Eurobasket - Finch retained through 2009 Euros

Chris Finch will remain coach of Great Britain at least through the 2009 European Championships after signing a contract extension with British Basketball.

Boosted by the arrival of NBA star Luol Deng, Finch helped lead the men's team to promotion into the Eurobasket Division A after a successful qualifying campaign this summer, which included a run of six straight victories.

His next task will be to help take Britain to the next level by maintaining the team's position amongst Europe's elite and qualifying for the 2009 European Championships.

"Naturally, I am very excited to be able to continue to build on the success and momentum we have created over the past two years," Finch said.

"As ever, it will take a serious commitment from all parties and most importantly from our players to keep the programme headed in the right direction as we begin to plan for our tough but achievable goal of qualifying for Poland 2009."

Women's head coach Mark Clark was also retained through 2009 after helping guide Britain's ladies into Eurobasket Division A as well.

"I am delighted to be given the opportunity to continue as the GB Women"s Head Coach," said Clark.

"The last two years have laid the foundations for the programme to become world class. I am confident that all the players and staff will continue to make the commitment to the programme and each other that will ensure that we keep moving in the right direction."