Deng heads British basketball hopes

NBA star Luol Deng will spearhead British hopes in the London Olympics after being named in a preliminary squad for the London games on Tuesday. Chicago Bulls All-Star Deng was one of three US-based players named in the 21-strong squad along with newcomers Ben Gordon of the Detroit Pistons and the Charlotte Bobcats' Byron Mullens. Gordon and Mullens were named in a British team for the first time having never previously been available. "I am very excited to pull on the GB jersey this summer and play for my country," Gordon said. "To be invited into camp is the first step in that journey and I am immensely proud to have the opportunity." The 21-man squad will be reduced to 16 in early May before a final roster of 12 players in announced in July following a training camp in the United States.