Arica Carter the danger as Ireland aim for win in Azerbaijan

Returning Panathinaikos point guard Arica Carter is a big danger to Ireland’s chances of picking up their opening win of FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifying against Azerbaijan in Baku, according to Ireland WNT head coach Thomas Garlepp.

Carter missed out on Azerbaijan’s 84-33 defeat to Switzerland on Wednesday, but the American dual citizen, who is averaging 20 points-per-game in two previous caps, is back in the fold for Saturday’s 10:00 tip-off on the edge of the Caspian Sea.

“Much like us they also have a new system, under a new coach,” said Garlepp, whose Ireland side narrowly missed out on victory against Iceland at the National Basketball Arena two days ago. “They’re going to be very well organised and will be much improved for having that first game.”

The Irish squad made the 5,500km journey to their base on Thursday, with no fresh injury concerns ahead of their second game of a three-game window. Sarah Hickey is sure to be at the forefront of Azerbaijan’s thoughts defensively following a 25-point haul against Iceland and Garlepp is aware that his side must also be vigilant, if they’re going to make the trip to group leaders Switzerland on Tuesday with a win under their belt.

“Arica Carter comes into the squad for them, so that’s going to bolster Azerbaijan and really help them on both ends. While there was a margin there with Switzerland, we are certainly on guard with them and have a lot of respect for where they are headed rather than where they were in that match.”

The nature of qualifying for FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2029, where only one team from each group will advance to the next phase, means picking up a first win of his tenure is hugely important for Garlepp, but the 40-year-old Australian is only focused on generating an improved performance from that which entertained a sold-out National Basketball Arena in Dublin.

“Every game is equally important. We’re going out to win every game. I’ve said that all along, so we will give it another crack and do everything we can to be better than we were in the last game and just try and improve. If that results in a win that’d be great.”

Ireland v Azerbaijan will be shown live on TG4, with tip-off scheduled for 10:00 Irish time on Saturday morning.