Andre Nation loved Irish life, the friends he made and winning with Ballincollig Basketball Club during his time in Cork

Some of the biggest debates regularly had in Irish basketball is about the standard of the game in the eighties and nineties compared to today, but the biggest part of the debate would be the difference in the standard of the American players that play today, compared to yesterday.

The American players back in the eighties and nineties were at a complete higher level than today, as most of them all came from very high Division One colleges with most of them having made the NBA draft.

In fact, we didn’t know how really good we had it back then, because some players were released here and went back home to play in the NBA.

However, there are some American players that have played in these shores in the past few seasons that could definitely mix it up with the players of yesterday.

And one of those players is Andre Nation, who donned the colours of Ballincollig for a few years and he played a big part of the success the Village has had since they entered the National League, as he set the standards for all the players.

“Before I came to Ireland I played college basketball and attended James Madison University from 2012-2015,” Andre said.

“In my freshman year we made it to the NCAA National tournament where I performed very well."

Nation left the college in the middle of his second season and got involved in coaching in a Harrisonburg High School in Virginia.

Then his coach Don Durgess got a call from Francis O’Sullivan from Ireland to see if he knew any players that were available and he jumped at the chance to play overseas.

“When I left college, I ended up becoming an assistant coach at a high school in Virgina called Harrisonburg.

“Francis O’Sullivan knew the head men’s coach Don Burgess from previous coaching clinics and he called him one day on the phone asking if he knew somebody that wanted to play.

“Ironically, I was in the gym working out and I video recorded myself and sent it to Francis and his son Ciaran and the rest as they say is history.

“That is why I call Francis or as I like call him, the Godfather of my career.

“My first impressions of Cork and Ireland were mixed.

"You all drive on the opposite side of the road, so that was new for me, however, I got to see what a beautiful country Ireland was when we traveled for our away games.

“When I first came there was only one American player in the League and to be honest, the standard wasn’t that high.

“However, the standard now is way better with the two American rule being re-introduced back into the league and with a few Irish guys returning from the US, it’s now more enjoyable to watch."

Andre still returns to the Village a couple times a year to catch up with his former players and friends. 

He also takes part in the annual puc fada on St Stephen's Day, then returns to the O’Sullivan household for dinner before heading to Healy’s and Mary O’s pubs to finish off the night in typical Irish fashion.

“After first three years playing with Ballincollig and I went on to play in Germany and ruptured my Achilles. 

"I rehabbed and with crazy timing one of their American’s had broken his ankle and they needed somebody, so I came back basically for my fourth year.

“My teammates, my club, and the Village, honestly are family to me, as I’m super family oriented, so I had attachment issues with them and I couldn’t leave.

“Although we had great success on the basketball court, however, the team dynamic off the court and the friends I made are my most fondest memories.

“From enjoying morning coffees with Ciaran at the Flowery Apron, or getting some spicy food from the market every other Wednesday, these are things I will never forget. 

"I also looked forward to my nights out with the team at Healy’s Pub with owner Kathleen and then Mary O’s Bar with my man John.

“Going to mama Teresa Murray’s house, eating all her food, and doing Christmas swims with her family was always special. 

"Then on Stephen’s Day we would go to the puc fada and then back to the O’Sullivan house for dinner.

"After that we would head to Keelan Cairns house for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“I would like to thank the whole O’Sullivan family and Daniel’s family for their kindness, especially my man Donal O’Sullivan. 

"Also the whole Ballincollig Basketball club, from senior division down to the mini future ballers, and I must also thank the O’Shea family from Carishaveen, who were very good to me.

“Special shoutout to Ciaran and Colin Murray for the guidance they still give me to this day,” Nation added.