International

Jul 06 2023

Ireland U16 squads travel to participate in The Dussman Trophy

Ireland’s U16 squads are back in action this weekend as they travel to Luxembourg to participate in The Dussman Trophy.

It’s the 8^th year in succession that Irish teams at this grade have used the competition as a stepping stone towards the FIBA European Championship. The invitational tournament takes place over three days, featuring Ireland, Great Britain, Netherlands and hosts Luxembourg.

‘From a basketball perspective, the opportunity to play against high caliber players and well coached teams is going to propel our team forward,’ said Ireland U16 women’s head coach Laura Mullally. ‘This will be a step up from what these players experienced in the Four Nations and the team are ready for the challenge. In addition, travelling together, having an immersive four days together is equally important to continue to build team chemistry and comradery, which for us is just as important a factor in success this summer,’ added Mullally.

Her squad enter the tournament following a strong Four Nations performance at the National Basketball Arena culminating in victories over Scotland and Wales and a narrow loss against a very strong England side.

Due to the absence of Great Britain’s U16 women, Ireland will face two games against Netherlands and Luxembourg. We have been drawn in Group B of the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship alongside Sweden, Montenegro, Cyprus and Bulgaria.

Ireland U16 men’s team roll into the competition as Four Nations champions following a memorable two days in April. Dr. Michael Lynch’s team brought the National Basketball Arena to its feet with their overtime win against England and the head coach will want his roster to continue that form during a packed schedule.

Nathan Gbinigie in action during the Four Nations tournament against Scotland.

Hosts Luxembourg will also be in Ireland’s FIBA U16 Men’s European Championship group, so expect both coaches to keep their cards close to their chest in that encounter. The rematch with the players of Scotland, Wales and England comprising the Great British team will be hotly anticipated and Netherlands are also expected to perform well in Division ‘B’ at the upcoming championship.

The other members of Ireland’s group at the FIBA U16 Men’s European Championship are Czech Republic, Switzerland, Denmark and Croatia.