The Chicago Bulls player said that the feeling was reinforced by the fact that Britain will play a European Championship A-qualifying match against the Czech Republic at the O2 Arena, the former Millennium Dome, on Saturday September 6.

 

The O2 is due to host the basketball tournament during the 2012 Olympics.

 

Deng said: "It really feels like we now have one foot on the ladder to that Olympic dream and hopefully in four year's time we will be returning in the hunt for medals.

 

"Last summer I was so excited to be pulling on the GB jersey for the first time and this year it gets even better with us heading to London.

 

"A number of us in the team are from London which makes this fixture all the more important.

 

"One of things that is often talked about regarding London 2012 is that it offers an opportunity to inspire people and I hope that as a team we can do that over the next four years, starting in London in September.

 

"That's what the Olympics are all about."

 

The views of Deng were echoed by chief coach Chris Finch.

 

He said: "The O2 arena is a world class sports arena and is fantastic, and now it is our job to show up and be sensational in it.

 

"It is exciting because that is where the Olympic finals will be played so we need to make that our home now."