Great Britain will open up EuroBasket on Wednesday morning with a daunting clash against Lithuania, but it is one they are relishing despite being underdogs.<\/p>\n
GB faces one of Europe\u2019s basketball powerhouses in what could set the tone for their entire campaign, with head coach Marc Steutel relishing the opportunity to test his squad against the continent\u2019s elite.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe understand where we are as a basketball nation but I think that is one of the things that drives us really positively,\u201d Steutel said in the pre-event press conference.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that every time we compete at this level we will always be the underdogs and that is a mentality that we embrace.\u201d<\/p>\n
The weight of expectation and history hangs heavy over Team GB\u2019s preparations. In five previous EuroBasket appearances since 2009, Britain has managed just four wins from 23 games \u2013 a stark reminder of the mountain they must climb.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe understand our history of GB at EuroBaskets,\u201d acknowledged Steutel. \u201cWe\u2019ve qualified more times than not, but we\u2019ve had four wins in EuroBasket history. Two in 2011, two in 2013, none in \u201917 and none in \u201922 (and none in 2009).\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite this challenging record, Steutel\u2019s squad arrives with renewed optimism and clear ambitions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe group is just really excited\u201d, explained Team GB captain Carl Wheatle. \u201cWe\u2019ve had a good preparation\u2026 The group has really put our focus into being one of the best performing Great Britain teams.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow that we are here, that\u2019s what we want to do, that\u2019s what we want to carry forward. It\u2019s a tremendous honour to be a part of Great Britain basketball, to be the captain of this team. We are all just really excited, we want to get started, we are raring to go, and we can\u2019t wait for tip-off tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
The head coach praised his team\u2019s preparation ahead of their Group B campaign: <\/p>\n
\u201cReally excited to be here\u2026I\u2019ve been really proud of how our group has worked throughout this preparation period, a really professional approach, I think, from everybody in our group.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n<\/blockquote>\nTeam GB\u2019s Group B schedule presents a formidable challenge.<\/p>\n
After opening against Lithuania, they face Finland (August 29), Sweden (August 30), reigning World Champions Germany (September 1), and Montenegro (September 3). With the top four teams from each group advancing, every game carries significant weight.<\/p>\n
The clash with Germany \u2013 who captured the 2023 FIBA World Cup<\/a> \u2013 represents perhaps the group\u2019s biggest test, while Lithuania\u2019s rich basketball heritage and consistent EuroBasket pedigree make them equally dangerous opponents.<\/p>\n
After the disaster of 2022<\/a>, the programme is keen to show the improvement and what a difference having a preparation period can actually have.<\/p>\n
GB\u2019s games will be free to watch on Courtside 1891 \u2013 register an account to watch live here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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