UCD Marian 56
Never argue with a confident man
It was a defeat, that happens, but Jonathan Jean showed what making a life as a pro is all about in a fascinating opening night performance for UCD Marian. Emmet Ryan on the diminutive guard and the role of the import in Europe’s lesser followed leagues Four days. That’s how much notice Jonathan Jean had […]
BiE’s best of the decade
We have a couple of treats in store next week but before that, we’ve taken the time to select the best writing on the site over the past 10 years, join us on a journey through the highs, the lows, the deep dives, and the tearful goodbyes Between game analysis, player profiles, addressing big issues, […]
The tightest league in Europe just got tighter
Any run of results would guarantee chaos in the Irish Super League. It was going to take something special to make things absolutely bonkers at the mid-point of the season and we got just that. Emmet Ryan on how December to Dismember is living up to its billing It began in rather drab fashion. Templeogue […]
Irish basketball gears up for December to Dismember
No it’s not a long forgotten terrible WWE Pay Per View but rather the extraordinary run of fixtures facing one of the most competitive leagues in Europe. Emmet Ryan on why the Irish men’s Super League merits your attention over the next month, no matter where you are watching As things stand in Ireland, just […]
The way of the Warriors
The race was over, then it was alive again, then it was decided. Over the course of 2 games, starting 24 hours apart, the Irish Super League championship was decided in a combination of both the height of drama and the calm of a coronation. Emmet Ryan hit the road to take in all the, […]
Now it’s about holding serve
Tralee took care of business in front of a typically raucous home crowd but now the Warriors have the small matter of closing the deal. Emmet Ryan on the wild run-in to the Irish season that is offering a different flavour of drama to last year Last year’s title race was more than a bit […]
Garrow goes off to keep Irish race wide open
In a night where those on the outside of the title race were under pressure, UCD Marian’s Mike Garrow got hot when it mattered as the Students had a storming comeback to see off Belfast Star. Emmet Ryan gives his thoughts and rounds up the rest of the Irish Super League action From the off […]
Si vis gloriae, para bellum
It’s a payback clash for both sides preceded by a phoney war. Two teams separated by a river look to end their cup drought on Saturday night in Dublin as UCD Marian and Killester are both looking to put the past behind them Nobody wants to be there, not a whole lot of people are, […]
Marian go Greek to dismantle battered Belfast
This was a masterclass from the Greek school of coaching as Ioannis Liapakis saw his UCD Marian side tear high flying Belfast Star apart in the Irish cup semi finals. Emmet Ryan reports from a terrible beauty in the Mardyke. He’s listed at 6 foot, that’s more than debatable, but at 16 years of age […]
Don’t make Dee Proby angry
Templeogue maintained their perfect start to the season in the Irish men’s super league in a weird game that saw one man get angry at himself, and score a lot, then get angry at the fans, and score some more. Emmet Ryan with his belated update on the latest Irish action So, fun fact, I […]
Back on the road again
The Irish champions looked sharp in moments but there was quite the early season vibe to UCD Marian’s win over DCU Saints. Emmet Ryan on the return of the Irish hoops season There were a few noticeable changes as UCD Marian returned to the floor as Irish champions for the first time in 40 years. […]
The calm before the storm
With six different sides claiming the six trophies across Irish men’s and women’s basketball last season, there was a surprising calm at the season launch this month. Emmet Ryan on how the friendly faces hid the potential for another season of insanity on the court for Irish hoops DCU Mercy’s dramatic one point win over […]