CJ Fulton returns and three potential debutants named in Ireland men's squad

CJ Fulton is in line for his first Ireland appearance since August 2023, after being named in Michael Bree’s extended 13-man squad for the FIBA EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifiers games with Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.

Fulton played two games with Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2025 NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas. He subsequently signed a professional contract with the NBA team in September and is currently playing in the G-League with their reserve side, Iowa Wolves.

His last appearance for Ireland was a 79-76 win over Luxembourg during the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers. The 6’3” guard hasn’t featured since, due to his commitments Stateside, with Lafayette College and College of Charleston, where Fulton played 127 career collegiate games (113 starts) across four seasons.

Speaking about Fulton’s inclusion, Ireland head coach Michael Bree said: “It’s great to have CJ back in the Ireland set-up, he’s really had a stellar college career in the States with Lafayette and Charleston Cougars. His hard work and dedication were rewarded last year with his pro deal with Minnesota Timberwolves. Naturally we’ve spoken a number of times since I took over in September and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Bree could also hand first Ireland caps to Eoin Nelson, Sean Fitzpatrick and American-born Eli Brooks, after the trio were also named in the 13-man squad. It’s a first call-up for 6’1” point guard Brooks, who currently plays with Spanish side Basquet Manresa. Brooks was born in South Carolina and grew up in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania. He qualifies for Ireland via his grandfather, who hails from Belfast and moved to the USA in 1950.

6’11” centre Eoin Nelson was part of the 12-man Ireland squad which played against North Macedonia in November, but didn’t feature from the bench. The 25-year-old has averaged 13.2 points for Energywise Ireland Neptune in his 16 Domino’s Men’s Super League games so far this season.

UCD Marian’s Sean Fitzpatrick was in the extended 20-man squad for the summer series friendly games with Norway, but didn’t make an appearance. The 6’4” guard has represented Ireland at U18 and U20 level.

Ryan Leonard is set to make his competitive debut, having last featured for Ireland in friendlies against Slovakia and Luxembourg in 2019. Leonard picked up the game MVP as his Limerick Sport Eagles side won the Domino’s MD1 National Cup final against Drogheda Wolves in January. He previously played with Garvey’s Tralee Warriors and is another former Ireland underage international, at U16, U18 and U20 level.

Ryan Leonard picked up the MVP after helping Limerick Sport Eagles to the Domino's MD1 National Cup title last month.

There is a return to the squad for Griffith College Eanna’s James Gormley, who missed both November FIBA EuroBasket games against Luxembourg and North Macedonia. Injury rules out Taiwo Badmus, Sean Jenkins and Max Amadasun, while John Carroll is unavailable due to personal commitments.

Bree added: “Eoin (Nelson) and James (Gormley), at 6’11 and 7’0”, both bring size to the equation and have been playing well with their respective clubs, as has Sean (Fitzpatrick). It’s great to be able to bring in someone of the calibre of Eli (Brooks) too, who has been playing EuroCup basketball with his club Basquet Manresa and has experience playing in Germany and Italy too.”

Bree will have to whittle down his squad to 12 when they face Azerbaijan at the National Basketball Arena on Friday 27th February at 1930, a game which will be broadcast live on the TG4 Player and App. It is followed by a home game against Luxembourg on Monday 2nd March, which tips off at 1930 and is live on TG4. Tickets for the games can be purchased here.

Ireland fell to defeat in their opening two Group A games, 89-77 away to Luxembourg and a 88-76 home defeat to North Macedonia. The three group winners and the best-ranked second-placed team from three First Round groups will advance to the Second Round of FIBA EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifiers, where they will be joined by eight teams from the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers First Round.

Ireland men’s squad

Jordan Blount (Flexachem KCYMS), Rapolas Buivydas (Belfast Star), CJ Fulton (Iowa Wolves), Eli Brooks (Basquet Manresa, Spain), Sean Flood (unattached), Sean Fitzpatrick (UCD Marian), Ryan Leonard (Limerick Sport Eagles), Sam Alajiki (Hapoel Galil Elion, Israel), Matt Zona (Cheshire Phoenix, UK), Neal Quinn (BCM Gravelines Dunkerque, France), Adrian O’Sullivan (Ballincollig), Eoin Nelson (Energywise Ireland Neptune), James Gormley (Griifth College Éanna).