Latest news with #FIBAEuroBasket2025
The 42
24-04-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Mark Keenan to step down as Ireland men's basketball head coach
MARK KEENAN IS stepping down as the Ireland men's basketball head coach after six years in the role. Keenan said: 'I've thoroughly enjoyed my time as Ireland head coach, it's been a great honour to lead my national team. It's now time to pass on the torch to the next head coach to build on what we've achieved over the last six years.' Keenan was appointed in 2019 and led Ireland to trophy success, winning the 2021 FIBA European Championship for Small Countries. That tournament victory helped send Ireland into the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 pre-qualifiers, where the team claimed home and away victories over both Cyprus and Luxembourg. Advertisement Keenan subsequently led the side into the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 pre-qualifiers – the first time an Irish side has competed at World Cup level. The team came close to advancing to the next round, having achieved three wins, twice against Azerbaijan and a home victory against Kosovo. Keenan stated: 'There have been so many highs, including winning the 2021 FIBA European Championship for Small Countries in Dublin. Leading our return to FIBA EuroBasket Pre-Qualifiers was a big task, but one I and the rest of my coaching staff relished, picking up four wins over Cyprus and Luxembourg, who were both ranked higher than us.' He added: 'Our two home wins last November during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Pre-Qualifiers and the atmosphere at those games will also live long in the memory and we came so close to advancing to the next stage of qualifying, with three wins overall.' The decision follows a meeting between Keenan, Basketball Ireland CEO John Feehan and Deirdre Brennan, chair of the Elite Performance Committee, where all parties 'agreed it was time for a change,' according to a statement from Basketball Ireland. Brennan praised Keenan's contribution to Irish basketball. She said: 'Mark has left a legacy with Irish basketball and on behalf of the EPC I'd like to thank him for his outstanding service as head coach of the Irish senior men's team over the last six years, giving us so many wonderful moments.' Feehan said: 'Mark Keenan has given so much to Irish international basketball. As a player he won the FIBA Promotions Cup in 1994 and then 25 years later he was head coach as the team lifted the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries, a remarkable feat.'
USA Today
19-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Spanish guard Hugo González, a projected first-round pick, declares for 2025 NBA draft
Spanish guard Hugo González, a projected first-round pick, declares for 2025 NBA draft Spanish guard Hugo González is reportedly declaring for the 2025 NBA draft after playing with Real Madrid, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. González is averaging 3.1 points and 1.7 rebounds on 40.8% shooting from the field in 53 appearances across all competitions in the EuroLeague and Spanish League. He has scored in double figures four times, including a season-high 14 points and five rebounds on Dec. 15. The 19-year-old has been with Real Madrid over the past three seasons, splitting time between its second team and main roster. He has played sparingly this season on a veteran-laden roster, though he has shown potential when given the opportunity to log significant minutes. González is considered a potential first-round pick this year, with his defensive versatility and ability to make impact plays. He hasn't yet developed a consistent 3-point shot, converting 29.2% on 1.2 attempts per game this season, but excels in every other offensive area. The 6-foot-7 prospect has represented Spain internationally several times at the junior level, most recently in the 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket. He was also called up to the senior team in February, averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds in two appearances in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers. González will likely be a late arrival to the United States for the predraft process, with Real Madrid expected to make a deep playoff run. He will likely have the opportunity to participate in a draft combine in June for prospects still playing with their international teams. The 2025 NBA draft will occur June 25-26 in New York City.
USA Today
18-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Projected first-rounder Noa Essengue declares for 2025 NBA draft
Projected first-rounder Noa Essengue declares for 2025 NBA draft French forward Noa Essengue told ESPN on Friday that he will declare for the 2025 NBA draft after playing this season with ratiopharm Ulm. Essengue is averaging 10.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and one steal on 51.4% shooting from the field in 45 games across all competitions in the BBL and EuroCup. He has registered four 20-point games, including 21 points, four rebounds and four assists on March 22. The 6-foot-10 standout is considered a potential lottery pick, with his size and defensive versatility. He has a good interior game and dazzled in the open court in fastbreak situations after creating turnovers with his length and instincts on defense. Essengue has also represented France internationally several times at the junior level, most recently in the FIBA U18 European Championship last year. He was promoted to the senior team in November for the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers, totaling 15 minutes. The 18-year-old joined teammate Ben Saraf on Friday by announcing his draft intentions. They comprise a talented group of international prospects, along with the likes of Joan Beringer, Hugo González, Noah Penda, Alex Toohey and Nolan Traoré, among others. Essengue will be a late arrival to the United States for the predraft process, with ratiopharm Ulm on track to qualify for the playoffs next month. He will likely have the opportunity to participate in a draft combine in June for prospects still playing with their international teams. The 2025 NBA draft will occur June 25-26 in New York City.
USA Today
17-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Spanish forward Izan Almansa declares for 2025 NBA draft after playing in NBL
Spanish forward Izan Almansa declares for 2025 NBA draft after playing in NBL Spanish forward Izan Almansa is reportedly declaring for the 2025 NBA draft after playing this season in the National Basketball League, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. Almansa averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds on 51.1% shooting from the field in 33 games with the Perth Wildcats. He scored in double figures eight times, including a season-high 19 points, seven rebounds and two blocks on Nov. 9. The 6-foot-10 standout signed with the Wildcats in June as part of the Next Stars program, a plan introduced by the NBL to give top prospects a path to play professionally. He played last season with the G League Ignite, averaging 10.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Almansa tested the predraft process last year, participating in the combine and working out for at least two teams before withdrawing from consideration. He was among several prospects who played in the NBL, joining the likes of Malique Lewis, Alex Toohey and Rocco Zikarsky. The 19-year-old is highly touted for his defensive ability, given his athleticism and 7-foot, 1-inch wingspan. He is still working to develop his 3-point shot, though he showcased that he can be great in pick-and-roll situations as a screener and roller. Almansa has also represented Spain several times at the junior level, earning Most Valuable Player in three events. He debuted with the senior team at the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers in November, averaging 4.5 points, two rebounds and one steal in four appearances. The 2025 NBA draft will occur June 25-26 in New York City.
