London 2012 Olympics: Basketball team set to stay united

BRITISH Basketball performance director Chris Spice expects a deal to be done to keep England and Scotland united as Great Britain for the long-term.

When world governing body FIBA granted Britain the host nation place to compete in the London Olympics, they did so on the proviso that England, Scotland and Wales, who combined to form the British teams under an umbrella organisation seven years ago, make a decision this summer on whether to remain as one or go their separate ways again after 2016.

England and Scotland voted in favour of unification ahead of the 30 June deadline for a decision, but Wales voted no, claiming they had received no benefit from being a part of British Basketball. The British teams have made great strides, with both the men and women qualifying for EuroBaskets on merit.

“We’re just about there,” Spice said of a possible deal. “FIBA are pretty happy with what we’ve done, and I think they’ll get us over the line in some way or another. Britain will go forward as Britain.”