Luol Deng named in GB Olympic basketball squad

Chicago Bulls' forward Luol Deng will be the first Briton to play in an All-Stars game tonight (Getty Images)

The Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng, who became the first Briton to feature in an NBA All-Star Game in February, was named in Britain's Olympic basketball squad yesterday.

"Having someone like Luol Deng in our team... just goes to show there is no limit to what the future generation can aspire to," chef de mission Andy Hunt said.

"The home support at the basketball arena in the Olympic Park will create the kind of atmosphere that will get the best out of our athletes.

"This is a chance for our basketball players to raise the profile of this exciting and high-tempo sport and inspire youngsters across the UK to take up the sport."

It is only the second time Britain will be represented in basketball at the Olympics, and the first time since the Games were last hosted in London in 1948. The Olympics start on 27 July.