Boateng hails ‘unique’ Reinking ahead of Kosovo crunch

Veteran centre Eric Boateng is enjoying life under the ‘unique’ guidance of Great Britain coach Nate Reinking.

Boateng, 33, has been around long enough to have played with the new GB play-caller for their country.

The pair were team-mates for years before, in 2012, Reinking started out on a coaching road that has led him to Cleveland Cavaliers’ affiliate team Canton Charge – and now back to the UK.

Reinking won his opening two GB games as head coach following his appointment last month – in Kosovo and then against Luxembourg at home last week.

And now wants another victory against Kosovo back in Manchester on Saturday.

“He’s unique in the sense that he’s been with the programme for years, not just as a player but now as a coach and prior to that as an assistant coach, so he’s really seen different angles of the game from a GB perspective,” said Boateng.

“He’s really handling his role well and getting us prepared well for Saturday – the next big thing for us, that’s what were all getting focused for. That’s our objective.”

Reinking is upbeat about getting another win and an improved performance at the National Basketball Performance Centre.

“Overall it’s been fantastic,” he said. “The guys have really come together from day one.

“All I want is for them to compete and they do it every single day and we are getting better every day.

“We’re looking forward to Saturday’s game. We don’t have a lot of time together so we are just cleaning up a lot of little things that can really improve us dramatically when we hit game-time.

“There are things we can do better which will really help us against Kosovo.

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“It’s been fun to be back in the programme and meet the new faces and the old ones I’ve been accustomed to.”

Boateng, meanwhile, says he will give his all to help the team to another win.

“Whatever’s needed – winning attitude, winning plays,” he added. “Whatever is needed to bring home that win.

“I’m really glad to be back in the squad. There’s a lot I’ve given to be part of this programme.”

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