Dion Sherrell "I plan on helping win a championship with Belfast Star " - Sep 22, 2008 (by Eurobasket ) 1-You arrived in Belfast last weekend. What do you think about the city in your first days there? I'm still adjusting too the european life of course. I got in saturday and everything is different from the states. The city is pretty nice the weather is cold but I'm use to it I'm from detroit so I can handle it but living in Texas made me a bit spoiled.
2-Dion, you were playing in WBA and after TPBL. What could you say about this two minor leagues? The two leagues are good leagues to start of your career if you want to stay in states. I really enjoyed playing in both leagues there was a lot of exposure which can be very beneficial to you as a player.
3-In TPBL you compete for Dallas Diesel for two seasons. What was your role in this team? Playing with the Dallas Diesel really helped my career as a player. I had a lot film playing with them. My role was simple: put the ball in the basket and that's what I did coach wanted me to play defense an put pressure on my opponents by scoring at will an I have the Dallas Diesel scoring record with 44
4-Now, you start your fisrt overseas season. Are you ready? I had a few opportunities out of college to play professional but I turned them down. I have always been a gamer I have a lot of confidence in my game I work on my game all the time I trained pretty well this summer. I am very ready for this season.
5-You are a great scorer but also you can make other things on the court... I love to score points but one thing about me I compete at the highest level every time I step on the court I love the game I love playing defense I love guarding the other teams best player it only makes me better as a player I love rebounding an passing a lot people forget I played some point in college and for the Dallas Diesel I know the game
6-Why did you sign for Irish Superleague instead of other leagues? Coach O'neil saw film on me and he loved my game he knew what I could bring too his team plus this is a good league to start my career off being my first job. Next season will be my year for a bigger league an opportunity
7-Send a message to Belfast Star people I plan on helping win a championship with Belfast Star
Paul Kelleher to lead UCC Demons - Jul 1, 2010 (by Eurobasket News)
UCC Demons have appointed the new head coach. Paul Kelleher is the man for the job. The specialist will also work as the head coach of the Irish U16 National Team during their European Championship campaign this summer. Paul Kelleher has previously worked with the Irish U18 selection. The 29-year-old specialist will replace Luke D'Alessio at the bridge. [read more]
UCC Demons have appointed the new head coach. Paul Kelleher is the man for the job. The specialist will also work as the head coach of the Irish U16 National Team during their European Championship campaign this summer. Paul Kelleher has previously worked with the Irish U18 selection. The 29-year-old specialist will replace Luke D'Alessio at the bridge.
KILLESTERS TRIPLE GLORY HONOURED BY LORD MAYOR - Jun 18, 2010 (by Jolie Niland)
Killesters Nivea for Mens SuperLeague panel enjoyed a day of honour last Saturday as the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Emer Costello, celebrated the teams triple triumph as Conference, League and Cup champions.
With a special invitation from the Lord Mayor in recognising sporting achievements in Dublin, Killester joined in the festivities at the Mansion House with other area teams and various ambassadors for sport [read more]
Killesters Nivea for Mens SuperLeague panel enjoyed a day of honour last Saturday as the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Emer Costello, celebrated the teams triple triumph as Conference, League and Cup champions.
With a special invitation from the Lord Mayor in recognising sporting achievements in Dublin, Killester joined in the festivities at the Mansion House with other area teams and various ambassadors for sport.
Killester was recognized for their achievements in the Nivea for Mens SuperLeague and National Cup as the special day was organised to highlight sport at both local and national level.
Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello spoke briefly to the teams and ambassadors about the importance of sport, community participation and how Dublin City Council is doing everything they can to ensure that sport is available to anyone at all levels.
I think the more involvement we have, the more important the sport is and the stronger the case we have for further growth and investment stated the Lord Mayor,
From my point of view it really is about working at grassroots level and bringing the players up.
The day was further highlighted with recognition of Dublin being awarded the European Capital of Sport for 2010 and Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello believed that this prestigious honour is a direct result from a large amount of community participation.
The idea of sport is to encourage and increase the participation levels, this means we must make sure that there is something for everyone
We have put a huge investment into our sports and with such a range available as well as a high level of community participation - that is what being a Capital of Sport is all about.
Killesters Nivea For Mens SuperLeague team is no stranger to sporting success and Head Coach Mark Keenan was delighted to be amongst those honoured.
It is such a huge honour both for the city and for Irish basketball, specifically our mens team, to be recognized stated Keenan,
This is an encouragement to the team for their hard work and a boost to the Killester basketball club. Maybe this will also inspire other clubs as they can see the type of recognition you can get from success.
During the 2009/2010 season, Killester were able to raise the champions cup for all three of the highest honours in the National League.
The 2010 National Cup Final saw Killester take back the trophy and avenge their loss to UCC Demons in 2009. In front of a packed house at the National Basketball Arena, Killester showcased a superb display as they coasted to a 25 point victory over repeat opponents UCC Demons.
In the regular season, Killester was a consistent force and finished with a record of 13 wins and only five losses as they seized first place in the Northern Conference earning their second hardware piece.
Finally, the team picked up their third trophy after they celebrated a 74-64 win over UL Eagles in the Nivea For Mens SuperLeague National Final in late March.
The Lord Mayor took time to specially note the remarkable support system that follows the Killester basketball club and reiterated the importance of a community involvement and choice, as well as her own personal sporting involvement.
I played basketball in school but it didnt suit me in the end, however I was able to join swimming because it was available
I strongly encourage parents to expose their children to as many sports as possible and we should ensure at community level we have a way to accommodate them.
