International

Nov 28 2025

Nelson in line for Ireland debut as he and Quinn added to squad for North Macedonia game

Neptune’s 6’11” centre Eoin Nelson could earn his first Ireland cap after he and Belfast Star’s Conor Quinn were drafted into Michael Bree’s squad for Sunday’s FIBA EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifiers game against Group A top seeds North Macedonia at the National Basketball Arena.

25-year-old Nelson was named in the 20-man extended squad for July friendlies with Norway, but didn’t make the final 12. He’s played all nine Domino’s Men’s Super League fixtures for Energywise Ireland Neptune so far this season, averaging 12.4 points per game.

Conor Quinn played both those summer fixtures against Norway and featured five times in Ireland’s most recent FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Pre-Qualifiers campaign. The 30-year-old has been one of Belfast Star’s key men once again this season, as they top the Domino’s Men’s Super League table, with the shooting guard posting an 11 point average so far.

Conor Quinn in action for Ireland against Azerbaijan in a FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Pre-Qualifier at the National Basketball Arena in February 2025.

Injury ruled John Carroll out of Thursday’s 89-77 defeat to Luxembourg and the EJ Sligo All-Stars player won’t be fit in time for this weekend’s fixture. Max Amadasun was also an unused sub on Thursday and he remains an injury doubt.

Ireland head coach Michael Bree said: “Eoin came through the Irish underage set-up with our U18’s and U20’s and he’s picked up great experience playing college basketball in the US for a number of years, before coming home last season. At 6’11” he brings size to the equation and that will help against a very physical North Macedonia team. Conor is a vastly experienced international and it’s great to be able to call upon someone like that for a crucial game. We now have a squad of 13 prepping for this game and we’ll assess everyone over the coming days before finalising our 12 for Sunday.”

Bree added: “We’re really looking forward to coming home to a sold out National Basketball Arena, our supporters are always incredible and I am sure they will play their part come Sunday. North Macedonia represent a tough test, they’re the top seeds in the group and had a great win over Azerbaijan on matchday one, so we’re under no illusions about the task facing us. I take plenty of encouragement from the last three quarters against Luxembourg and trust that the work we’ve done in practice over the last few days and the coming days will pay dividends, as we seek out a win this weekend.”

Tip off at the National Basketball Arena is 1700, a game which is live on TG4.

Ireland men’s squad:

Jordan Blount (Flexachem KCYMS), Rapolas Buivydas (Belfast Star), Sean Jenkins (Griffith College Éanna), Taiwo Badmus (Tindastoll Korfubolti, Iceland) Sean Flood (unattached), Matt Treacy (Snaefell Basketball, Iceland), Sam Alajiki (Hapoel Galil Elion, Israel), Max Amadasun (Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa Baloncesto, Spain), Matt Zona (Cheshire Phoenix, UK), Neal Quinn (BCM Gravelines Dunkerque, France), Adrian O’Sullivan (Ballincollig), Conor Quinn (Belfast Star), Eoin Nelson (Energywise Ireland Neptune).

FIBA EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifiers Results

Thursday 27^th November, 2025

Luxembourg 89-77 Ireland

FIBA EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifiers Fixtures

Sunday 30^th November, 2025

Ireland v North Macedona, 1700, National Basketball Arena, Live on TG4

Friday 27^th February, 2026

Ireland v Azebaijan, 1930, National Basketball Arena, Live on TG4 Player and App

Monday 2^nd March, 2026

Ireland v Luxembourg, 1700, National Basketball Arena, Live on TG4

Thursday 2^nd July, 2026

North Macedonia v Ireland, Venue/Time TBC