FIBA have held the draw for the 2012 Olympic Basketball Tournaments in Rio De Janeiro and Team GB women’s basketball have learned of their opposition for this summer’s Olympic Games.
The GB women are set to face stiff competition from world number two ranked Australia, world number three ranked Russia, as well as Brazil, Qualifier 3 and Qualifier 5 in London later in the year.
When team GB came up against Russia in the EuroBasket finals in 2011, they gave them a run for their money and lost by only three points, 62-59 in the final few seconds. They are yet to play Australia, but will go head-to-head with the side before the Olympics at a test match in Sheffield on 14 July 2012.
The remaining teams yet to qualify will be determined through the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments taking place in Ankara and Turkey from 25 June-1 July.
British Basketball’s Performance Director, Chris Spice commented on the draw, “There are no easy draws or games at the Olympics for teams that have not been at this table before.
“Preparation will be the key to our success and we must be diligent in leaving no stone unturned in getting the best out of our players for the next 88 days.
“During the Olympic tournaments there will be twists and turns and only the best prepared will survive to the end. We are really looking forward to giving our loyal fans and the British public something to remember.”
The GB women’s head coach, Tom Maher discussed today’s Olympic Draw outcome saying, “The Olympic Draw is quite a technical procedure, there are many aspects that effect how the draw is made.
“In my experience the draw has always been fair and transparent so I’m confident that we achieved an appropriate outcome. In the end you just have to win some games.”
More info: www.fiba.com
Lizzie Flint, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
