Canadian college basketball rising star Jamie Vanderbeken has committed his future to Great Britain – thanks to his Scottish mother.

The Iowa State University centre has been named in Chris Finch's 17-man squad for September's European Championships in Poland.

Vanderbeken, 21, will make his debut at the forthcoming warm-up tournament in London, where Great Britain - who are missing star man Luol Deng - take on Poland, Israel and Turkey at the O2 Arena.

And even if he doesn't make the cut, he insists his international future lies in the UK, rather than Canada, where he was born and brought up.

"Even if I don't make the team this year, I want to leave a good impression so I can come back next year, make the team by London 2012," he said.

"It will also give me a chance, if I have questions, to ask the guys about it. It's a great opportunity to play with Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Robert Archibald and a bunch of other guys who played in the US and Europe.

"Just being able to play on any national team would be a real honour. I will go there and do my best.

"I am just trying to make the most of it, to get exposure to make the team."