Sligo native Michael Bree named new head coach of Irish men's basketball team

Bree will join from Denmark where he is currently part of their senior men’s programme.

Michael Bree, who won 40 caps for Ireland between 2000 and 2006, has been named head coach of the Irish men's team. Pic: ©INPHO/Nick Elliott

Michael Bree has been named as the new head coach of the Ireland senior men’s national basketball team. Bree, who replaces longtime coach Mark Keenan, will officially take over the role in September after he finishes his current duties as an assistant coach with the Danish national team.

The Sligo native, who lives in Sweden, said it was an easy decision to accept the role.

“It happened pretty fast. I knew about the job opening, I wasn’t certain about the time or logistics on my end. Once I had those in place, I knew that I wanted to go for the position,” said Bree.

“The growth in the sport in the country over the last couple of years has been tremendous. I want to help continue that, get us to new levels and compete with some of the best in Europe. It’s a big task but one I’m optimistic about and want to drive for.” 

Due to his duties with Denmark this summer, Bree won’t be at the helm for the friendly with Norway later this month. His first action will be in the November qualifying window, when Ireland begins its EuroBasket 2029 journey.

“We need to have depth in the roster. The goal is to expand the types of leagues our players play in, get them to a higher level of competition so that can transfer back to the national team,” said Bree.

“We’ll prepare for the qualifiers based on who we get matched up with. The luck of the draw sometimes plays a factor, regardless of who it is we’ll focus on ourselves first.” 

Ireland’s last qualification window saw the side finish second in their group with a 3-3 record, including wins over Kosovo and Azerbaijan. Bree said his goal is to raise that level again.

“Our ambition is to go higher, we want to compete at a higher level of competition. Winning drives many things in the sport. It’s a resource based sport, the more success the more assets we have,” he said.

“Hopefully we can produce some results so we can drive the sport forward more.” 

The new Ireland head coach said he hasn’t been in contact with any of the squad yet but he said that CJ Fulton’s invite to the NBA Summer League with the Minnesota Timberwolves would have a positive impact on Irish basketball.

“I’m delighted for him. It’s a great achievement for Irish basketball. Just being exposed to that kind of environment is great for his own development and opportunities.”