#1. This week's number one is former international forward Colin O'Reilly (200-84, college: Post, currently plays in United Kingdom). O'Reilly led Plymouth Raiders to a victory over the closely-ranked London Lions (4-7) 108-98 in the British BBL last Sunday.
He was MVP of the game. O'Reilly scored 29 points (!!!), grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 5 assists.
UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders (6-3) is placed fourth in the BBL.
But the season just started, so everything may happen.
O'Reilly is currently ninth on the list of top scorers.
He has individually a very good season with high stats. O'Reilly averages: 17.8ppg, 7.9rpg, 3.4apg, 2FGP: 61.3%(46-75) and FT: 87.0%.
He played for the Irish senior national team three years ago.
#2. Second place goes to former international guard Donnie McGrath (193-84, college: Providence, currently plays in Greece). McGrath was the main contributor in PAOK's victory against the ninth-ranked Kolossos (3-3) 68-63 in the Greek A1 on Monday night.
He was the best player in that game. McGrath scored 14 points in 32 minutes.
PAOK Thessaloniki (4-2) is placed fourth in the A1.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
But the season is still in it's first stage and everything can happen.
It's McGrath's first year with the team.
He has relatively good stats this season: 13.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg, 2FGP: 56.7%(17-30), 3FGP: 39.4% and FT: 83.3% in the six games he played so far.
McGrath is a naturalized American.
He played for the Irish national team in 2008.
Strangely McGrath has never played in Ireland.
#3. The Irish player who performed third best last week abroad was former international point guard Bryan Mullins (185-87, college: S.Illinois, currently plays in France), who plays in the French ProB (second division). Mullins could not help Chalons-Reims (6-4) to beat JL Bourg (5-5).
He recorded 7 points and added 5 passes.
Chalons-Reims was defeated 88-80 on the road by the lower-ranked JL Bourg (#7).
They ended the series of three consecutive victories.
Mullins' overall stats this season are: 7.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 55.0%, 3FGP: 28.6%.
He is a naturalized American.
Mullins played for the Irish national team three years ago.
Apparently he has never played in Ireland.
#4. Center Sean McCarthy (208-93, currently plays college basketball in the States) was not able to help the NJIT in their game against the South Carolina State University (0-0) in the NCAA.
McCarthy recorded 8 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.
The NJIT was edged 77-74 in Orangeburg, SC by the South Carolina State University.
McCarthy's overall stats this season are: 3.1ppg and 5.0rpg.
He used to play for the Irish U16 national team
back in 2009.
The list of other players, who all have Irish passport but never been selected to any of Irish national teams:
#1.Levon Kendall (209-F-84, college: Pittsburgh, currently plays in Spain) was the major contributor in a Blusens Monbus' victory against the closely-ranked Caja Laboral (5-3) 77-68 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game.
He scored 13 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 33 minutes.
Blusens Monbus Obradoiro CAB (5-3) is placed ninth in the ACB.
But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen.
Kendall is currently third on the list of top scorers and also on the list of best blockers (fourth place).
He has individually a very good year with high stats. Kendall averages: 16.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3bpg and 1.4spg in the eight games he played so far.
He has a dual citizenship: Canadian and Irish.
#2.Will Hanley (200-G/F-90, agency: Duran International, college: Bowdoin, currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) could not help Oviedo CB (3-2) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance Oviedo CB was defeated 85-80 on the road by the lower-ranked Castello (#8).
Hanley recorded a double-double by scoring 27 points and getting 13 rebounds.
But there are still lots of games to play and it's a long way to go.
It's Hanley's first season with the team.
Hanley is currently second on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (third place).
This season he has very high stats. Hanley averages: 15.6ppg, 9.6rpg and 2.2spg.
He is a naturalized American.
Apparently Hanley has never played in Ireland.
#3. Experienced Tony McCrory (199-G/F-77, college: Simon Fraser, currently plays in Switzerland) led Starwings to an easy victory against one of league's weakest teams SAM Massagno (1-6) crushing them 100-77 in the Swiss LNA last Sunday.
He recorded 26 points (!!!) in 36 minutes.
Starwings Basket Regio Basel (1-6) is located at the very bottom in the LNA.
But the situation may improve as they ended a series of six consecutive loses.
