caps previously for the National
Team, with Mackenzie and Watson-Gayle both included in the 24-man roster for
the first time and looking to make the cut for the final 12-man roster for
either game which would see them secure their first senior caps.
BBL talent lines the backroom staff of the team as well,
with Caledonia Gladiators Head Coach Gareth Murray assisting Steutel again in
this window, and Surrey Scorchers General Manager Dan Clark assuming the same
role for the National Team – both have moved to roles with the backroom staff
after concluding their legendary playing careers this past summer.
You can find the full roster and read more about the National
Team on the GB Basketball website, and get your tickets for Great Britain’s
battle with Belgium at the Vertu Motors Arena on February 24th via the Newcastle
Eagles Box Office now. Show your support for the team in their final home
game of the FIBA 2023 World Cup Qualifying campaign.
