 Jordan is on a promotional tour of Europe |
NBA legend Michael Jordan praised GB star Luol Deng as "definitely up and coming" while on a surprise visit to his Jordan Classic Camp in London.
"He's going to be a great example for what's happening here in the UK and he'll give a lot of motivation for some of these kids," added Jordan.
Deng is about to start his third season at Jordan's former club, Chicago.
"What he's done at Chicago is make a name for himself by just working hard," said the six-time NBA champion.
Jordan, a member of the US 'Dream Team' that won 1992 Olympic gold in Barcelona, admitted he was surprised the international game has caught up with the NBA.
"I knew they would get better, I just didn't think they would beat us regularly," he said.
"But you can see that their basketball skill level is getting better each and every year."
The former Chicago and Washington star also praised the role of European players in revitalising the NBA.
"European players are very versatile," he said. "Most NBA teams now try to build as much of a different look, and versatility helps the coaches do that.
"European players are strong for that - they make very good role players."
Jordan, now a part owner and executive with the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats, is on his first visit to the UK since giving up the game as a player.
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