Complications over the lockout in the NBA and insurance have forced him to stay in the United States.

The EuroBasket in Lithuania takes place from August 31 to 18 September, and Britain will be boosted by their 96-70 friendly win over the Netherlands at Cobham last night.

But the absence of Gordon, who has played alongside Luol Deng for the Chicago Bulls and was their top scorer for four out of five years at the team, is a major blow to the squad.

It is the third consecutive year that 28-year-old Gordon, who was born in London but grew-up in the United States, has been unable to join the British squad. 

Chris Spice, Performance Director for British Basketball, said: "We are obviously very disappointed that Ben is not able to join us this year but we fully understand and respect his decision.

"This is a difficult and complex insurance issue caused primarily by the NBA lockout.

"We have done our best to provide a cover that is close to what we would have in a normal season but in the end things didn't work out from a financial or scope of cover perspective.

"We have built the reputation of our programme to such a level that where the players are concerned, all the professional clubs know that their players are well provided for when they are with the British squad.

"Unfortunately for both Ben and ourselves we are unable to connect again this year.

"It will be doubly important that next year we have everything in place for Ben to join us on day one of the programme as every day he is with us will be key to performing at our peak for London 2012."

The EuroBasket will be a crucial warm up competition for Britain's basketball squad with the London Olympic Games less than a year away, as they take on hosts Lithuania, Poland, Spain, Turkey and an as yet unknown qualifier.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
July 2010: Gordon ruled out of British contention again
May 2010: Boost for British basketball as Ben Gordon commits himself to Eurobasket campaign
September 2009: Gordon confirms commitment to Britain for London 2012
July 2009: Gordon signing paves way for Britain
May 2009: Gordon must wait for offer warns Bulls chairman