Latest news with #BasketballIreland
Irish Independent
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Sligo's Shane O'Meara joins Ireland senior men's backroom team
O'Meara joins fellow Sligo native Michael Bree who was appointed as head coach of the Ireland senior men's team earlier this month. O'Meara has been at the helm of EJ Sligo All-Stars since 2021, leading them to promotion back to the Domino's Men's Super League and a Pat Duffy Cup semi-final berth during his tenure. Basketball Ireland confirmed the appointment of O'Meara alongside three assistant coaches earlier this week. Paul Kelleher, Ciaran O'Sullivan and Colin O'Reilly have accepted coaching roles in the programme and will take charge for the friendly game against Norway, as Bree completes his FIBA World Cup qualifying commitments with Denmark. They will be assisted as Team Manager by Shane O'Meara. 'I'm delighted with the coaching staff I've been able to assemble,' said Bree. 'Each person is going to bring a unique skill set and personality to the group, but most importantly - a vast experience in Irish basketball both as players and coaches. "Putting together a staff to represent your country is a privilege and I know that Paul, Ciaran, Colin and Shane will work tirelessly to give our players the best platform possible to succeed in the Jysk Summer Series in two weeks, but also in preparation for our opening FIBA EuroBasket 2029 qualifiers in November.'
Irish Examiner
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Irish Eyes on Vegas: CJ Fulton makes history in NBA Summer League
CJ Fulton will make history this Thursday as the first Irish-developed player to compete in the NBA Summer League, suiting up for the Minnesota Timberwolves in Las Vegas. Tip-off is at 8:30pm, live on ESPN2 and the NBA App. It's fitting that it's CJ who's made the breakthrough. His family's history in Irish basketball is one of trailblazing achievement, and his rise continues that tradition. While the domestic story of Irish basketball has long been rooted in Cork and the glory days of the 1980s, much of the sport's international success has come from the Fultons of Belfast. The Fulton Legacy CJ's grandfather, Danny Fulton—a Basketball Ireland Hall of Famer—coached the Irish Senior Men's National Team for over a decade, including leading the squad to its first-ever win over continental opposition: Portugal in 1977. He also coached the U19 team to a historic European Championship qualifier win over Denmark in 1984, where a young Mark Keenan starred at point guard. CJ's father, Adrian Fulton, has continued that legacy both on the court and on the sidelines. He was a key point guard on the team that won Ireland's first gold medal at senior level at the 1994 FIBA Promotions Cup (now the FIBA Small Countries Championship), and he was part of the coaching staff when Ireland captured gold again in 2021. His playing days coincided with one of Irish basketball's brightest eras—when the national programme built strong connections with Irish America, blending homegrown talent with U.S.-born players eligible to represent Ireland. 22 years ago this month, Adrian stood on court in New York at the World University Games, facing off against the United States. That moment—when Irish-American fathers in the crowd were moved to tears seeing their sons play for Ireland—now has a parallel: Adrian will be in the stands in Las Vegas, this time as a proud father watching CJ forge his own path. Ireland's NBA Connection Ireland's direct links to the NBA are few. Pat Burke remains the only Irish-born player to appear in the league. Marty Conlon and Cal Bowdler, both of Irish descent, had NBA careers and represented the Irish National Team, with Conlon in particular carving out a solid stint in the league. John O'Donnell, a Cork native who moved to New York at age seven, was drafted in the 10th round of the 1972 NBA Draft, a gesture of recognition more than a real opportunity. O'Donnell came from the influential Barry family, known for Barry's Tea and their political legacy, including former Tánaiste Peter Barry. His uncle, John Kerry O'Donnell, is also well known in sporting lore having helped preserve Gaelic Park in New York in the late 1930s when the GAA couldn't afford to hold onto it. O'Donnell's draft selection was a thank-you from his college coach, Dean Smith of North Carolina (Michael Jordan's college coach), but his professional career was ultimately spent in Europe. Against that backdrop, CJ Fulton's appearance in the Summer League is truly groundbreaking. The Opportunity in Las Vegas CJ isn't just making up the numbers. After the NBA Draft, he was quickly identified by the Timberwolves as a Summer League target. Kevin Hanson, who's coaching the Summer League squad, has already highlighted CJ as the standout performer from Day 1 of their mini-camp ahead of Vegas, calling him a true point guard. Andrew Dukowitz, a Timberwolves beat writer with Zone Coverage, sees a clear alignment between CJ and Minnesota's head coach, Chris Finch: 'He seems like a Finch guy. Finch loves players that can control the pace and have a great feel for the game. It makes a lot of sense that he's here—he checks a lot of boxes for what the Wolves look for.' The fit does feel natural. Finch himself came from an unconventional path—playing Division III college basketball before spending time in the British League with Sheffield, where his coaching journey also began. Coaches with more traditional U.S. basketball résumés may have overlooked CJ, but Finch's familiarity with the UK and Irish basketball scene could give CJ a genuine chance. Already this week, CJ has been assigned to guard rising Timberwolves star Rob Dillingham in practice. Dillingham, the 8th overall pick in last year's draft has already played over 40 NBA games and is expected to take a leap forward this season. A strong Summer League start for Dillingham could actually benefit CJ, as teams often rest proven players early, giving more minutes to those still being evaluated. CJ has spoken about the importance of "starring in his role"—as a facilitator, not a star scorer. Surrounded by top-tier talent, that role may be exactly where he shines. What Comes Next? What happens next is anyone's guess. Whether CJ can play himself into a G-League spot, a two-way contract (NBA teams are allowed 3 players that have time split between their NBA team and a G-League affiliate), or another pro opportunity remains to be seen. What's already clear, though, is that a new chapter in Irish basketball history is being written. Twenty-two years after Adrian Fulton stood on court in New York, representing Ireland as proud parents cheered from the stands, the roles have reversed. Now, it's Adrian's turn to look down from the crowd in Vegas and watch his son blaze a trail few thought possible just months ago.
