Former Ireland captain Jason Killeen announces retirement from basketball

Former Ireland senior men's captain Jason Killeen has announced his retirement from basketball ahead of the 2024/25 National League season this coming weekend. 

It brings to a close a 22-year playing career from college to professional club basketball in countries such as the USA, Malaysia, France, England and at home in Ireland. Killeen finishes with four National Cup winners medals to go alongside three Men's Super League titles during his time with UL Eagles and Templeogue. The big man was named Men's Super League Player of The Year on two occasions, 2012 and 2017 as well as being a four-time Men's Super League All-Star selection. He played his final seasons with Limerick Sport Eagles, narrowly missing out on helping them to promotion back to the top tier of Irish basketball in April 2023. 

Jason Killeen on the court of the National Basketball Arena with his son Ivar in 2023. 

Killeen previously retired from international basketball in 2021 after captaining Ireland to the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries title on home soil in Dublin to bring the curtain down on a 14-year international career which began in a friendly against Luxembourg back in 2007, before a competitive debut against Switzerland later that year. 

Prior to a burgeoning international career, the Limerick man had already achieved plenty in the game. Killeen bagged himself two Virginia State championships between 2002 and 2004 at Notre Dame Academy. He'd then move on to Winthrop University between 2004 and 2007, picking up three Big South titles along with three NCAA DI Tournament appearances. He is recognised by the school for these achievements on it's Presidential Roll of Honour.  Two Peach Belt championships and two NCAA DII Tournament appearances followed while attending Augusta State University between 2007 and 2009 until he returned to Europe for his first season as a professional with Union Carquefou Sainte Luce in France. 

Jason Killeen in action for Templeogue at the National Basketball Arena. 

Speaking about his decision to retire, Killeen said:

"It is almost impossible to reflect on what basketball has given me in my life. From the moment I picked up a basketball I knew it had the potential to change my life and my prospects. From a kid growing up in Limerick City I could not imagine the adventure that itwould take me all over the world for the best part of 20 years. Basketball introduced me to some of my closest and dearest friends who I will continue to value. I have been fortunate enough to play with some very talented teammates and win a lot of silverware over the years, the proudest moment is lifting the trophy for Ireland in the National Basketball Arena.

There is an endless list of people who have helped me along the way, all of whom I appreciate more than I can express. I would however like to take this opportunity to thank Colm Barry who first introduced me to basketball in C.B.S primary in the 90’s. This changed the course of my life forever!

Although I am finishing my playing career, I still look forward to being involved with the basketball community and most of all teaching the game I love so much to my son, Ivar.

Special shoutout to Katie & Ivar, Love you always."