Ireland U16 men's head coach names 29-man squad for 2023/24

Ireland U16 men's head coach Paul Kelleher has named a squad of 29 for the forthcoming international season, culminating in the FIBA European Championship in 2024. 

Returning from Dr. Michael Lynch's squad of last season are Nathan Gbinigie (Titans BC), Kieran Quinn (Gill St. Bernard's) and Rojus Rimas (Drogheda Wolves) who all saw significant playing time during the course of the 2023 campaign, which saw them lift a Four Nations title at the National Basketball Arena in April, before competing admirably in a tough group at the FIBA European Championship.

Elsewhere in the squad one 13-year-old is selected, Lucas Manning (Westtown, USA) and two 14 year-olds also make the grade in Sean Peterson (AS Monaco) and Fryderyk Klimas (Limerick Lions). 15 clubs are represented from all four provinces, while Titans BC (Galway) and Neptune BC (Cork) topping the list of selections with three coming from each club. 

This cycle marks a return to the U16 set up for coach Kelleher, who previously spent time at this grade before taking up the Ireland U18 men's position.

"We have really enjoyed the process and getting to see the players coming through from the Basketball Ireland Academy," said Kelleher.  "The work completed by the academies has been very evident and the players are in a good place. But at 14 and 15-years-old, they still have a lot of learning to do and develop consistency for the next level. We are looking forward to working with this group and see their growth over the coming months. Our next camp will tell a lot as we look to really find a group to progress with," added Kelleher. 

Ireland U16 Men's Squad 2023/24