They have been drawn in Group C alongside world champions Spain, Slovenia and Serbia and will be based in Warsaw.

 

All three sides are packed with players who represent NBA teams.

 

Britain's coach Chris Finch: "It's an absolutely murderous draw, by far the hardest group and by far our hardest challenge since our programme got underway in 2006.

 

"It's going to be like an NBA All Star group.

 

"But I'm still excited."

 

Britain secured qualificiation for the European Championships in Septemeber, the first time they will have appeared in the tournament since 1981 and it will help convince international officials that the team is worthy of a spot at the Games in London 2012.

 

Finch said: "We have a chance to prove ourselves against Europe's best.

 

"It will be a pretty intense proving ground but that is why we want to be here at this level."

 

Three teams advance from each group to the second stage so one victory may be enough to take Britain forward.