FIBA 1302
European Basketball and the Search for Sustainability
European basketball is at an odd point. With clubs in trouble, interest from the NBA, and everything else, it’s strange to say that some sanity might be coming to pass. Could the sport actually be on the verge of becoming truly self-sustaining at the top level? Emmet Ryan on the possibility of sanity emerging in […]
We sit on the eve of war
While the NBA remains low on detail on what NBA Europe will entail, Adam Silver has shown on this trip to the continent that he isn’t underestimating the scale of the project. With details expected to flow in the coming days and weeks, Emmet Ryan on the incoming schism in European basketball. Adam Silver got […]
Basketball Champions League’s Defectors Are Reshaping Europe
With Badalaona officially announced as the venue for the Basketball Champions League (BCL) Final Four, the prospect of an all-Spanish affair is a topic of conversation. This coupled with the other machinations make for an interesting future for the competition, both near and medium-term, writes Emmet Ryan The defectors are already having an impact. With […]
What on earth is happening?
A new member body for non licensed Euroleague clubs is forming, Trapani Sharks played with two guys, and the NBA Europe project seems to be obsessed with minimising detail. It’s all quite a lot, especially for Emmet Ryan, whose own body has been fighting him in recent months. Right, let’s get the scary bit at […]
Zoc
Is this the end? Probably? Maybe? Possibly? The departure of Zeljko Obradovic from Partizan took on a life of its own. The most successful coach in European club basketball history, and one of the greatest in the history of the sport bar none, has stepped down. Emmet Ryan on a week, a life, and everything […]
Ireland’s EuroBasket Road Just Got Tougher
A grim night in the Grand Duchy has made Ireland’s EuroBasket 2029 journey increasingly complicated. Emmet Ryan on the defeat to Luxembourg and what the convoluted road ahead looks like. Ireland came back from a disastrous start against Luxembourg, trailing by as much as 18 points at one stage, to look on course to win […]
Ireland Aim to Set the Tone in Bree’s First EuroBasket Window
Ireland’s men begin their journey in EuroBasket 2029 qualification on Thursday away to Luxembourg. With that quickly followed by the visit of North Macedonia on Sunday, Emmet Ryan examines the outlook in Michael Bree’s debut window as head coach. The goal ahead of these games has been made clear. Michael Bree and his players want […]
Ireland ends long EuroBasket Women wait with authority
A journey that began during the pandemic on a rainy night in Amsterdam has finally ended. Now, for the Ireland women’s basketball team, a similarly rainy night in Dublin heralded the beginning of a new one. Emmet Ryan on the emphatic end to the long wait for a first win in EuroBasket Women. It was […]
Luxembourg, yes Luxembourg, merit your attention
Luxembourg came to Dublin and beat the tar out of Ireland in EuroBasket Women qualifying. One game doesn’t tell the full story but Emmet Ryan was amazed by what the Grand Duchy is doing in the women’s game and feels you should be wowed as well. In a week loaded with Euroleague action, plenty of […]
Daniel Nelson’s long road to Europe’s big stage
What does it take to be a basketball coach? Knowledge helps but self-awareness may be more important. Daniel Nelson, head coach of Anorthosis Famagusta, has truly taken the long road. At 41, in his first season leading a team in European competition, he’s hungry for more. On Wednesday night, Ireland’s women return to competitive play […]
Everything you need to know about NBA Europe
The discussion around NBA Europe is heating up. If only there was a detailed series that could bring you up to speed on the new basketball project? Fortunately, Emmet Ryan already put this together six months ago. Here’s your reminder of what you need to know about NBA Europe and what it means for FIBA, […]
Sir’Jabari Rice has found a good fit
The first jump for an American baller to Europe can be crucial. Sir’Jabari Rice may have made the perfect choice for his future development and earnings. Emmet Ryan on how the former Texas Longhorn may have the perfect opportunity with ERA Nymburk in the Basketball Champions League. It was an opener that was expected to […]