Belfast coach Quinn targeting silverware for season ahead

As the lone side from the North-East of the island, or Northern Ireland as whole, in the top flight, the Belfast club will have to hit the road more than most this season.

There are 11 teams gunning for the crown of UCC Demons in the Domino’s Men’s Super League this season. With the campaign tipping off this weekend, none will clock up more mileage than Belfast Star.

As the lone side from the North-East of the island, or Northern Ireland as whole, in the top flight, the Belfast club will have to hit the road more than most this season. Despite that perennial challenge, Conor Quinn is hungry to prove his side’s mettle this season.

“I’m excited, we’ve had a couple of changes,” he said. “We weren’t satisfied with how last season went. We’ve a new bunch of guys, a new group, and we’re excited to get going.

“Silverware of some sort is our target. We don’t want to get blinded by that, but we have the talent and the group of guys needed to be able to do something.”

Another side aiming to make a step up in this campaign is Killorglin. Corkman and Ireland international Jordan Blount is starting his second season with the Kerry club. He said the off-the-court lifestyle of Killorglin has helped him as a player.

“I love it, my family loves it too,” said Blount. “It’s a wonderful town, and the people are incredible. From my years playing, the biggest thing about being successful is being happy off the court. I can’t say a bad thing about Killorglin.

“The community is fully behind us, and that makes it easier for us to go out and play. Our goal is a trophy. Wherever I’m at, where I play, until I bring a trophy home I’m not successful. Last year we figured out how to be close, now it’s about getting over that line.”

New Tralee Warriors signing Iggy Hunt has seen the world in his basketball journey. Prior to signing with the Kerry club, the Canadian played in Azerbaijan, China, Portugal, and Qatar. Hunt is excited about the chance to play in the Super League and adjusting to life in Ireland.

“In my first three weeks in Ireland I went through two umbrellas,” he said. “Everything around me in Tralee is within walking distance.”

On the court, he has already been impressed by the attitude he has seen from his team-mates and other clubs in pre-season.

“We need to stay solid and united,” he said. “We can’t let the losses impact us because we have to get back up for that next game.

“One thing I’ve seen consistently since getting here is that all of the players have heart.”

Newly-promoted Limerick Celtics, meanwhile, are aiming to prove they belong amongst the elite of Irish basketball this season.

“We want to compete at a level where we exceed expectations,” said Jordan Hehir of Limerick Celtics. “We want to be the surprise team in the Super League.

“We’ve a good strong Irish core. We’re bringing everyone back.

“We need to make sure that everyone understands their role, and plays basketball at a high intensity.”