Ciaran O'Sullivan back as head coach of Irish Guide Dog’s Ballincollig@MTU Men’s SuperLeague basketball team

Ciaran O'Sullivan will be back as head coach of Irish Guide Dog’s Ballincollig@MTU Men’s SuperLeague basketball team for the coming season.

He replaces Spanish coach Antonio Lopez, who has taken up a role with Kordall S, who plays in the top League in Luxembourg.

This is a role Ciaran held for seven years before he decided last season to take a step back into a playing role, and it was a great opportunity to see the team through a different set of eyes.

“It was a massive transition to go back playing last year, but something I was glad to take on after seven seasons of coaching in the Super League,” Ciaran said.

“Being on the floor full time just as a player once again was a different kind of energy and feeling of responsibility. 

"I had to focus on my own game once more, but still try to lead in a more subtle way. 

"It reminded me how much the game drains you physically and mentally at this level, especially.

“Having a new voice in the huddle brought new ideas and new perspective, which changed the dynamic in a good way. 

"It enabled me to move away from the tactical side and be a fully committed player. 

"The challenge was acclimatizing to a new style and establishing trust and that doesn't happen overnight, but we made positive progress at times. "I do think that we genuinely improved on the defensive end. 

"We played with more purpose there was a greater sense of identity on that side of the ball. It’s now it's just a question of making that occur on a full-season basis. 

"However, offensively we struggled to share the ball and got static in clutch moments. We were predictable so it’s something we need to focus on going forward.

“We did have a poor finish by our standards as we lost the momentum at the worst possible moment, and depth became an issue late on. 

"If we're going to be true challengers next season, we have to be healthy, build toughness for the long season and develop a ruthless mindset, especially in tight games. 

"That starts in the off-season, creating clarity and consistency early on. The standard of the League has definitely improved. 

"The imports are better, and the locals are smarter, stronger with fitness levels rising every season. 

"It's more tactical, too with all teams punishing mistakes. You have to be on your game every week or you'll get caught out.

“Basketball Ireland needs Investment across the board, better facilities, more media attention and real support for clubs doing the hard yards. "We’ve got the talent and the passion, but the structures need to catch up, as there’s massive potential if the right steps are taken.

“My summer plans are to rest first and time with my young family, as it's been a long year. 

"Then it's back to the gym and get back to basics working on strength, fitness, and developing decision making and skillsets. 

"On my end, I'll also be attempting to shape the mentality of the group entering pre-season. 

"We must come back hungry and hungry.

“Finally, I want to thank Antonio for all his hard work last season, as he put in structures that will be used at the club for years to come and I want to thank Craig Drummond for his hard work and dedication and wish both of them the best in their basketball careers,” O’Sullivan added.