The immediate priority for the game is to enable the GB team to compete in the November international window.
Basketball England has worked with SLB to improve the game against Lithuania, while other stakeholders – such as UK Sport and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – are involved in charting the way forward.
Lasker believes this chaotic moment may yet be a turning point.
The NBA is looking to launch a new Europe-based league in 2027, including potentially London and Manchester franchises, saying the opportunity is “massive.”
“It gives the game a chance to hit the reset button and build a solid foundation,” the American said.
“If we take advantage, British basketball could explode. If we don’t, we may never get another chance like this.”
SLB interim president Sanjay Bhandari says lessons need to be learned, acknowledging that the crisis “demonstrates the risks and dangers of inadequately challenging governance” and that the game needs a review of governance.
Stutel agrees that change is necessary, saying, “We need people who can move the game forward commercially, administratively and financially in terms of performance.”
However, right away, his team has a match to play.
The unpleasant saga has been upsetting for the players, but GB guard Josh Ward-Hibbert believes it will not affect his performance against Lithuania.
“You hear voices of uncertainty within the federation and the league – it can be worrying,” he said. “But you just try to control what you can.
“Everyone understands where we are as a group and give everything they can to push the national team forward.”
Given the major concerns raised earlier this month, the organization of the match is already in progress.
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