GENEVA (AP) — Basketball’s top official says Britain needs to make progress on and off the court to earn places at the 2012 London Olympics.
Led by Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng, Britain’s men defeated Hungary 91-82 this week to make a winning start in qualification for the 2011 European Championship.
FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann said Wednesday that qualifying is a basic requirement to show Britain deserves an Olympic entry traditionally given to the host nation.
Baumann says organization of basketball in Britain is “simply lacking.”
FIBA wants Britain to develop a more competitive league and enter better clubs in European events.
It will decide on Olympic entries for Britain’s men and women next year.