McCrory is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fifth year in Starwings' roster.
This season McCrory has relatively solid stats: 13.7ppg, 3.4rpg and 3.0apg in the seven games.
He is another player who holds two passports: Canadian and Irish.
#4.Owen McNally (203-F-87, college: Spring Hill, currently plays in United Kingdom) managed to help Glasgow Rocks in a victory against the closely-ranked Plymouth Raiders (6-3) 97-84 in the British BBL in Saturday night's game.
McNally scored only 4 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 7 minutes on the court.
Glasgow Rocks (5-3) is placed sixth in the BBL.
It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row.
This year McNally's overall stats are: 3.1ppg and 5.0rpg in the eight games.
He is a naturalized American.
#5.Bar Maor (191-PG-92, currently plays in Israel) was not able to help Hapoel Kazrin (3-3) in their game against Ironi Kiryat Ata (5-1) in the Israeli National League (second division). Maor cannot count Tuesday's game as one of the best ones.
He scored only 2 points and added 3 passes in 13 minutes.
Hapoel Kazrin was edged 83-81 in Kiryat Ata by the second-ranked Ironi.
It's Maor's first season with the team.
This year Maor's overall stats are: 2.2ppg and 1.4apg in the five games.
#6.Orel Lev (195-SG-93, currently plays in Israel) contributed to an easy victory against the fourth-ranked Elitzur Ramla 87-70 in the Israeli National League (second division) in Tuesday night's game.
He scored only 2 points.
Lev's overall stats this season are: 3.8ppg and 1.5rpg.
Valencia Basket (ACB) parted ways with 23-year old American (has also Irish passport) swingman Will Hanley (200-93kg-90, college: Bowdoin, agency: Duran International). In four ACB games he recorded 4.5ppg and 3.5rpg this season. Hanley also played at Oviedo CB (LEB Silver) earlier that season. In 20 games he averaged impressive 17.7ppg, 11.2rpg and 1.6spg. He helped them to make it to the cup final. Hanley was voted NABC Division III All-Northeast Region 2nd Team in 2012 at his college time [read more]
Valencia Basket (ACB) parted ways with 23-year old American (has also Irish passport) swingman Will Hanley (200-93kg-90, college: Bowdoin, agency: Duran International). In four ACB games he recorded 4.5ppg and 3.5rpg this season. Hanley also played at Oviedo CB (LEB Silver) earlier that season. In 20 games he averaged impressive 17.7ppg, 11.2rpg and 1.6spg. He helped them to make it to the cup final. Hanley was voted NABC Division III All-Northeast Region 2nd Team in 2012 at his college time. Hanley graduated from Bowdoin College in 2012 and it is his first season as a professional player. On Hanley:
Will runs the floor very well. He is always a double- double threat on the court. He is really intense and hard mentality. Has shown the ability to guard smaller defenders and pressure ball handlers.
Mens A FinalNUI Galway 64 (30) (A Tongo 20, K Hansberry 20) UL 73 (41) (S Kinevane 27, E Quigley 15) MVP Scott Kinevane (UL)Womens A FinalUCD 65 (29) (E Mairtin 20, A McLoughlin 13) UL 62 (32) (A McDermott 26, S McGorry 17)Mens B FinalUCC 82 (42) (C Anon 22, R Murphy 13) DIT 62 (32) (R Murray 18, C Lark 14)Womens B FinalCarlow IT 48 (16) (L McCormack 21, K Delahunt 8) Cork IT 61 (19) (A Estaban [read more]
Mens A Final
NUI Galway 64 (30) (A Tongo 20, K Hansberry 20) UL 73 (41) (S Kinevane 27, E Quigley 15) MVP Scott Kinevane (UL)
Womens A Final
UCD 65 (29) (E Mairtin 20, A McLoughlin 13) UL 62 (32) (A McDermott 26, S McGorry 17)
Mens B Final
UCC 82 (42) (C Anon 22, R Murphy 13) DIT 62 (32) (R Murray 18, C Lark 14)
Womens B Final
Carlow IT 48 (16) (L McCormack 21, K Delahunt 8) Cork IT 61 (19) (A Estaban 21, M Pichet 19)
Mens A Intervarsity Final: NUIG v UL
(5pm @ UCC Mardyke Arena)
UL 73
NUIG 64
An action packed opening quarter saw both teams play a very high tempo with Ken Hansberry (NUIG) and Scott Kinevane (UL) leading the charge for both teams. Andre Tongo (NUIG) worked hard on the offensive glass for his Galway side but Kinevane turned from scorer to provider as Eoin Quigley (UL) finished a dunk with authority. The first quarter finished out with UL leading narrowly by one, 19-18.
