Great Britain basketball coach Tim Lewis is keen for the team to start their Olympic campaign in style when they face Russia this evening.
It is the first time Britain has competed in basketball since the London Games of 1948.
Lewis, who spent two years running the Essex Pirates before joining the Olympic set-up, wants the host nation to impress on their return.
"It is important to get off to a good start in any tournament you play and the Olympics will be no different," he said.
"We're very excited because we have been preparing for a such a long time.
"But now that we're here we want to give a good account of ourselves, and that starts against Russia."
Lewis is part of the team that will work alongside head coach Chris Finch during the Games.
The men's basketball team face Russia at 8pm tonight in the preliminary rounds.