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 […]
Seán Flood and the importance of timely minutes
Seán Flood returned to the floor for London Lions at the weekend and it came at a vital time for the men’s Ireland national basketball team. With injuries and other absences an issue, they’ll be leaning on Flood in this week’s FIBA World Cup pre-qualifiers. Timing matters in sport. Timing is why Ireland doesn’t have […]
Panic stations for Partizan in Euroleague
We knew it would take time for Partizan to gel in Euroleague. The clock is not being kind to the Belgrade club. Zeljko Obradovic knows the challenge. To get back on track, Partizan may need to simplify its style of basketball. Back on 15 October I wrote that a 4-6 or 3-7 start in the […]
Lonnie Walker IV is figuring it out for Zalgiris Kaunas
It was a rough result for Zalgiris Kaunas but there was promise all the same. Lonnie Walker IV, who has endured a baptism of fire in Euroleague, appears to be figuring it out. Emmet Ryan on how Walker is finding how best to contribute on the basketball court There was a great start. Then a […]
Real Madrid are an unwatchable mess
Sometimes the headlines just have to get to the point. While their comeback against Anadolu Efes was spirited, the problems with Real Madrid right now are deep and substantial. Chus Mateo appears to have a whale of a task on his hands. Whatever you call their style of basketball right now, this is not the […]
Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, and the need to fight forever
Forget the NCAA Final Four. Ignore the NBA All Star game. The Olympic gold medal game is an afterthought. There’s one fixture that every basketball fan should try to see in person before they die. On Friday, Emmet Ryan went to the OAKA for the Euroleague battle between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos. Ντέρμπι των αιωνίων αντιπάλων, […]
Top European Players in the NBA: Who Shines the Brightest?
The NBA has become a global stage, welcoming talents from every corner of the world. European players, with their unique styles and impressive skills, have steadily increased their impact on the league. Key Takeaways – European players have been pivotal in reshaping NBA styles and strategies. – Pioneering athletes like Hank Biasatti and Toni Kukoč […]
Life, the universe, and Bryant Dunston
He wasn’t close to the star of the game yet he commanded the spotlight. Bryant Dunston showed why he still holds value in the basketball world on Wednesday night. The 38 year old didn’t roll back the clock for Zalgiris Kaunas, writes Emmet Ryan. Instead, he used old man guile to get his side past […]
Evan Fournier just needs to relax
Olympiacos got the win over Real Madrid but it was another mixed night for Evan Fournier. Emmet Ryan writes that the issue can be solved. I’s about adjusting his basketball to be lethal in Euroleague. Basketball, like any mass participation sport in the digital age, faces the risk of homogenisation. Evan Fournier’s issues adapting to […]