They are grouped alongside Israel, Bulgaria and whoever secures the final qualifying spot.

 

Chris Finch, the team's coach, admitted that he is a little bit disappointed with the decision after a Luol-Deng inspired British team impressed in qualifying.

 

His main frustration is that Lativa, who finished second in their group but had the same qualifying record as Britain are ranked among the third group of seeds based upon a superior scoring record.

 

Finch admitted that if he had known how the seeds would be worked out he may not have rested the injured Deng for the final match in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which Britain lost having already guaranteed their qualification.

 

Finch told the website Basketball24/7: "It is interesting, and a little disappointing, to note that winning our group carries with it no additional advantage or benefit.

"We held Luol out of the Bosnia game because we were under the impression the game was 'meaningless'.

"Maybe Luol couldn't have played in that game but the fact is had we known something other than pride was on the line in that game then we would have had a different decision to make.

"There should be some transparency to these rules before qualifying games are finished so teams know where they stand."

 

But Finch did not let that take the shine off the fact Britain have made huge strides under his guidance as they seek to guarantee their place in the 2012 Olympics by showing the world governing body FIBA that they are worthy of a place in the Games.

 

He said: "We're really excited about next summer, regardless.

"Whatever group we are in, wherever we are seeded, we will prepare all year to go out and win our group."

The top group of seeds are Russia, Spain, Lithuania and Greece.