GB Basketball to compete in FIBA Esports Open II

GB Basketball, in partnership with British Esports Association, are set to take part in the federation’s first Esports competition as the FIBA Esports Open II tips off this weekend.

The event, which follows on from FIBA’s initial launch event back in June, sees some of the world’s best NBA 2K21 Pro-Am players compete in regional conferences. 38 countries have been invited to compete in six conferences.

Seven players have been selected to represent GB at the event: Harry Hurst, Samuel Adegun, James Bull, Jordan Polverino, Freddie Goode, Kieran Steel and Seyi Falana

The team will be captained by 23-year-old Harry Hurst, who plays professionally in the NBA2k League with New York Knicks Gaming. The youngster is regarded as one of the best, if not the best, in Europe.

GB will take part in three group games over the weekend, beginning with Italy on Saturday morning (11:05). Lithuania follow on Saturday afternoon – live on FIBA’s YouTube channel at 12:15 – before the team’s third group game against Croatia on Sunday afternoon (14:00).

The top two teams from each group progress to the quarter finals on Sunday, with the semi-final and final following the same evening.

Jordan Polverino – known as WelshJordy – is excited to get the games underway on Saturday:

“It is a great opportunity to represent your home country and I am very thankful to be a part of this team. Can’t wait to get the show on the road!”

Samuel Adegun, online name SamThaRuler, believes it’s an honour to be on GB’s first Esports roster:

“Representing GB Basketball in FIBA is an honour because it means I get to showcase and do all I can to make this great nation proud. It also gives me an avenue to somewhat grow Esports and Basketball in general in the UK and that is one of my main goals.”

Supporters can keep track of GB’s progress throughout the weekend via FIBA’s website or British Esports’ social.