Ireland squad finalised for FIBA U20 Men's European Championships

Ireland head coach Thomas Walsh is ‘excited’ about his team’s prospects at the FIBA U20 Men’s European Championship, as he announced his final 12 for the tournament which takes place in North Macedonia from July 7th.

Four previously uncapped players have made the cut. 6’6” forward William Ayodele (UEL London Lions), former Portlaoise Panther Amaan Sanni (Kents Hill, USA), Ronan Byrne of UCD Marian and Tolka Rovers’ guard Elijah Faapito will all experience FIBA European Championship basketball for the first time next month.

Two players return from the roster who managed a 9^th place finish 12 months ago. Killian Gribben (Letterkenny Blaze/Sienna College, USA) and Darragh Ferguson (Belfast Star) will both know what is expected from their head coach. Gribben averaged 5.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game across six appearances last year. Ferguson saw the court in five games, averaging just over two minutes per game but that experience saw him return to his club and take home MVP honours at the InsureMyVan.ie U20 National League final earlier this year. He has previously excelled at U18 and U16 level for Ireland. 

Ruairi Cronin (Limerick Celtics/Choate Prep, USA) contributed 8.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists at the FIBA U18 Men’s European Championship in 2022 and is the only player from that group to make the step up for 2023.

Wede Esajobor (Drogheda Wolves) has previously represented Ireland at the FIBA U18 European Challengers in 2021, while Cian Tiernan (Dublin Lions), Christian McDonnell (Malahide), Ajay Ryan Walsh (Limerick Sport Eagles), Joseph Coughlan (Titans BC) have all experienced international basketball at either U16 or U18 level.

Ireland will compete in the FIBA U20 Men’s Championship ‘B’ Division in 2023 and have been drawn in Group A alongside Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and hosts North Macedonia. 

Speaking about his squad, head coach Thomas Walsh said: “We’re very excited to name our final-12 players for the  FIBA U20 Men’s European Championship in July. The coaching staff doesn’t get much time together with players due to everyone playing at the top level in Ireland and overseas. However, in the past two weeks we got the chance to play friendly games with two tough US collegiate sides, which will be of great benefit going forward.

The players have shown great commitment to each other and this programme in a short period of time. We have a few weeks left to build on that commitment and our style of play, but we’re looking forward to exciting basketball in North Macedonia.”

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Ireland U20 Men’s Squad:

Ajay Ryan Walsh (Limerick Sport Eagles), Amaan Sanni (Kents Hill, USA), Christian McDonnell (Malahide BC), Cian Tiernan (Dublin Lions), Darragh Ferguson (Belfast Star), Elijah Faapito (Tolka Rovers), Joseph Coughlan (Titans BC), Killian Gribben (Sienna College, USA), Ronan Byrne (UCD Marian), Ruairi Cronin (Limerick Celtics), Wede Esajobor (Drogheda Wolves), William Ayodele (UEL London Lions)

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