Great Britain open EuroBasket qualifying with dominant win over Switzerland
Great Britain beat Switzerland 110-75 in Fribourg to start their 2029 EuroBasket pre-qualifying campaign with a convincing victory. Tosan Evbuomwan scored 21 points on his senior debut, while Josh Uduje led all scorers with 24. The win puts GB top of Group E ahead of their next match against Slovakia.
The commanding victory marks a significant statement for a British side that had been idle since failing to reach the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Evbuomwan's seamless transition from three NBA seasons to Barcelona was evident, while Williams brought Celtics pedigree to the frontcourt, combining for 29 points between them. The squad's depth was showcased as Uduje led scoring from the bench.
Great Britain won all four quarters, establishing a 28-point cushion by the end of the third period. The comfortable margin allowed coach Steutel to rest his debutants ahead of Sunday's home clash with Slovakia in Newcastle. Remaining group fixtures include a return meeting with Switzerland in November and a February trip to Slovakia, with group winners progressing to full qualifying.
This result could raise the profile of British basketball, particularly with NBA and EuroLeague talent now anchoring the senior squad. It may inspire grassroots participation and strengthen the case for greater investment in the sport domestically. Success in the qualifying pathway could also enhance broadcast interest and commercial opportunities, potentially expanding the sport's reach beyond its traditional niche following in the UK.