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27 February 2026  7 min read

Right time, right place - GB's Deane Williams steps onto the international stage

After years of near-misses, false starts and patiently waiting for the right circumstances, his first senior call-up to the Great Britain Men's team has finally arrived.

“It’s always a bit of a surprise to get a call-up for your country,” Williams admitted. “So I was very honoured to receive this invitation.”

Now in camp and preparing for a hugely significant FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifying window, Williams stands on the brink of something he’s been working towards for much of his career. With back-to-back games against Italy - at home in Newcastle tonight and away in Livorno on Monday - the stage could hardly be bigger.

“I’m really excited and happy to be here,” he said. “And I’m looking forward to making my debut tonight.”

A journey defined by patience

Williams’ route to this moment has been anything but straightforward. Born in the UK and raised in the British basketball system before forging a long professional career overseas, he has been close to the senior national team on multiple occasions - without quite making it onto the court.

“I’ve been invited into camp previously, but for one reason or another it never quite materialised,” he explained.

Life, as it often does, intervened.

“One opportunity coincided with the birth of my son and us taking him home for the first time,” Williams said. “Another time, I was just returning from injury right before camp, so it wasn’t the right opportunity for everybody.”

Rather than allowing those moments to frustrate him, Williams chose perspective.

“I’ve always been extremely grateful to have been considered,” he said. “So to finally be here now, and to compete for my country alongside great teammates on such a big stage, means a lot.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Coming home, finding rhythm

This season has marked another important shift in Williams’ career, returning to England to play for the London Lions in Super League Basketball, alongside competing in the EuroCup.

The impact, he says, has been immediate - and profound.

“Being back on home soil has been a joy,” Williams explained. “It takes a lot of stress away. You can just focus on basketball.”

The benefits go far beyond the court.

“I’m surrounded by people I know, familiar environments, my family - and no language barriers,” he said. “The quality of life is so much better, and that leads to better performances.”

Those performances have spoken for themselves. Amid injuries and roster disruptions, Williams has stepped up consistently for London.

“Somebody always has to fill the void,” he said. “And I’ve found myself in a hot streak where everything’s just fallen into place.”

Watch GB v Italy live on Courtside 1891

Slipping seamlessly into camp

Despite this being his first senior GB camp, Williams has felt anything but like an outsider.

“I’ve crossed paths with most of the guys before,” he said. “Whether recently or earlier in my career.”

That familiarity has made integration smooth.

“It’s been really nice to sit down and learn more about everyone’s experiences, on and off the court,” he added. “I’ve enjoyed every moment.”

The feeling, he says, is mutual.

“Everybody’s been so welcoming,” Williams said. “I’m excited to go to battle with them.”

Respecting the challenge ahead

There’s no mistaking the scale of the task awaiting GB. Italy arrive as one of Europe’s elite programmes, packed with experience and depth.

“We know it’s going to be tough,” Williams said. “They’re one of the top teams in Europe for a reason.”

While this level of international competition is new territory for him, Williams is leaning on those around him.

“The guys here have played at this level a lot more than I have,” he explains. “They’ve done a great job preparing me for what to expect.”

That said, familiarity exists on the other side too.

“I’ve played against a number of Italian players over the years,” he said. “So that helps.”

Ultimately, though, preparation outweighs prediction.

“At this level, anyone can go off on any given night,” Williams says. “We’ve just got to stick to the game plan — be disruptive, physical, and compete.”

Turning the tables in Newcastle

Few venues in British basketball carry the atmosphere of Newcastle, something Williams knows all too well - usually from the wrong side of it.

“I’ve seen this season how hard it is to play here as the opponent,” he said with a smile. “So I’m excited to be on the other side for once.”

For Williams, the crowd matters.

“People take time out of their day and spend their own money to come and support us,” he says.

“We’re very grateful for that and excited to try and repay that loyalty.”

A new dynamic with a familiar rival

Another adjustment this week has been working under head coach Marc Steutel - a man Williams usually faces from the opposite sideline in Super League Basketball.

“For the first 10 minutes it was a bit strange,” he laughs. “But honestly, it’s been a great experience.”

Steutel’s approach has made an immediate impression.

“He’s super-passionate — about what he does, and about us as people,” Williams said. “He made me feel welcome from the start.”

One early conversation helped settle any lingering nerves.

“I told him I felt like the new guy,” Williams recalled. “And he said it’s only me that sees myself like that.”

The message was simple: be yourself.

“That’s how I’ve tried to approach it,” Williams said.

Bringing his identity to the biggest stage

As he prepares to potentially make his senior international debut, Williams’ focus is clear.

“I want to stick to my identity,” he said “And bring that to the international game.”

For him, success lies in clarity and commitment.

“If we stick to our strengths, we can be successful,” Williams explained. “We need to be the disruptor, not disrupted.”

It’s a mindset shaped by years of experience, patience, and resilience - and one that feels perfectly timed now.

After years of waiting, Deane Williams isn’t just ready for this moment. He’s earned it. And as he pulls on the GB jersey at last, it represents not just a debut - but the culmination of a journey that refused to be rushed.

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