FINCH A MAV
04/29/2009

GB coach Chris Finch has been signed by the Dallas Mavericks to work on their summer league team in July.

Finch's efforts in leading Britain to this year's European Championship Finals for the first time ever have been recognised by the highly-ranked Mavericks.

NBA teams use their summer league sides to develop players and coaches with an eye to making the step up to the senior ranks.

And Finch's call-up, to work as a Dallas assistant in the Las Vegas Summer League in July, is seen as a significant career step.

Dallas general manager Donnie Nelson said: "We have known and followed Chris for a long time and he's an excellent coach for whom we have a lot of respect.

"We look forward to working with him this summer."

Finch's club team Mons is currently top of the Belgian League while he will lead GB into Eurobasket 09 in Poland in September.

Finch added: "It's a great opportunity to be involved with one of the NBA's premiere franchises and learn alongside one its most experienced coaching staffs.

"I would personally like to thank Donnie Nelson and the entire basketball staff for accommodating me."

Ian Whittell for 24/7