Deng drops mask to be face of 2012

That could change for Deng next year, when he will become the face of Great Britain's first Olympic basketball team since the capital last hosted the games in 1948.

And despite not being one of the 24 teams to qualify for last year's World Championships in Turkey, the British team can make a real impact, according to Deng.

"We are not far from being a really good side, we are right there," he added. "We have talent but not a lot of people know that. 2012 will be unbelievable. As a kid I never thought I would get a chance to play in the Olympics, let alone where I grew up. Last year when Chicago came to London it was amazing. To have London fans in the stands, watching someone who grew up there, playing for an NBA team, it made me so proud.

"It used to upset me that basketball didn't get attention at all and I used to wish there was someone from England representing us in the NBA. I'm in that position. I am sure there are British kids inspired by me and even it is just one kid that really makes me happy.

"British kids 'tweet' me and I always try to respond. I know how excited they are just to hear from me."

Before the Olympics, Deng will get the chance to pit himself against his fellow NBA stars as Great Britain warm up for the games with two friendlies against the United States in Manchester in July 2012.

The American team is likely to feature LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, three of his opponents tonight in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals. The best of seven series against Miami started perfectly for Deng as he scored 21 points to lead his side to victory.

But after three consecutive defeats, the Bulls need to win all three remaining games to reach the Finals.

James bought a minority stake in Liverpool last month and Deng, who is a massive Arsenal fan, is thinking about doing something similar with the club he supports.

He said: "I've been frustrated watching this year. We've got good players but the way football is you need one or two great players.

"Games are so close, you need that special guy who gets that one goal and we've not had that since Thierry Henry left."

Get a taste of top class basketball in the UK when the WNBA's Atlanta Dream play the Great Britain women's basketball team at the MEN Arena on Sunday 29 May. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Follow the NBA in the UK at www.facebook.com/nbauk