The UK Basketball Hub

Luol Deng, Joel Freeland, Ben Gordon* and Byron Mullens* were in action as the NBA resumed last night following the All Star Break. Deng was the top scorer as Chicago Bulls beat the New Orleans Hornets 96-87 with 20 points. Deng was impressive as the Bulls in fifth in the Eastern Conference. Joel Freeland didn't participate for the Portland Trailblazers who lost 102-98 at the Pheonix Suns - leaving them ninth in the West. Byron Mullens started and Ben Gordon came on for the Charlotte Bobcats who managed a surprise win over Orlando Magic. Mullens scored an impressive 20 points and got 12 rebounds for a double-double while Gordon managed a solid 10 points. The Bobcats remain at the foot of the East. *Gordon and Mullens haven't made their GB debuts but are eligible to play for GB in future tournaments. Deng and Freeland both represented Team GB at London 2012.  

Orlando where Deng made his All Star debut. Team GB International Basketballer Luol Deng is set for his second appearance as a reserve at the 2013 NBA All Star Game. Deng made on assist from the bench in 2012 and will be looking to get involved more this year after his East side lost 152-149 to the West. The 27-year-old forward has had a good season so far averaging 16.7 points per game for the Chicago Bulls as they lay fifth in the Eastern Conference. Deng leads the Bulls in terms of total rebounds this season and has the best rebound percentage also. The NBA All Star game is available to fans in the UK on Sky Sports 2 from 1am or you can order a special NBA League Pass for the game.

NBA star Luol Deng has admitted today that he doesn't think he will be taking part in the Eurobasket tournament this year due to tiredness. The Chicago Bulls man was influential in getting the decision to not fund GB Basketball overturned and this could be a blow to the chances of future funding. The funding is based on the success of the national team and the loss of their best player could be a hammer blow to the chances of progression. Deng told BBC Sport  at the All-Star Game Deng said: 'I haven't made the decision 100% [but] most likely I'm not [playing]'. Since Deng's GB debut in 2007 he has been extremely busy with NBA games, Eurobaskets, friendlies and of course the Olympics so the rest would be well-earned, however it could jeopardise Team GB's hopes.  

This is the newest and therefore freshest blog on British Basketball - something overlooked by many and appreciated by a few. Basketball is now booming in the United Kingdom with it being the second most popular sport for 11-15 year olds in Britain. The sport managed to overturn a ruling on funding for the Olympics following a letter from Chicago Bulls player and All-Star reserve Luol Deng to the PM David Cameron. Deng is the Team GB International - who is the star man in the current crop of British players; for those who don't know. This is basically to welcome all and sundry to the blog and get people backing British Basketball. For more information visit the 'About Me' tab or to ask any questions visit the 'Contact' tab.