Britain coach Chris Finch disappointed with Ben Gordon’s Olympic no show – NBA Update
The head coach of Britain has expressed his disappointment with Ben Gordon after the NBA star failed to report for his country’s Olympics campaign. Britain is the home team at the London Olympics 2012 and the basketball team had hoped to call upon the NBA
star for the event.
Gordon however failed to make an appearance at the Britain basketball team’s camp in Houston, where they took on various other international sides. Gordon declared for Britain back in 2008 but the Charlotte Bobcats player has not made a single appearance
so far.
"We are moving on without Ben," Chris Finch told Sportsbeat.
Chris Finch said that the former Detroit Pistons player was given “every chance” to link up with the British team but in the end he did not do so. The team has its own schedule to follow and are now going to go ahead without Gordon.
"We've had a lot of dialogue with him but, unfortunately, he was not in a position to commit and we have to focus on building our team. We could not afford to wait anymore.”
"It's disappointing because we thought this was the year he would definitely play.” Finch added.
Ben’s international debut has been delayed for a number of reasons over the past many years which include injuries, family issues and other commitments. This time around Gordon was traded from the Pistons to the Charlotte Bobcats and therefore could not
find time for the national team, focusing on his transition to the Bobcats and preparations for the upcoming NBA season instead.
Britain’s team, which is now back in the island nation, will now begin their preparations in earnest and Finch intends to develop camaraderie between the players present.
"We need to focus on the guys that are here now. Integrating players is always difficult and integrating extremely talented players can be even trickier.”
Alongside Gordon, Byron Mullens is another NBA player that will not be featuring for Britain in the London Olympics 2012. One player that has made the trip is Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng. Deng had a gruelling season with the Chicago Bulls and had to deal
with some injuries as well, but is adamant that he wants to represent the national team.
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