MAIN MAN: Prunty wants his side to keep proving themselves

Coach Joe Prunty's under-strength side sneaked into next year's finals despite losing their final qualifier to Luxembourg.

Prunty was without star names Luol Deng and Joel Freeland, but guided his team through as one of the four best group runners-up.

Captain Kieron Achara, who also played at the London Olympics, said: "After 2012 lots of people were saying we're missing this guy and we're missing that guy, but we've found a way.

"For such inexperienced guys to get a chance to play the Eurobasket next year means a lot to us.

"Hopefully, UK Sport can see that we're worth investing in."

GB lost 75-82 in Luxembourg, with Andrew Lawrence scoring a team-high 16 points and Gabe Olaseni adding 14 points and 15 rebounds, but qualified after other results went their way.

They will now compete in the finals - which are co-hosted by Finland, Israel, Romania and Turkey next year - for the first time since 2013.

Prunty said: "It's a tremendous accomplishment. We have become a very good team and the one thing we have to realise is that every single time you step on the floor, you're being evaluated and you have to prove yourself."

Unlike LA Lakers forward Deng, who is Britain's best and most successful player, former Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic guard Ben Gordon did suit up.

But while the 33-year-old, who is currently without a team, had his moments in his first campaign for GB, he was disappointing against Luxembourg, scoring four points on 2/10 shooting, with five turnovers.

It is unclear whether Gordon, Deng or Freeland will be available for GB next year.

Prunty's team, who are currently ranked 22 in the world, will be appearing in their fourth finals in five attempts, with the 24-team draw set to take place in Istanbul on 22 November.