Standard Life GB Under-20 Men's Head Coach Announced

Smart takes over from Tim Lewis who led the side from 2006 through to the 2011 B Division European Championships where despite two losses early on, the GB under-20 men went on to reel off a six win, two loss record, with a notable win over eventual bronze medallists Czech Republic.

Lewis leaves the under-20 position to take up a place with the Standard Life GB senior men's team during their 2012 Olympic campaign.

Dave Smart comes to the GB team with an impressive coaching CV. He was an assistant coach with the 2008 Canadian Senior Men's National Team till 2011 and most recently coached Team Canada at the 2011 Pan Am Games.

Smart is also a highly regarded university basketball coach, leading the Carleton University Ravens for thirteen seasons. He was the driving force behind the men's programme there where the Ravens have a combined regular and postseason record of 315 wins and just 30 losses. He has earned CIS Coach of the Year honours four times along the way (2003, 2005, 2009, 2011), as well as six OUA East Coach of the Year nods (2001-2003, 2005, 2009, 2011).

British Basketball's Head of Performance, Warwick Cann commented on the appointment: "The recent advertisements for the GB under-20 men's position attracted 105 applicants, so the process of selection has been quite involved. From a players perspective the quality of applicants is reassuring and reaffirms that internationally we are viewed as having a quality program.

"The recruitment process offered good choices in selecting quality coaches for our future senior international players. There were many applicants who could do the job but Dave Smart is a standout coach internationally who we are pleased to have interested and committed. This will assist GB in reaching our goals and undoubtedly the players will be the beneficiaries."

The full men's under-20 coaching staff and 2012 squad will be announced shortly.