Deng to Play for Engand

Bulls forward Luol Deng will be able to take part in Great Britain’s European Championship qualifying games after his insurance coverage was increased following the signing of a new contract between he and the Bulls.  Deng signed a new deal with the team that could be worth as much as $80 million last month and British Basketball had been struggling to pay the insurance.  Deng was born in Sudan but moved to England at an early age and is the country’s biggest star along with Bulls restricted free agent guard Ben Gordon.

This decision came just in time for Deng and England, as the team is set to take on Israel tomorrow.  England doesn’t have the most prolific basketball program and Deng’s absence would have come as a major blow to the team.  England is looking to make the team competitive in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.  “We are convinced that this is the best outcome for British Basketball, is the best use of our funds in the circumstances and highlights our commitment to make Great Britain one of the top basketball nations in the world by 2012,” said British Basketball performance director Chris Spice in an associated press article.

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