LONDON 2012: Worry for Finch as untimely injuries hit British basketball team

Posted: Saturday 21st July 2012 | 23:40

GREAT Britain men's basketball coach Chris Finch is sweating on the fitness of two key players just days before the start of the London 2012 Olympics.

BLOW: Mike Lenzly is a major doubt for the London 2012 Olympics after he was injured in Great Britain's heavy defeat to Olympic champions the USA in Manchester (British Basketball)

Mike Lenzly sustained a suspected torn calf muscle during the defeat to the USA in Manchester, while Dan Clark picked up an ankle injury during a 73-69 defeat to African champions Tunisia in Belgium.

Luol Deng was rested for the game while Joel Freeland, who has just signed for NBA side Portland Trail Blazers, picked up a niggle during the warm-up and was benched as a precaution.

Finch will have until next Friday to replace any injured players but can only select substitutes from those named on his long-list of selections.

Ogo Adegboye, who has remained with the squad despite failing to make the Olympic roster, would replace Lenzly but Finch will be hoping there are no more issues in Great Britain's final warm-up game against Belgium in Antwerp.

But it has hardly been a spectacular build-up to the Games, with the exception of two wins in a double-header with Portugal, his side have lost nine of their 11 preparation games.

“There is no point in playing teams you know you can beat," insisted Clark.

"We have had some tough games but we’ve had some big teams on the ropes so hopefully by the time the Olympics comes up we can pull off a few shocks."