Irish basketball squad named for qualifiers

Irish Senior Men basketball coach Jay Larranaga has today named his squad ahead of the start of their European qualifiers on Saturday, August 15.

The side will entertain Sweden (Saturday, August 15) and Luxembourg (Saturday, August 22) at the National Basketball Arena, while they face Georgia (Wednesday, August 19) and the Slovak Republic (Saturday, August 29) on their travels.

A number of domestic players have been named in the squad including Nivea For Men’s Superleague Player of the Year Colin O’Reilly, while Ulster Elks guard Ian O’Boyle and DART duo Paddy Kelly and Michael Westbrooks are also included.

Conor Grace has been named captain in a season which saw him help Greek side Ilysiakos gain promotion into the first league. Larranaga has also brought Bryan Mullins of Sasp JL Bourg Basket into the fold, while Jason Killeen is also included after an excellent season in the USA.

“We are very optimistic about these second round of qualification games,” said Larranaga.

“We understand that it will be very difficult to qualify, but we are encouraged by the progress we made over the four games last year.

“Jason killeen and Michael Williams will give us some much needed depth inside particularly against Sweden and Georgia who hurt us last year with their interior scoring and rebounding.

“Bryan Mullins is an outstanding playmaker and lockdown defender who will greatly improve our overall team chemistry and Defense. Colin O'Reilly should build upon his MVP season in the Superleague and continue to grow into one of the team leaders. Conor Grace also had an excellent year in Greece and will anchor our team with his selfless play and toughness.”

Ireland’s two homes games will form part of a double header with the Irish Senior Women’s side, with their game against Montenegro opening proceedings next Saturday at 2:30pm.

Ireland Senior Men's Squad:

4 Aaron Westbrooks/Trinity College, Conneticut

5 Jason Killeen/Augusta State Jaguars

6 Ian O’ Boyle/Ulster Elks

7 Isaac Westbrooks/Leicester Riders

9 Jay Larranaga/Basket Caserta (Italy)

10 Colin O’Reilly/UCC Demons

12 Bryan Mullins/Sasp JL Bourg Basket (France)

13 Michael Williams/awaiting club

14 Conor Grace/Ilysiakos (Greece)

15 Justen Naughton/ Evessa (Japan)

21 Michael Westbrooks/DART Killester

24 Paddy Kelly/DART Killester