Head coach Pete Strickland relishing Ireland link-up with Ioannis Liapakis
Currently coaching UCD Marian’s Super League Men’s team, Liapakis also enjoyed successes internationally and Strickland is relishing the partnership.
“Liapakis’s court acumen, people skills and international overview is a combination that will prepare players for a high level of competition immediately.”
Liapakis said: “It’s a great honour to be part of the men’s national team setup and to work alongside legendary coach Pete Strickland. I would like to thank coach Strickland and Basketball Ireland for giving me the opportunity to be part of the team and I am looking forward to it.”
Cup champions Team Ambassador continue in their quest to complete the double when they host Dublin side Meteors at Upper Glanmire Sports complex tomorrow. Coach Mark Scannell is sweating on American Chantelle Alford who sustained a knee injury in the cup success.
Scannell said: “Chantelle got a bang in the knee but it wasn’t her old injury and although a little sore earlier in the week she is now almost back to full fitness.”
DCU Mercy coach Mark Ingle - fresh from his club winning both U18 and 20 National Cups - has set his sights on thwarting Glanmire’s double dream. Coach Ingle axed American Jazmen Wooton and replaced her with 5’-8’ point guard Ashley Perez who will make her debut on Sunday against Singleton’s Supervalu Brunell at the Parochial Hall. Ingle said: “We have to build on our cup successes and I have made a change within our American personnel that should help bring morale back to the squad.”
In the Men’s Super League leaders Templeogue have a free weekend but fellow title contenders Griffith Swords Thunder should keep the pressure on them when they face fellow Dublin side Eanna.
Thunder have parked their Cup celebrations as coach Dave Baker wants to keep the pressure on Templeogue.
Baker said: “ I think if we can win all our games that includes a home clash with Templeogue there is every chance we can stay in the mix.” Killester were disappointed with their Cup final performance but they should have few problems disposing of UL Eagles at Clontarf.
DCU Saints coach Joey Boylan is expecting a good finish to the campaign but they will need to foccused when they entertain Moycullen.
UCC Demons are having a dreadful season and they face another tricky encounter when they are involved in the battle of the colours against UCD Marian at the Mardyke Arena on Sunday.
