UDUJE STARS AS GREAT BRITAIN ARE FLAWLESS IN EUROBASKET PRE-QUALIFYING
Great Britain got off to a perfect start in their FIBA EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifiers with two comfortable victories over Switzerland and Slovakia.
Following a heartbreaking elimination from the FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers, GB were determined to bounce back.
And with a loaded squad that featured Boston Celtics forward Amari Williams and Barcelona's Tosan Evbuomwan, head coach Marc Steutel had the pieces, but just needed the results.
The steal ➡️ the pass ➡️ the FINISH 💥#BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/CxdxrLNhQy
— Great Britain Basketball (@gbbasketball) August 30, 2026
However, aside from the two big-name debutants, it was one of the returning players that made a splash.
Josh Uduje makes his statement
Having made his senior debut during the World Cup Qualifiers, Josh Uduje enjoyed his breakout window, as he led Great Britain in their 110-75 road win over Switzerland with 24 points on 8-for-13 shooting, which included four three-pointers.
The Londoner then followed that with 14 points and two steals in a 97-72 triumph over Slovakia, which was played in front of a packed crowd at Newcastle's Vertu Motors Arena, marking the tenth occasion that the national side had played at the home of the Newcastle Eagles.
In a revitalised GB squad, a lot of hype surrounded Williams and Evbuomwan, but Uduje takes the deserved plaudits, for bringing energy, quickness and execution on the offensive side, mixed with tenacious defence.
Not bad for a 24-year-old that only started playing basketball when he was 13. Back then, a teenage Uduje was playing football and rugby before a trip to Barcelona saw him bring a copy of NBA 2K as a present for his brother.
Within two years, he had dedicated himself to basketball, starting out with the London Thunder to now, where he plays in France's PROA league for Boulazac Basket Dordogne.
Hard work has certainly paid off.
Up next for GB
Great Britain are now 2-0 in Group E, and stand a good chance of advancing to the EuroBasket 2029 Qualifiers. They face Switzerland at home on November 29.
Photos: FIBA
