Despite both losing on the final day of their Eurobasket 2011 qualifying campaign, both the GB Men’s and Women’s sides still qualified at the top of their respective groups sending a statement to FIBA about our competitiveness in the run up to London 2012.
The Women were up first and lost 70-66 to Ukraine despite 19 points, 6 steals and 4 rebounds from Jo Leedham. Head Coach Tom Maher reflected after the game:
“It was very disappointing, we could have won the game but we made too many bad decisions. Nevertheless we shouldn’t detract from what the players have achieved this summer.”
The women finished with a 4-2 record and have secured their first ever appearance at Eurobasket 2011.
The GB Men suffered the same fate to the same team, being defeated 75-66 by Ukraine. Pops Mensah-Bonsu finished with 18 points and 10 rebound before fouling out. Head Coach Chris Finch is proud of this summer’s campaign and is looking forward to next year:
“We have a lot to be proud of. Not many people gave this team a chance to qualify and we did it through great effort. Our young players played well and gain immeasurable experience from this campaign.
“Next summer provides us with a chance to play against the best in Europe once again. I am looking forward to the 2011 campaign and I know the players are as well.”
So with both teams going to their respective European Championships in Poland (women) and Lithuania (men), perhaps it’s time we relocated the Dog Pound and organised a BBB Balldogs trip? 
