Luol Deng has declared his excitement ahead of Team GB's showpiece warm-up match against the star-studded United States.
Team GB's basketball captain Deng will lead his side out at a 17,000 sell-out MEN Arena on Thursday and sees the glamour friendly as a chance to showcase the team's improvement.
"I'm excited and as a team we're excited because we get to play against the best, but this is what's needed for British Basketball," he said.
"This is the best in the world and they're coming here. If you go back a few years that would never happen, and that by itself is an accomplishment. It just shows you the direction we're moving in."
Britain's basketball team was only formed in 2006 with the primary goal of producing a team capable of qualifying for London 2012.
Deng believes the side's improvement has been hard earned and the team have proved that they belong at this level.
He said: "We've always been knocked down, whether by other coaches, teams or fans.
"There's always been something put in front of us, so it's so sweet now to be heading to the Olympics."
Chicago Bulls star Deng is a huge name in the sport and will be under a great deal of pressure to guide Team GB to a credible performance at London 2012.
Liam Power
