Price quits Neptune to take up role in States

BASKETBALL SuperLeague outfit Bord Gáis Neptune are expected to announce their new head coach next week after Pat Price revealed he was returning to the USA after a glittering career in Ireland.

Price is set for a top coaching role at Ursinus College in Pennsylvania, just three months after leading Neptune to the Nivea For Men’s SuperLeague final. Ursinus College boasts a real pedigree in US collegiate basketball, having participated in the famous Final Four competition in recent years.

“I certainly have mixed feelings about leaving,” said Price, who spent 11 out of the last 13 years in Ireland. “The opportunity to return to full-time NCAA college coaching is exciting, and certainly the proximity to my family back in the States was a factor.

“Head coach Kevin Small is a long-time friend and a hugely respected figure in college coaching, and I am very happy to have the opportunity to work with such a quality programme.”

Price has made a phenomenal impact in Ireland, most notably as head coach of UCC Demons and Neptune.

During his reign at Demons, he led the side to four National Cup titles and a SuperLeague crown. More recently, following a break from the SuperLeague, he was appointed head coach of Bord Gáis Neptune, who he led to a National League final before being beaten by 11890 Killester.

Price was also part of Ireland’s management team for the senior men’s 2008/09 European qualification series, where he worked alongside Jay Larranaga and Mark Keenan.