Inside Basketball: Conor Meany posts up the weekend's Superleague talking points

Ballincollig on the up, Tralee struggle and Neptune bounce back. 

TO THE PAINT: Daniel Jokubaitis of Tralee Warriors and Dylan Corkery of Emporium Cork at Tralee Sports Complex. Picture: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus

1. Emporium Cork Basketball still finding identity

Ballincollig were full value for their 95-85 win in Tralee at the weekend and yet there’s a feeling that they aren’t yet close to what they can become or even what they were last year. Jose Jimenez Gonzales is an excellent player and has taken to the Irish league incredibly well. John Dawson has excellent pedigree and has been very solid this year too. The shadow of Andre Nation is still case over this team to a certain degree. Nation covered so many positions and gaps that he enabled some of Ballincollig’s home-grown stars to find the perfect role for themselves. Both Dawson and Jimenez are excellent at their positions but the Irish players around them still look like they are trying to find how best to play beside them. Championship teams in Ireland have Irish players starring in their role and unlocking Adrian O’Sullivan in particular is critical to Ballincollig challenging the top teams.