Tongo continued to stretch the UL defence as he knocked down a long three while working the paint with his inside post play. Both teams continued to exchange baskets with Donal McCarthy (UL) connecting on some jump shots from the elbow. Half way through the second quarter UL had increased their lead to seven points, 31-24. James Brophy (NUIG) was able to offer a scoring punch inside when re-introduced into the game but McCarthy (UL) answered with another long deuce to keep the Limerick college team ahead. At half time UL led 41-30.
A very visibly fired up NUIG side came out the second half and raised the tempo again. This time Padraig Burke (NUIG) pushed the ball aggressively up the floor on each play. He was able to feed big man Brophy inside who was fouled and connected on both resulting free throws.
Another foul by UL, this time against Hansberry resulted in a time-out by UL head coach Neil Campbell. With just over five minutes left, his side had seen his lead reduced to five points, 45-40.
NUIG continued to chip away at ULs lead before a pair of Eoin Quigley (UL) free throws at the end of the quarter ensured that they had the advantage going into the final quarter, 52-49.
Again it was Tongo edging his NUIG team forward on every possession but UL were able to answer each time. It wasnt until James OBrien (NUIG) drained a rainbow three that they actually took a lead, the Galwegians up by one with just under four minutes left.
Again both teams exchanged scores on either end but NUIG head coach Con Crowley called a time out with one minute thirty one left after Kinevane drained a heavily contested buzzer beating three against the shot clock.
More baskets from UL pushed their lead to six as NUIG called their last time out with just over forty seconds to discuss their last attempt to steal it back but it wasnt to be. UL ran out winners, 73-64.
This ends a long journey by UL in their quest for glory this is only their second time in an A mens final and the first time ever to be crowned Mens A Intervarsity Champions. Scott Kinevane was deservedly awarded the game Most Valuable Player.
There was no real one pivotal point in the game, it was more our defensive intensity at the start of the game we continued with that throughout the game. Our transition game was massive for on and with Lennart (Heintz) inside control the boards it was a big boast especially against (Ken) Hansberry and (James) Brophy, said Kinevane.
I would like to thank Neil Campbell for all his work throughout the year, without him it wouldnt be possible. His professionalism at training really helped us prepare for the big challenge. Also Noreen OConnell and all at UL for their support, not just this year but all of the years. Without them all it wouldnt be possible.
NUI Galway 64 (30) (A Tongo 20, K Hansberry 20) UL 73 (41) (S Kinevane 27, E Quigley 15)
A Mens All Stars:
Andre Tongo (NUIG)
Scott Kinevane (UL)
Eoin Quigley (UL)
Jim Mower (UUJ)
Ciaran OSullivan (Cork I.T.)
Mens B Intervarsity Final: UCC v DIT
(1pm @ UCC Mardyke Arena)
UCC 82
DIT 62
UCC started the last B final of the day with a point to prove. The current Division One League winners dictated the pace on offense and commanded the paint the defence.
UCC lead by the foreign connection of twin towers Christian Anon and Tibo Priou made DIT work for every score on defence and much to the delight of the crowd Priou swatted away a failed floater by DITs Ron Murray.
Kyle OMahony (UCC) energy fed to the rest of his squad as he weaved through the DIT defence and as a result, UCC finished the opening quarter already with a thirteen point lead, 23-10.
UCC head coach Francis OSullivan continued to torment the DIT defence with fresh legs as Jason Wilkinson re-entered the game and knocked down the long deuce. Another cheer by the crowd was heard when OMahony for UCC stole the ball and assisted Priou for the fast break dunk, the first of the day.
While Priou proceeded to entertain the crowd with another two handed flush Stephen James (DIT) was able to draw the and one in the following play to bring the difference back to five points. Both teams traded baskets as the time ran out on the first half before UCC expanded out for a ten point lead, 42-32.
