Deng to be a British all star (From Croydon Guardian)

Deng to be a British all star

3:03pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in Local Sports Round-up By Ziad Chaudry

Former Brixton Topcat Luol Deng will create a piece of British basketball history later this month when he becomes the first Brit to appear in the NBA All-Star Game.

The 26-year-old Chicago Bulls forward will play in the Eastern Conference team with the likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwight Howard and Bulls team-mate Derrick Rose at NBA’s glittering mid-season event show piece at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, on February 26.

Deng, whose parents still live in South Norwood, where he spent a part of his teenage years, has been a predominant player for Chicago Bulls this season, helping them to a league-best 22-6 win-loss record and averaging 16 points.

And he could not hide his delight when the All-Stars announcement was made.

“Words cannot describe how happy I am to make my first All-Star,” said Deng.

“Thanks to all my supporters and the coaches who voted for me.

“It really is such a honour to be a part of it and to say you are an All-Star.

“I am excited to get to Orlando and soak up the atmosphere, it really is a huge honour.”