Extended Ireland U18 MNT roster confirmed for the 2026/27 season

Ireland U18 MNT head coach Emer Howard has confirmed an extended squad of 35, as she begins preparations for FIBA Youth EuroBasket 2027. It's Howard's first squad since being appointed to the role after two years leading the U16 MNT programme. 

A strong feeling of continuity runs throughout the roster, with 21 of the 24 players who featured in Howard's two FIBA Youth EuroBasket squads at U16 level making the grade. One of that trio, Praise Pedro, was included in the U16 MNT roster announced on Tuesday. 

13 clubs from nine counties have representatives in the squad, with a quarter of those coming from two clubs. Portlaoise Panthers lead the way with five - Giovanni Osadolor, Darragh O'Loughlin, Eoghan O'Loughlin, as well as Justice and Prince Iheme -  and Dublin Lions, who have Lewis Adjinakou, Elliott Kristiansen, Bentoy Monshengwo and Tegan Odia included. The other teams with multiple players selected are Éanna BC and Templeogue BC.

12 players currently attend prep schools or feature with overseas clubs in the USA, Spain, Germany and Australia, while five of the roster which competed at FIBA U18 Men's Youth EuroBasket earlier this summer have made the inital selection. Declan Ehighie (Westtown School, USA), Fredryk Klimas (Limerick Lions), Patrick O'Keefe (Archbishop Riordan HS, USA), Sean Patterson (IMG Academy, USA) and Aidan McGrath (Masters International Academy, USA) are all in line to make a second appearance at U18 European level for Ireland. 

Speaking after the announcement of her squad, coach Howard said: "We enter our FIBA Youth EuroBasket 2027 preparations with high levels of ambition and an exciting depth of talent available to us. We believe every player in this initial squad brings something that has the potential to elevate the group.

The work starts now — developing those individual strengths, addressing the areas we need to improve, and building a connected team of 12 capable of playing the way we know we need to play next July to achieve our goals."