Ben Gordon named in the initial camp of Great Britain’s squad for the London Olympics – NBA Update
Great Britain has included three NBA players in their preliminary squad for the 2012 London Olympics. These players include Byron Mullens of the Charlotte Bobcats, Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls and Ben Gordon of the Detroit Pistons.
Gordon who holds a UK Passport was born to Jamaican parents. He is eligible to play for Great Britain because of his dual citizenship.
Gordon initially showed interest in representing Britain in the Olympics back in 2010 but a career troubled by injuries had prevented him from playing back then. The closest he ever came to represent Britain was when he was named
in the squad for a European qualifier. Now upon his dream coming true, he was ecstatic;
“I am very excited to pull on the GB jersey this summer and play for my country," said Gordon. "To be invited into camp is the first step in that journey and I am immensely proud to have the opportunity.
“I am totally committed to playing with the Standard Life GB team this year and look forward to being part of the squad hoping to make 2012 a year to remember for British Basketball fans."
Ben was drafted in 2004 by the Chicago Bulls as the 3rd overall pick. He showed great promise in his rookie season and was named the Sixth Man of Year in his very first season, the only rookie to achieve such a feat
in NBA history.
Gordon was also named the Rookie of the Month three times in his first year with the Bulls. He impressed all with his excellent long range shooting and tied an NBA record for 9 consecutive three pointers made, on April 14th
2006 against the Washington Wizards. But despite his early promise, the overall game play failed to turn the necks and Gordon was let go as an unrestricted free agent in 2008-09 season.
Gordon signed with the Pistons the following season and was given the role as the sixth man with the team. His career has been full of amazing feats, On March 21st; Gordon scored 45 points which included 100% conversion
from beyond the arc going 9 of 9, a spectacular performance.
His shooting from beyond the arc has not gone unnoticed as he has been named in the training camp for the Olympics. Gordon`s exploits from long range make him a perfect fit for the Britain side who have shown improvement in recent
years. With Luol Deng presenting a formidable option at the wings and Mullen giving the British a dominant presence on the paint, the addition of Gordon, add an extra dimension to the team.
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