James Hannigan thriving at UCC Demons Basketball Club, proving the doubters wrong

WHEN the Hannigan twins, James and Scott decided to leave their lifelong club Neptune last season to move to their great rivals Blue Demons there was a huge shock among the basketball fraternity on Leeside.

For James Hannigan, it was a move that he has no regrets with as he is now playing the best basketball of his career.

“Look my family are basketball mad and I joined Neptune as a raw six year old and played with them right through all the grades up to Super League,” he said.

Making the decision to leave wasn’t easy but James believes it was the correct one.

“Look when you grow up and play with lads and have to leave them is tough but honestly it has benefited more than I could imagine,” he added.

Moving to Neptune’s great rivals was always going to be a test but Hannigan is happy with his new surroundings.

I don’t think my game would have improved if I stayed with Neptune as Demons believed in me and I think I am repaying them.” 

In the words of Hannigan when a player reaches the Super League getting court time to prove themselves is crucial.

“It just wasn’t happening at Neptune but when I went to Demons their coaching staff showed their faith in my ability and I couldn’t be happier with my game knowing at 23 I still have plenty left in the tank.

“It was a little daunting when I first moved but to be fair no basketball person in any club has mentioned to me I made the wrong decision and that includes people involved in Neptune.” 

Before joining Demons, James and his brother Scott had played with Kyle Hosford when he spent a season at Neptune and was also involved with Dave Lehane at schools level in the AG.

“The minute I joined Demons there wasn’t any talk about Neptune as all I wanted to do was look forward and forget the frustrations of the past and so far all is going to plan.” 

Under coach Danny O’Mahony and assistant Stuart Rodgers life at Demons is presently going great guns for the wholehearted Hannigan.

“The coaches at Demons believed in my ability to play and my twin brother Scott is also getting his opportunity having got no chance whatsoever at Neptune.” 

Last season Demons lost to Ballincollig in the Super League semi-final and Hannigan believes the experience gained playing with their star American MJ Randolph will stand to many players in the squad.

“I suppose MJ was such a professional that he instilled in all of us about keeping ourselves in shape and doing that extra bit outside of our team sessions. This season I picked up what he showed us in the workouts so I continued with his programme and its reaping rewards for me.” 

To be successful James believes you have to be committed to over the months of competing in the Super League.

It's crucial for me that I am at a good level of fitness because when you are given the job of guarding Americans you have to be in shape to battle right to the wire." 

This season Demons started with a win at Killorglin before a home loss to Ballincollig but Hannigan feels the team is getting better on a weekly basis.

"We have an excellent American in Seventh Woods who is a serious player and you can see he is bonding great with all of us in training and in games. It was tough to lose Zoe Tyson as he was a good guy but the coach felt we needed a change and D’Andre Jackson has stepped in and looks a very useful addition." 

Demons by virtue of a first-round cup win over champions and favourites to retain their crown Maree of Galway will now face unbeaten Belfast Star in a home quarter-final at the Mardyke Arena.

“Of course, it’s a very tough draw but at home we are capable of matching any side but make no mistake every player will need to be at it over four quarters" 

He also made sure to pay tribute to his parents' support.

“I am no different to the majority of players and I would like to thank my dad Jimmy and mother Sharon for always being there for Scott and I, through thick and thin.”