Ireland target two wins to launch the Bree era

Ireland captain Sean Flood said the team won’t be overawed by the task ahead of them against Luxembourg and North Macedonia.

Ireland's Sean Flood celebrates scoring a three pointer. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Ireland’s men’s basketball team are determined to get two wins from two as they begin their EuroBasket 2029 qualifying campaign this week.

The two games against Luxembourg and North Macedonia will be the first for new head coach Michael Bree, and Jordan Blount said Bree had set a clear goal for the side.

“Mike is fantastic and his knowledge is admirable. There’s a lot of guys who have been here before, the newest people here are the coaching staff, so we have to make sure our chemistry is there and implement what Mike wants as soon as we can,” Blount told the Irish Examiner.

“The goal is to go 2-0. Mike set the precedent early. We had a meeting and it’s not about participating, it’s about winning and getting to the highest level that we can. Starting off 2-0 would be the perfect way to do that.” 

Ireland’s campaign starts away to Luxembourg on Thursday before they host North Macedonia on Sunday in Dublin. The latter has a strong record at this level, having qualified for EuroBasket five times in the past, including a fourth place finish in 2011.

Ireland captain Sean Flood said the team won’t be overawed by the task ahead of them.

“We’ve got an experienced group with some new players added in and a new staff with different ideas that are changing things up. We’re getting a real sense this week of what Mike wants from us,” he said.

“Mike has set out his goals and for us to meet his expectations, 2-0 is the goal for the week. To do that, we have to trust what he sees and what his vision for success is.” 

Flood is currently unattached, with him waiting to find the right offer that suits him for this season after a successful stint with Tartu in Estonia last season. The Ireland captain isn’t worried about ring-rust ahead of these games.

“I haven’t given much thought to it, I’d rather trust the work I’ve done. It’s a unique situation, my first game after the Estonian finals so that’s almost six months. It’s a different sense of energy but I’m excited and it’s rejuvenating,” he said.

“There are discussions ongoing at all times [about a new club]. My lips are sealed for now but hopefully there’ll be a bit of news after the international window.” 

The Ireland side features the most players playing professionally overseas since Bree’s era as a player. That includes Sam Alajiki, currently playing with Hapoel Galil Elion in Israel.

The issues between Basketball Ireland and Israel have led to all games between the two nations in recent years being played at neutral sites. Bree said Alajiki’s choice of club didn’t impact his selection decision.

“To be honest my job is to pick 12 players for the squad. I can’t control where people play their club basketball. I’m proud that we have people outside of Ireland playing at a higher level. It’s only going to improve the sport and what we have to offer as a national team,” he said.

“The more experience we bring in, the more habits we pick up from abroad, the more there is the rub off effect on everyone. It’s only a positive effect to have more experienced players.” 

Bree, who is originally from Sligo, had a lengthy pro career after playing NCAA basketball at Davidson. He now lives in Sweden and previously held an assistant role with the Danish national side. Bree said he is enjoying his start to the new role.

“It’s been good and productive, I didn’t know what to expect meeting a new group but we got a good feel for who we are and how to move forward. I’m confident we’re going to prepare correctly and have an opportunity to compete.”