A combined men’s Irish basketball side will compete in a newly formed European competition, it was announced this morning.
The news comes just days after an Irish selection played in China and has been widely welcomed in the Irish basketball community.
The draw for the tournament, which is essentially a basketball version of soccer's Europa league, will be made in August with the first game taking place on September 30th .
The "Hibernia Ireland" side will be based in the Basketball Arena in Tallaght.
Among those welcoming the move are Kieran Shannon, author of "Hanging from the Rafters: The Golden Age of Irish Basketball" and TG4 analyst and BallinEurope journalist, Emmet Ryan.
Basketball Ireland Secretary General, Bernard O'Byrne, said: “We made the case to FIBA Europe that lower ranked federations should be allowed enter a team that will be competitive.
"It was great to work a governing body that listens to its member federations. We view this as a great opportunity for players in all 20 clubs in our National League.
"We think it is a great new platform and the aim is to climb up the competitive ladder within FIBA. It represents an investment in the players and in the image of the league.”
UCD Marians' Conor Meany spoke to Newstalk about the move and why he’s welcoming of the entry of a combined Irish club side.
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