Keenan names extended 14-man squad ahead of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Pre-Qualifiers game with Switzerland

Ireland men’s head coach Mark Keenan has drafted in two additional players to his squad for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Pre-Qualifiers game with Switzerland at a sold out National Basketball Arena on Sunday. Killester’s Paul Dick and Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU player Keelan Cairns have joined up with the 12-man squad which played Kosovo on Thursday.

Head coach Keenan said: “It’s a chance to freshen up things and it’s great to be able to call upon two experienced players like Keelan and Paul into the set-up and they come into contention for a place in the final 12 for Sunday. Both have been in great form this season, Keelan played a vital role in Ballincollig’s route to the InsureMyHouse.ie Pat Duffy Cup final, while Killester have had a fine season in the InsureMyVan.ie Super League, with Paul central to it.”

Keelan Cairns celebrates after Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU's win over Garvey's Tralee Warriors in the InsureMyHouse.ie Pat Duffy National Cup semi-finals

Ireland lost 83-76 to Kosovo in Prishtina in their opening Group A game and face familiar opposition in Switzerland, who they’ve played four times in the last two years, twice in FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers and two behind-closed-doors friendlies in Geneva last summer. 

Keenan added: “Naturally we were disappointed not to come away with the win against Kosovo, having led in the fourth quarter, but there’s plenty to be positive about and we’ll take that confidence into Sunday’s game with Switzerland. They’re a side we know very well having played them regularly over the last couple of years. We’re determined to get a win, to get our qualifying campaign up and running. Our home support has been amazing and being cheered on by sold out National Basketball Arena is a massive boost to the squad.”

Sunday’s game with Switzerland tips off at 3pm and will be broadcast live on TG4’s Facebook page here.

Ireland 14-man squad:

Adrian O’Sullivan (Ballincollig), Lorcan Murphy (Templeogue), James Beckom (UCC Demons), Neil Randolph (Templeogue), Sean Flood (Den Helder, Netherlands), Conor Quinn (Belfast Star), Jordan Blount (Energywise Ireland Neptune), Rapolas Buivydas (Garvey’s Tralee Warriors), James Gormley (Griffith College Éanna), David Lehane (UCC Demons), Taiwo Badmus (Valur, Iceland), Matt Treacy (Wallabies, Switzerland), Keelan Cairns (Ballincollig), Paul Dick (Killester).