British coach Finch hit by further absences ahead of Euro qualifiers

BRITISH men's basketball coach Chris Finch has been hit by more withdrawals ahead of the forthcoming EuroBasket qualifying campaign.

UPBEAT: Chris Finch is trying to stay positive after big-name withdrawals from the British EuroBasket team (Getty Images)

Finch was already reeling from news that NBA star Ben Gordon's long-awaited British debut would be further put back following an ankle injury while Spanish based Joel Freeland was also ruled out.

Now Robert Archibald and Mike Lenzley have been withdrawn - with Finch citing ‘long seasons' as the reasons behind their absence.

It means a number of rising stars from the GB Future teams - Ashley Hamilton, Devan Bailey and Ogo Adegboye - have stepped up while Everton Tigers forward Olu Babolola has also been drafting into the squad, who arrive at their Surrey training base this weekend.

"It is unfortunate that we have suffered a number of high profile injuries, but we now need to concentrate on the players we have available, which is still a very talented group of individuals," said Finch.

"I am really looking forward to the impact the younger guys can make, I have no doubt they have the ability to be very important to the team having worked with them during the GB Futures campaign.

"I know how disappointed both Joel and Ben are not to have made it this year. Both Rob and Mike had long seasons with their clubs, so we are unfortunately going to have to do without them this summer. 

"Although this is a blow, we have planned accordingly and brought in cover in those positions."

Great Britain face matches against Macedonia, Hungary, Ukraine and Bosnia & Herzegovina next month and know basketball's world governing body, Fiba, have stated EuroBasket qualification is the minimum standard required if they are to earn a hosts' invite to the London 2012 Olympics.