Killester Head Coach Mark Keenan added his belief that a lot of his sides success comes from a positive attitude.
Obviously with this award it gives Killester a boost said Keenan, You just have to look forward and be positive
Catching up with Eurobasket Summer League and British BBL Standout Jerrah Young - Jun 18, 2010 (by Richard)
From Chicago to Cork to Cheshire Jets.does Jerrah Young (201-F-85, agency: Liman Sports, college: Toledo) have an affinity for the letter C? Maybe not, but that has been the path the former Toledo forward has taken on his way to establishing himself as one of the more promising young forwards on the European level. After graduating from Toledo the Chicago native wasnt sure where his career would lead [read more]
From Chicago to Cork to Cheshire Jets.does Jerrah Young (201-F-85, agency: Liman Sports, college: Toledo) have an affinity for the letter C? Maybe not, but that has been the path the former Toledo forward has taken on his way to establishing himself as one of the more promising young forwards on the European level. After graduating from Toledo the Chicago native wasnt sure where his career would lead. He knew he could play on the international level, but with only one consistent season of playing time in the NCAA, he needed a push in the right direction. Eurobasket.com has for the past few years been establishing elite Eurobasket Summer Leagues throughout the United States and Europe (last season in Spain) to give players like Jerrah the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of influential agents, scouts and front-office personnel from around the globe. Two of the most recent successes of the camp have been Myles McKay (Las Vegas) who just finished his rookie season in the Czech Republic by leading the league in scoring for USK Praha, and Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: William Carey) (Chicago, Las Vegas) who went on to lead Penarol Mar del Plata to the Argentinean league championship. Jerrah Young also shined at the Chicago Summer League and parlayed that performance into his first professional contract in Ireland. From there he moved to England and the Britsh BBL where he finished this season by helping lead Cheshire Jets to a fourth place finish in the league and the finals of two trophy competitions. Here is a brief look into the burgeoning career of one of Chicagos finest.
Q. Going back to this season with Cheshire Jets. You finished fourth in the league (22-14), made the Finals of both the BBL Cup and BBL Trophy, but lost in the first round of the playoffs to fifth seeded Everton. How would you describe the feelings of the team at the end of the season; successful, felt that progress was made, or disappointment? And for you personally?
A. In comparison to the previous season it was a very big improvement. Coming from an eighth place team to fourth position, and making it to two finals was better than year before by far, but our team goal was to win it all honestly. I personally was very disappointed in how we finished up the season. In Ireland the previous year my team and I walked away with all the 'hardware.' But when its all said and done strides in the right direction were made.
Q. Your senior season in Toledo was really the only opportunity you had to start consistently and average steady minutes. Was it a matter of finally maturing and developing as a player, the right opportunity coming along or something else, which led to your breakout year?
A. In my personal opinion I would say the majority of the reason was because of more of an opportunity to play and more trust in my offense due to lack of players and a young team; Thus giving me more of an opportunity to show my talent.
Q. After finishing college where did you see yourself going professionally? Did you find an agent to help you land your first job in Ireland? What was the process like?
A. After college I honestly wasn't too sure where I was going to end up. I did have an agent at the time but my job in Ireland came from Darryl Reshaw referring me after seeing me play at the Eurobasket camp in Chicago. Prior to this was a very stressful time period of wondering where, when, or if, about my basketball career.
Q. Speaking of Ireland, it was obviously an impressive pro debut (22ppg, 12rpg - Cup Winner, Player of the Year, etc...). Was the basketball style and organization what you expected? Were there any shocks or surprises in that first season?
A. I actually didn't have a clue of what to expect prior to arriving. The biggest adjustment I had to make was becoming a smarter player rather than relying on my basketball skill or athletic ability.
Q. What led to your move from Cork to the BBL with Cheshire Jets? How would you compare the two leagues in terms of talent, tempo and style of play?
A. Actually, I was referred to Cheshire Jets by my teammate in Ireland, Colin O' Reiley, who was currently playing for Cheshire Jets. Shortly after speaking with Colin I received a call from Coach Paul Smith and I was on my way to England. England by far is a more competitive league than Ireland. There are more Americans and the British players a very good as well. The league is a very physical league filled with lots of veteran players.
Q. You joined Cheshire Jets in January of '10, coming on after a few rounds of the season had already been completed. Were there some other opportunities you weighed before deciding on Cheshire Jets? Was it the right choice?
A. I think the decision was a good one. I gained another professional year of experience and improved. No one wants to take a full season off from playing so I was happy this opportunity came about. I passed up on a few jobs during the summer which left me with no good offers during the fall.
Q. Once the season ended and you headed back home...what is your offseason like? Do you remove yourself from basketball for a while to let your mind and body recuperate or are you constantly on the go, training and playing?
A. Lol. Well I only took only about a week and a half off and I was back at the gym lifting weights, shooting shots, and running Monday-Friday. I just love basketball and improving so I cant stay away too long at all.
Q. Where are you looking to take your career for this upcoming season? Do you have any preferences on where you would like to play, or in what type of system?
A. I honestly don't have a specific place, but I can say that I want to play at the highest level possible and make bigger jumps every year. I hope that each year I can make strides to establish myself as a high level player in the top leagues in Europe.
Q. What would be the best way to describe your style of play and the talents you bring to the basketball court?
A. Well I have always been described by my agent and coaches as a player that doesn't do one thing great but does everything well which I have to agree with. My best attributes are my defense and rebounding. I really take pride in both. My strength and athletic ability along with my basketball talent has allowed me to be a very versatile player.
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