What’s Going Down at the JYSK Summer Series

Basketball fans in Ireland are gearing up for an exhilarating day of hoops as the JYSK Summer Series hits the National Basketball Arena on Saturday, July 26. Dubbed a “double-header international showdown” and proudly backed by JYSK, the event sees both the Irish men’s and women’s senior teams face off against Norway in pre-qualifier friendlies.

Double Dose of National Team Action

The day kicks off with the women’s game at 4 pm, followed by the men’s match at 7 pm. Early access tickets for the event went live on June 30 for Basketball Ireland “Courtside” members, with general sale beginning on July 1. Pricing is €45 for families, €20 for adults, €15 for students/OAP, and €10 for under-16s.

Why JYSK Is On Board

JYSK, which opened its first Irish store in 2019, is the title sponsor for the event. Country Director Roni Tuominen expressed enthusiasm for Irish basketball’s progress and its collaboration with the retailer’s growth. This partnership underlines a shared commitment to ambition and community in Ireland.

New Faces, Fresh Energy

For fans, the JYSK Series isn’t just about national pride; it’s also a proving ground for emerging talent:

# Women’s squad: Eight uncapped players have been called up, including Lucy Coogan, Erin Maguire, Maria Kealy, and Lorraine Scanlon. Coogan, strikingly, ranks 16^th in all-time scoring records at Caldwell University, while Maguire and Kealy have impressive NCAA and international 3x3 credentials.

# Men’s squad: Four newcomers – Max Amadasun, Eoin Nelson, Jamie Muldowney, and Sean Fitzpatrick- earn their first senior call-ups. Amadasun is coming off a 16-point double-double season at Augusta University, while Nelson brings strong domestic league form.

Coaching Credentials

Head coach James Weldon returns for the women’s squad, fresh off guiding the team through the recent EuroBasket qualifiers. His return has been noticed by online sports betting sites, with Weldon’s credentials high in the game. For the men, Michael Bree makes his debut, supported by assistants Paul Kelleher, Ciaran O’Sullivan, Colin O’Reilly, and manager Shane O’Meara.

More Than a Friendly

Beyond national pride, these matches are meaningful building blocks. The women’s team, ranked near 29 in the world (Latvia gave them a scare in February), view this as critical, especially with the EuroBasket 2027 draw just three days later. Meanwhile, the men look to maintain momentum following three wins in FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers.

Final Take

The JYSK Summer Series is much more than two friendly games; it’s a platform for rising stars, a test for seasoned performers, and a celebration of national sport supported by a thriving local band. For many, this is seen as a potential breakout moment for Ireland’s next generation of talent, which is why fans are securing their seats in their droves ahead of the action on July 26.