Adrian O’Sullivan on Ballincollig's Super League tilt and a new era at international level

FOR Adrian O’Sullivan, representing Ireland at the Fiba World Cup Qualifiers last month acted as another line in his ever-growing basketball resume.

The Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig@MTU guard has vast experience stretching back to 2009 when he first played at the U16 European Championships.

With several appearances for the Irish Senior Men over recent years including a Fiba European Championships for Small Countries victory in 2021, the 30-year-old routinely offers expertise and ability to coach Mark Keenan’s side. Consistent output over previous years has resulted in regular selection, something that O’Sullivan is always grateful for.

HONOUR

“It’s something that I love doing and will never take for granted. Being able to compete with the best in the country and to wear the Irish jersey are always great honours. When the team returned to competition in 2016, I was lucky enough to be a part of that squad. So, being able to be on this journey to a Fiba World Cup Qualifier stage has been brilliant.”

Qualifying games against Kosovo and Switzerland acted as lessons for an Irish squad going through somewhat of a transitional period as a new wave of young talent continues to enter the fold in place of retiring veterans like John Carroll and Lorcan Murphy.

“I think the Kosovo game was definitely there for the taking down the stretch and they made plays when the game was in the balance. Unfortunately, we didn’t match them and that game feels like one that got away. The Swiss game felt like we simply didn’t perform and our shooting percentages were way off the mark for a team looking to compete against 12 professional players of their level.”

Filling the void of absent players based in the US were Super League talents James Beckom and David Lehane of UCC Demons, as well as Garvey’s Tralee Warriors forward, Rapolas Buivydas.

Seeing new faces and helping them get adjusted to how we run things is one of my favourite things when being involved with the Irish men’s team.

“I take massive pride in helping my younger teammates in particular because that’s what was done for me when I was their age. The three boys are great talents, but their attitude is incredible, and we will see them in an Irish jersey again very soon!”

For O’Sullivan’s Ballincollig, the final few weeks of the season will be integral to determining the success of their campaign.

“We are at the business end of the season now. We need to knuckle down defensively and control the rebounding battle if we are to compete for more silverware this year.”