The other 5 – Rare company for Ireland’s Claire Melia
Claire Melia will make history this Thursday. The BAXI Ferrol forward will become the first Irish woman to appear on the roster of a team in a semi-final of any European club basketball competition. Five men can claim that honour, Emmet Ryan explains the odd history of the other five. Basketball has a long history […]
Domino’s becomes title sponsor of Ireland’s national leagues
Domino’s Pizza has become the title sponsor of the Basketball Ireland Super League and Division 1 for both men and women. Domino’s Ireland has become the title sponsor for the men’s and women’s Super League and Division 1 basketball competitions in Ireland. The move follows the company’s Greek division becoming sponsor of Peristeri, in both […]
Quinn Ellis impresses as Trento claim maiden Coppa Italia
It was a MVP performance from Quinn Ellis as the Great Britain international guided Trento to their first ever Coppa Italia crown. Emmet Ryan on the controlled explosion the young man brought to the win over Olimpia Milano The Coppa Italia has sneakily become the cool cup in European basketball. Trento, or Aquila Basket Trento […]
Induct Duda: Dusan Ivkovic belongs in the Basketball Hall of Fame
Dusan Ivkovic is, finally, a finalist for the Basketball Hall of Fame. It’s far past time. This April, it’s time for the Naismith to finally recognise a man who shaped the sport we love. The disgraceful part is that this debate is happening posthumously. Few people have influenced basketball like Dusan Ivkovic. He’s already a […]
Marcelinho Huertas and why we love old basketball players
Ballers come and go. Those that hang about longer than most, tend to get looked on fondly. Marcelinho Huertas gave us another reason to do that for Tenerife on Thursday night. His roll back the clock display against FC Barcelona in Copa del Rey is why we love old dudes. This corner hasn’t exactly been […]
Europe is missing an obvious opportunity with women’s basketball
The surge in consumer interest and investment in women’s basketball in the US has made it a rising star among sponsors. Yet on this side of the Atlantic, women’s hoops as an entity is a cost sink. Emmet Ryan on the issues, opportunities, and challenges ahead. There’s money in women’s hoops Stateside at a level […]
Euroleague expansion could change everything
While the NBA continues to discuss an entry to Europe, rumours spread of Euroleague expanding. Now, with reports that it will involve a shift to conferences, the very future of European basketball is in play, according to Emmet Ryan It’s one report. There’s no need to go over the top. That being said, if the […]
Exploring the Surge of International Talent in the NBA
Have you ever wondered how the basketball court became a global stage? The NBA’s transformation into an international melting pot isn’t just a trend—it’s a revolution. You’ll find that beyond the traditional American basketball narrative, players from across the globe are rewriting the game’s DNA. Their diverse skills, strategic innovations, and cultural perspectives are challenging […]
Ireland lose to Latvia but future hope feels real – EuroBasket Women
It wasn’t Ireland’s day in their qualifier against Latvia in EuroBasket Women. A game fight from the hosts wasn’t enough to take the W. Still, the pieces are coming together and it points to a positive future for the women’s national basketball side. The hope never left the arena. Ireland however exited still seeking a […]
Top European Players Making Waves in the NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the world’s premier basketball league. Its level of competition is unmatched, making it an incredible challenge for any aspiring players—especially those from Europe. Despite the odds, many European players have emerged as standout stars, showcasing their skills on basketball’s grandest stage. For the 2023–24 NBA season, there were 64 […]
How the NBA’s International Presence is Changing the Game
Over the last few years, the NBA has undergone a major shake-up thanks to the rising influence of international players. The MVP award, once dominated by American athletes, now showcases the global talent in the league. Giannis Antetokounmpo, known as the “Greek Freak,” took home MVP honors twice in consecutive years. Then came Nikola Jokić […]
Crvena Zvezda, Partizan, and the desperation of opportunity
Thursday’s edition of the Eternal derby promises to be a big one. With Partizan desperate, Crvena Zvezda have an opportunity for more than basketball bragging rights in Belgrade. The Red side of the city could kick start a run to the Euroleague post-season and bury their arch rivals in the process. Normally, when Euroleague clashes […]