For the first time since their participation at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Great Britain's top Women's Basketball stars will be stepping out once again in a competition on home soil when they compete in a four nation tournament also involving Germany, Greece and Israel.
However this time Bermuda’s Jenaya Wade-Fray will have to sit this one out. Wade-Fray will be working on getting herself fit again following a knee operation.
The Game on 2013 Great Britain Invitational Tournament, presented by Standard Life, takes place between May 25th – 27th at Surrey Sports Park Arena and will give fans the chance to see the players try to build momentum and confidence ahead of the prestigious EuroBasket Women Championship to be held in France this summer.
With a new head coach and featuring many of the players who pulled on their Great Britain basketball vest with real pride in the capital last year, home supporters can look forward to cheering their favorites in three games, against a trio of elite women's basketball nations.
New GB Head Coach Damian Jennings enthused: "We always look forward to international test games on home soil. The chance to play in front of a home crowd against top level European countries to prepare for the EuroBasket is a great opportunity."
Greece, Israel and Germany have twelve Eurobasket Women appearances between them over the last decade alone and it promises to be a tough test for Great Britain.
First up on the menu for Great Britain is Israel, who have made the last four Eurobasket Women tournaments and also have a significant mention in the history books after becoming the victim of Great Britain women's first ever success at a major tournament two years ago.
Day two will see a duel with Germany and their new head coach Alexandra Maerz will certainly have her team well prepared. Great Britain will have to play particularly close attention to defending the deadly and prolific Romy Bar and Anne Breitreiner.
Last up is Greece, who have qualified for the last five Eurobasket Women tournaments and so this will be the first time they will miss out in over a decade, further highlighting their stature within the women's game. They are rebuilding, but should still be able to call upon the dynamic talent of Zoi Dimitrakou, now very much the poster girl of the national team.
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