Timely break in league schedules allows Boston Celtics and former NBA stars to suit up for crucial qualifying matches.

Great Britain's men's basketball team is receiving a significant uplift, bringing in talent from the NBA and top European leagues for their crucial 2029 EuroBasket preliminary qualifying campaign. This week, the squad, led by Newcastle Eagles head coach Marc Steutel, features Boston Celtics center Amari Williams and former NBA player Tosan Evbuomwan.

The inclusion of these high-caliber athletes marks a pivotal moment for British basketball, as the team aims to advance to the full qualifying rounds. Their presence underscores a strategic opportunity, enabled by unique timing that has historically made such recruitment challenging.

These additions come as Great Britain prepares for a double-header against Switzerland and Slovakia, with both Williams and Evbuomwan set to make their senior international debuts, according to reporting by BBC Sport - Basketball.

NBA Talent Boosts GB EuroBasket Hopes

Great Britain's roster now boasts three players with current or recent NBA ties. Beyond Celtics' Amari Williams, forward Tosan Evbuomwan joins after three seasons in the NBA and its G-League, recently signing with Spanish powerhouse Barcelona. Power forward Tobi Lawal, drafted by the Dallas Mavericks this summer, was also called up to the practice squad, though he later became unavailable for the final roster.

Head coach Marc Steutel emphasized the challenge of balancing talent selection. "With every squad selection, you want to try to make sure that you are getting the balance of the most talented players available," Steutel told BBC Sport. He acknowledged that "because of where our players play and the restrictions that has at times, it's not always as straightforward on the outside as people may think."

These players represent a significant portion of the most recent British talents to feature in the NBA, alongside New York Knicks star OG Anunoby. The team is clearly excited about the potential they bring, with Steutel adding, "We feel really excited about this group for sure."

Strategic Timing Allows NBA Players to Join GB Squad

The ability to secure players like Evbuomwan and Williams for this week's fixtures hinges entirely on precise scheduling. Both players, with Williams aged 24 and Evbuomwan 25, will make their senior GB debuts in the upcoming matches: Thursday against Switzerland and Sunday at home in Newcastle against Slovakia.

Previously, Great Britain faced significant hurdles in securing top-tier talent due to clashes with the NBA and EuroLeague seasons. Four of GB's six first-round qualifying matches for the 2027 FIBA World Cup occurred in November 2025 and March 2026, directly conflicting with professional league schedules.

However, this current international window opens between NBA seasons and also aligns with breaks in European league calendars, creating a rare opportunity. "In the season, guys in the NBA [and] the EuroLeague, we struggle to get," Steutel explained. "We're right before the start of the season and our general manager has done an incredible job communicating with the Boston Celtics."

GB General Manager Dan Clark, a veteran who played in the 2012 Olympics alongside NBA All-Star Luol Deng, has been in long-term communication with Newcastle-born Evbuomwan and Williams. "It's not just a 'this window' thing, it has taken years," Steutel stated, highlighting sustained efforts to bring these players into the national team.

Debut Dream for Williams and Evbuomwan

The journeys of Amari Williams and Tosan Evbuomwan, from their English roots to the NBA stage, share a common thread despite differing paths. Evbuomwan moved to Princeton University in New Jersey in 2019, while Williams followed a year later to Drexel University in Philadelphia. These moves set the foundation for their professional careers and eventual senior international debuts.

Nottingham-born Williams, who was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2025 before being traded to the Celtics, expressed his anticipation: "It was something I've been trying to do since I moved away to America seven years ago. To have the opportunity to do it this summer is something I've been looking forward to."

Evbuomwan echoed this excitement, noting the shared experience with Williams. "It's exciting. All of us being able to commit to this window," he said. "Me and Amari talk a lot and it is something we have talked about for a while. For us to have both our debuts at the same time in the same window is special."

The game against Slovakia on Sunday holds extra significance for Evbuomwan, as it will be played at the Vertu Arena in Newcastle. This is the home venue of the Newcastle Eagles, where he previously played at youth level. "Very meaningful," Evbuomwan commented. "Being able to represent your country is one thing. Being able to represent your country in front of your family and friends is a bonus."

GB Eyes Future with OG Anunoby

Great Britain enters the second of three preliminary qualifying rounds for the 2029 EuroBasket tournament, facing both Switzerland and Slovakia home and away across international windows in August, November, and February. Securing top talent now is crucial before domestic seasons resume.

Looking ahead, head coach Marc Steutel and his team harbor ambitions of adding another prominent NBA name to their roster: OG Anunoby. The 29-year-old was instrumental in the New York Knicks' recent NBA title victory, their first in over half a century.

Anunoby, a two-time NBA champion and London-born forward, is also eligible to play internationally for the United States and Nigeria, having not yet represented any nation at the senior level. Great Britain remains hopeful despite the complexities.

"Our general manager is in communication with OG and his team," Steutel confirmed. "His season went way into the summer, winning the championship and playing a lot of basketball. Unfortunately, the timing is not right on this window, but we hope so." He added, "He's someone else we'd definitely love to see in a GB jersey."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which NBA players are joining Great Britain for EuroBasket qualifiers?

Boston Celtics center Amari Williams and forward Tosan Evbuomwan, who recently played in the NBA and G-League before joining Barcelona, have joined the Great Britain squad. Tobi Lawal, drafted by the Dallas Mavericks, was also initially called up but became unavailable.

Why can NBA players participate in these EuroBasket qualifiers now?

The current international window for the 2029 EuroBasket preliminary qualifiers falls between the NBA season and major European league schedules. This timing allows players like Amari Williams and Tosan Evbuomwan to join Great Britain without conflicts, a rare opportunity.

What is Great Britain's goal in the EuroBasket 2029 qualification?

Great Britain is currently in the second of three preliminary qualifying rounds for EuroBasket 2029. Their primary goal is to finish top of their group, which includes Switzerland and Slovakia, to advance into the full qualifying rounds.

Has OG Anunoby ever played for the Great Britain national team?

No, despite being London-born and a target for the team, OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks has not yet played international basketball at the senior level for any nation, including Great Britain, the United States, or Nigeria.