RISING star Devan Bailey has been recalled to the senior Great Britain squad after walking away from college two years early to make a start on his professional basketball career, writes Alec Doyle.

The former Helsby High School student, 22, was studying at Central Connecticut State University in the US and last summer was part of the star-studded Team GB – along with the likes of Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng – that qualified for Eurobasket 2011 which takes place later this month.

Now he has been drafted into the training squad for Eurobasket and could still make the team to play in Lithuania.

This has all taken place despite 6ft 2ins guard Bailey – who plays against hip-hop superstars Snoop Dogg and Warren G and triple-jumper Phillips Idowu in a new online advert for Team GB by adidas – deciding that two more years studying in the States was not the right decision.

He has returned to the UK this summer and has acquired an agent to help him secure a professional contract.

“I didn’t know why I was in college really,” he said. “I had a good season at Central just gone but it was a little tough to get game time with so many guards there.

“Players want to play and I want to make this work now.”

At Central, Bailey stood out as a hardworking, hustling guard.

Unlike the typical US shooting guard template Bailey’s game was more defence. The result was a lot of steals but low shooting percentages.

Bailey hopes his defensive ability will be more appreciated this side of the pond.

“Ever since I played at Helsby, that has been my game,” he said. “I’ve worked on other areas but I’ve always tried to keep up my defensive skills.

“Now if I want to earn a professional contract I need to be more aggressive.”

He will not be left at a loose end this summer waiting for a trial thanks to his GB commitments.

“My agent said most British Basketball League clubs are not really active in making signings until August so things will be quiet, so at least I have some time and some games before then,” said Bailey.

“I already have Team GB on my CV as well which is great so hopefully I’ll be able to attract some interest from Europe or the BBL.”