BETTS: IT KILLED ME TO MISS THE O2 GAME
04/28/2009

Andy Betts insists that having to watch from the stands at The O2 last summer, due to injury, has made him all the more hungry for Great Britain this year.


The 7ft 1in centre was hampered by a back injury and consequently was forced to wait until GB's trip to Pardubice, where they secured their EuroBasket finals place with a 67-63 win over the Czech Republic, to get time on court. And that meant that Ashby-born Betts also missed out on Britain's debut at The O2 arena, where they were previously victorious against the same opposition.

With that in mind Betts cannot wait for the chance to step out and play at the London 2012 venue this summer, when British Basketball hosts the four nation tournament, Game On At The O2, from August 14-16.

"Obviously Turkey, Israel and Poland are three very strong teams, but they will be great preparation for us leading up to EuroBasket," said the 32-year-old.

"I'm really looking forward to playing at The O2. It's such a great arena, and it killed me to miss that game last summer.

"The atmosphere was terrific at the Czech game last summer and I hope we get as many fans, or more, for Game On At The O2."

Betts is currently in the quarter finals of the Greek play-offs, where his club Aris have a 1-0 lead over Panionios thanks to their narrow 75-74 win, a game in which Betts hit 6 of 6 from the field to help net 15 points.

Also in playoff action is Ben Gordon, who has been instrumental in keeping the Chicago Bulls level at 2-2 against defending NBA Champions the Boston Celtics, meanwhile Rob Archibald can be assured of making the final eight in Spain with his club Unicaja.

"If everyone like me, Rob, Luol (Deng), Ben and Pops (Mensah-Bonsu) are fit and turn up for GB this summer it will be without a doubt the best group of individuals this country has ever assembled," continued Betts.

"Many people are telling me they believe we could be the surprise team this summer. At the moment they are saying that because of how strong we look on paper, but like last summer, and the one before, it's now up to us to deliver."