USA Basketball are taking this one seriously

This isn’t just “another” warm-up. It’s the beginning of the end of their efforts to capture a second consecutive Olympic gold medal, and what better opportunity to win over some fans (if GB are unfortunate in not claiming a medal that is) than to have their first game in Europe in the country of the Games.

Despite Joel Freeland’s recent signing with Portland Trail Blazers, Luol Deng is the man most linked with this game. The most well known British player in the NBA currently, and this year featured in the NBA All-Star game for the first time.

Even at times without asking about him, his presence is felt within the USA side and the danger he possesses.

Kobe Bryant knows how much of an influence he has as a player to look up to on court: “Luol’s a great leader, he’s used to that position because that’s the same thing he does for the Bulls, so the guys will be listening to him, following his defence intensity. It should be alright; I know they gave Spain a heck of a run recently.”

Whilst Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks believes being back home will play into the hands of the Chicago forward: “He’s used to playing against us, we’re used to playing against him, but it’s a lot different when guys come back to their respective country to play. Players step up in different ways. I’m pretty sure we’ll be looking forward to Luol stepping up against us.”

Does that give Great Britain a realistic opportunity to spring a shock result? According to Chris Paul, who knows Deng well back in the States, it may just be the case: “I’ve actually watched a couple of [GB] games and I’m really good friends with Luol Deng. Whenever you have someone like that on your team, you’ll have a great chance every game you play.”

Speaking with some of the American players, judging where in terms of GB sit in contention for a medal or whether it is just too inconceivable for them to get out of the first group stage, there is a mixed opinion.

Anthony recognises its a momentous occasion for Great Britain, but is trying to concentrate on the matter in hand: “It’s big for them, it’s big for here [Britain] for them as hosts of the Olympics, big for us, big for Manchester to come over here and play against them.

“We watched a little bit of film, probably more will come tonight, tomorrow in the lead up to the game. Our focus though is to try and fine tune, and when the game comes just worry about what we need to get better on.” the 6′ 8″ forward carried on to say.

Not knowing too much about GB ahead of tomorrow night’s game means that he can’t be swayed to make a decision but it’s a matter of pride for Lakers’ Bryant saying:

Somewhat extreme, even in jest, however, with the pressure and the expectation weighing on the shoulders of these players, it is reminiscent of the treatment given to the England football team.

Paul, of LA Clippers, is aware that preparation for any team coming into the biggest competition is key: “Both teams are trying to get as prepared as possible for the Olympic Games, we’ve played two games now and this will be another real good test for us. We need as much practice as we can get right now.”

The man of the moment, LeBron James, who finally won his first NBA Championship coming into this summer of international action, isn’t wanting to let his nation get ahead of itself, one telling point being the sheer lack of interviews given by James as he tried to focus on practice in Manchester, but from a little of what was gleaned out of him, he is hoping the British crowd gets behind their team: “They will represent their country, cheer on their team and hopefully we can just play well in front of them.”

“I know the fact they have a really good player in Luol Deng who is their anchor but we will go over them and we will scout them and we’ll be prepared for them.” he continued.

The important thing in having won the right to host the Olympics, from a social perspective is the need to develop the grassroots of the game. In keeping with that, it seems Bryant is well aware of the impact this game could have for the British basketball scene: “It’s very important. I remember growing up when I was a kid in Italy, that was when basketball was just starting to become global. If they’d had an NBA come over whilst I was in Italy; I’d have been all over it. So hopefully it’ll spark some of the generation who are ten years old to play the game.”

Mostly importantly though is the advice that a player such as Kobe Bryant can give. That said, what does the younger generation in this country have to do, according to Bryant, to make those in charge sit up and notice?

“Just get out and play, it’s a fun game to play. You grab a basketball, grab a buddy and just go out and play and shoot, have a great time and be as creative as you want to.”

You heard him ballers of Great Britain. Why are you still even reading this? Go do what Kobe says!