The 42
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Michael Bree appointed head coach of Ireland basketball team
MICHAEL BREE HAS been appointed as the head coach of the Ireland senior men's team. The former Ireland captain takes charge of the team from 1 September and has signed a four-year contract ahead of their upcoming of FIBA EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers, which begin in November. Bree – who won over 40 caps for Ireland between 2000 and 2006 – is currently assistant with Denmark's senior men's team and will start his new role at the conclusion of their FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying campaign. Advertisement Bree has been with the Danish national team since 2023. Previously, the 45-year-old spent five years as Sweden's U16 and U18 men's head coach and worked with Gothenburg's Högsbo Basket, following an eight-year professional playing career in France, Germany, Spain, Poland and Sweden between 2002 and 2010. After leaving Sligo in 1998, Bree played college basketball at NCAA Division 1 programme Davidson College in North Carolina. Bree captained the team in his junior and senior season, earning MVP honours in each. Only one other person has managed to achieve this in school history – four-time NBA champion Steph Curry – who was recruited to the school at the end of Bree's time there. Commenting on his appointment, Bree said: 'I am delighted and honoured to be taking on this new role within Basketball Ireland. I'm ecstatic to have the good fortune to represent our basketball nation once again on the international stage. We are an emerging nation within the international basketball community and to have the opportunity to add value to the programme is immensely motivating and makes me very proud. 'Throughout my career, Irish basketball has presented me with so many wonderful experiences and opened numerous doors to new and exciting possibilities. My wish is to offer at least as much in return, as we navigate the potential challenges that high-level competitive international basketball can present.' Bree has honed a background in player development too, through his role as Programme Director at RIG Mark Basketball, which he has held since 2014. The programme is tasked with developing elite level international players for Sweden's men's and women's teams. In the last seven years, the academy has produced 24 current and alumni players for the U20 and U18 programmes, 18 NCAA D1 scholarship students, 24 professional players and most recently an NBA draft pick in 2024. Basketball Ireland CEO, John Feehan, said: 'There's been a huge interest in this position from coaches at home, in Europe and beyond, which is a testament to the growing respect for the ability of Irish players to compete at the highest level. Michael's commitment to the ongoing development of Irish basketball mirrors Basketball Ireland's ambition for the growth of the sport. I'm looking forward to seeing what he brings to the role in the over the next four years.' Bree will now turn his attentions to appointing his backroom team, who are set to take charge of the side for Ireland's upcoming 'JYSK Summer Series' game with Norway on 26 July at the National Basketball Arena. Ireland's women are also playing on the same day and tickets for the double header are on sale through Basketball Ireland.
RTÉ News
01-07-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Former captain Michael Bree appointed head coach of Irish team
Former captain Michael Bree has been appointed the new head coach of the Ireland senior men's basketball team. Bree will take charge of the team from 1 September and has signed a four-year contract. Capped over 40 caps for Ireland between 2000 and 2006 – the Sligo man is currently assistant with Denmark's senior men's team and will start his new role at the conclusion of their FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying campaign. Bree has been with the Danish national team since 2023. The 45-year-old spent five years as Sweden's Under-16 and U18 men's head coach and worked with Gothenburg's Högsbo Basket, following an eight-year professional playing career in France, Germany, Spain, Poland and Sweden between 2002 and 2010. After leaving Sligo in 1998, Bree played college basketball at NCAA Division 1 programme Davidson College in North Carolina. Bree said: "I am delighted and honoured to be taking on this new role within Basketball Ireland. I'm ecstatic to have the good fortune to represent our basketball nation once again on the international stage. "We are an emerging nation within the international basketball community and to have the opportunity to add value to the programme is immensely motivating and makes me very proud. Throughout my career, Irish basketball has presented me with so many wonderful experiences and opened numerous doors to new and exciting possibilities. "My wish is to offer at least as much in return, as we navigate the potential challenges that high-level competitive international basketball can present." Basketball Ireland CEO,John Feehan, added: "There's been a huge interest in this position from coaches at home, in Europe and beyond, which is a testament to the growing respect for the ability of Irish players to compete at the highest level. "Michael's commitment to the ongoing development of Irish basketball mirrors Basketball Ireland's ambition for the growth of the sport. I'm looking forward to seeing what he brings to the role in the over the next four years."
Irish Independent
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Meet the 21-year-old Louth basketball coach turning heads
Elijah Faapito from Dundalk has been named Basketball Ireland's Underage Coach of the Year at just 21, making him the youngest ever recipient of the award The Argus Californian born, but Dundalk raised, Elijah Faapito created a bit of Louth sporting history recently when he was named Basketball Ireland's 'Underage Coach of the Year' - a national honour for the Dundalk Ravens U20s coach – but what makes the award remarkable, is that Elijah is only 21 - barely out of U20s himself. It's an award normally associated with an older or a more experienced coach. He's the youngest recipient of the award and it's recognition for guiding the Dundalk Ravens U20s to a National Cup title.
