Cheshire Phoenix star Devan Bailey says he has what it takes to shine on the international stage after being called up to the Great Britain squad for the upcoming EuroBasket 2015 qualifiers.
The 25-year-old guard was given a late call-up to head coach Joe Prunty’s squad earlier this week in preparation for qualifiers against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland at London’s Copper Box Arena next month.
With the withdrawal of NBA stars Luol Deng, who has been given the task of filling the void left by LeBron James at the Miami Heat, and Portland Trailblazers star Joel Freeland, Bailey has been given the chance to impress former Brooklyn Nets assistant Prunty.
It is the first time in four years that the former Helsby High School pupil, who signed a new two-year deal with the Nix earlier in the summer, has been a part of the GB set-up, and he is aiming to make an impression.
“It’s good to be back in the mix and to be a part of the GB set-up again,” said Bailey, named MVP by the Phoenix faithful at the end of last season's BBL campaign.
“Things are stirring up nicely for me at the moment. Everything is going well with the Nix and I was enjoying my basketball last season, so to have that recognised and get the call-up is fantastic. I’m delighted.
“My last GB call-up was back in 2010, so it has been a while. But I know what I’m capable of and I believe I’m at a level where I can mix it with the top guys.
“Now I’m part of the squad, I want to make sure I do my best to help us start well in the EuroBasket qualifiers. Hopefully I’ll be involved against Bosnia and Iceland.”
With the absence of Deng, Freeland, free agent Byron Mullens and experienced duo Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Ben Gordon, Bailey will be linking up with experienced BBL campaigners Gareth Murray and Drew Sullivan as well as Scottish forward Kieron Achara, currently plying his trade in Italy with Avellino.
Bailey is hoping being around the GB squad will help bring his game on and help him arrive back at the Northgate Arena an even better player and ready to impress new Nix coach John Coffino.
“There are some great players in this GB squad and I can learn a lot from them,” added Bailey.
“I’m only 25 and I’m still learning the game to some extent. I want to be the best I can be and I know I can make improvements to my game. Hopefully being around the likes of Kieron and Drew will help me do that.
“I think it’ll make me a better player. I believe in myself and my ability and it’s up to me to show it now.
“Although the likes of Luol Deng and Ben Gordon aren’t with the squad this time around, I still think I am worthy of being around these guys and this set-up and I want to perform well so I can head back to the Nix and perform for them next season.”
