'We'll need to be at our best,' says Ireland head coach Mark Keenan ahead of Luxembourg clash

Ireland head coach Mark Keenan says his team are 'confident' going into tonight's FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifier with Luxembourg, with both teams eyeing an opening win in Group G from 1915 Irish time on Wednesday evening, live on TG4. 

Ireland began their campaign a week ago with an 89-49 defeat to Croatia, while Luxembourg suffered a similar fate three days later, losing out 98-92. 'We got a good look at Luxembourg in that game,' said Keenan. 'We know their personnel. We played them in friendly series in Dublin a couple of years ago, so there's probably a bit of history there between the two countries,' he added. 

Dhá chluiche cáilithe Eurobasket 2025 beo ar @TG4TV 🏀

Live Coverage of two European qualifiers on TG4 this week ☘️

📆 Dé Céadaoin
⏰ 19:15
🇱🇺 Lucsamburg v Éire 🇮🇪

📆 Dé Sathairn
⏰ 14:15
🇮🇪 Éire v an Chróit 🇭🇷 @BballIrl #Greenmeansgo #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/UuLqOXhTr1

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) July 25, 2023

Ireland started slowly shooting the ball in Opatija seven days ago, allowing Croatia to build up an early lead, something Keenan knows must be avoided against tonight's opponents. 'We can't have that ten minute drop off period like we did against Croatia where we struggle to score and that's where all the damage was done,' said the Irish head coach. 'We have to be locked in and get off to a good start, but we're confident (about a positive result) once we play well.' 

There's one change to the 12 man roster for the game in Luxembourg City. Killester's Paul Dick has been ruled out of the current window with a hamstring injury. Conor O'Sullivan of Ulster University comes in to replace him with the full confidence of his head coach. 'Conor had a fantastic season with Ulster University, gaining promotion and we've been keeping our eye on him. He had a great few days with us in Switzerland as well so it's not like he's coming in cold. He's gotten those games under his belt. I'm just delighted for him to come in and win his first, full senior cap.' added Keenan. 

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Ireland FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers Round 3

Group G fixtures:

July 26th

Luxembourg v Ireland, 1915,  Centre National Sportif & Culturel d'Coque, Luxembourg (Live on TG4)

July 29th

Ireland v Croatia, 1430, National Basketball Arena (Live on TG4)

August 5^th

Ireland v Luxembourg, 1930, National Basketball Arena (Live on TG4)

Ireland 12-man squad:

John Carroll (unattached), Sean Flood (unattached), CJ Fulton (Charleston, USA), Conor Quinn (Belfast Star), Lorcan Murphy (Templeogue), Conor O'Sullivan (Ulster University), Sam Alajiki (Rice University, USA), Taiwo Badmus (Saudarkrokur Tindastoll, Iceland), Matt Treacy (Moy Tolka Rovers), Jordan Blount (Neptune), Aidan Harris Igiehon (Abilene Christian Men’s Basketball, USA), Neal Quinn (University of Richmond)