UCC continued to pile on the defensive pressure on DIT as they struggled to find rhythm on offence. On the other hand, UCC scored at will with a combination of post moves and sharp shooting outside the key.
Luke OMahony (UCC) provided the soft touch inside with a series of interior scores and again it was Priou proving to be the thorn in the DIT side as he turned from provider to scorer in each play and ensured that UCC entered the final quarter with a commanding lead, 65-43.
The fourth and final quarter turned out to be a mirror of the third with DIT unable to stop the free flowing UCC offence.
The final score was 82-62 to UCC with Tibo Priou collecting the elusive MVP golden ball.
Our defence ultimately won us the game along with the sharp shooting from the lads. This combined with the defensive pressure really made all the hard work from the year pay off, said UCC captain Luke OMahony after the game.
UCC 82 (42) (C Anon 22, R Murphy 13) DIT 62 (32) (R Murray 18, C Lark 14)
Open Letter from the Chairman of BI to the Basketball Community
Legacy issue finally resolved
As you know, we are now at the half way point in our seven year plan to pay off the serious over-runs on current spending which emerged in 2009 [read more]
Open Letter from the Chairman of BI to the Basketball Community
Legacy issue finally resolved
As you know, we are now at the half way point in our seven year plan to pay off the serious over-runs on current spending which emerged in 2009. Since that time, the Association has transformed itself with a new Board of Directors to oversee the business of Basketball, a new Council to lead the development and regulation of the game of Basketball, and a new Secretary General to lead the work of the staff at headquarters at the National Basketball Arena.
One outstanding issue from the past is the Community Hoops Programme. In the period from 1999 to 2006, BI received grants totalling 1.753 million from the Department of Sport for this programme. While some of this money was spent on providing Hoops around Ireland, most of the money was spent on development programmes to maximise the use of these and other basketball facilities throughout the country. The then management and Board of BI were under the impression that this was acceptable to the Department.
In 2009, the Department began an audit on this programme and discovered that while all of the grant money was spent on basketball, 1.24 million of the Capital grant had been spent on development programmes for basketball rather than on the purchase of equipment. After the Department of Sport was moved into the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTS), an internal DTTS audit report confirmed this position.
The DTTS has now informed us of the sanctions which it is imposing on BI for the serious error of using Capital grants for current expenditure. In its written decision, the DTTS notes as mitigating circumstances that the grant-aid diverted from the Community Hoops programme monies were spent on other basketball-related activities, and it also takes into account the important work of BI and its efforts to regularise its financial position and corporate structure since this case was discovered, before noting that BI must repay 10% of the 1.24 million and will not be permitted to apply for capital funding for the next five years. In addition, a provisional 2008 grant for the Arena will not now be forthcoming.
The Board of BI is very disappointed at this decision of the DTTS (which will hamper the progress which has been made since 2009 and which will delay much needed work on the National Basketball Arena) but it notes that the monetary sanction could have been much bigger and that the capital programme ban could have been for much longer. The Board has therefore taken the view that now is the time to draw a line in the sand with regard to this long-standing legacy issue and has agreed a schedule for the repayment of the 124,000. The Board has also decided to absorb the necessary repayments within our current five-year projections without further imposition on our members.
Meanwhile, the matter will be outlined and discussed in further detail at the AGM in June.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Paul Meany (Chairman, Basketball Ireland): .... From www.basketballireland.ie
NW Regional Senior Cup Finals this Saturday
The North West Regional Senior Cup Finals take place in Abbey Vocational School this Saturday the 6th of April. This is the biggest event of the year for the North West regional teams and the pinnacle of a very competitive season. With two great games on offer, all are encouraged to get to the gym in good time to enjoy the spectacle.
Please note the games times have been changed and moved to 6pm and 8pm.
6pm Senior Ladies Final ;
Donegal Town B.C. Vrs Lyit Ladies B.C.
Referees; Brian Mc Hugh Jnr. & Anthony Flores
8pm Senior Mens Finals ;
Donegal Dragons Vrs Lyit Ravens B.C.
Referees: Brian Mc Hugh Jnr. & Jay Mc Memamin: .... Courtesy Kevin Sinclair
Cork County Basketball Board Annual General Meeting:
Venue / Date : Connolly Hall Lapps Quay at 7.p.m.on 2nd May next.
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