Cork basketballers Adrian O’Sullivan, David Lehane and Sean Jenkins in Ireland squad for LA trip

IRELAND men’s head coach Mark Keenan has included three Cork basketballers in the squad heading to Los Angeles later this month.

Keenan has named two uncapped players on the 12-man panel for the Los Angeles International Basketball Cup, which takes place on June 22-23 at Cal State University.

Cork native and the InsureMyVan.ie Super League Final MVP Sean Jenkins (Griffith College Éanna) is rewarded for a fine domestic season with a first call up while 6′ 10″ centre Eamonn Joyce is drafted in having most recently featured for San Martín de Corrientes in Argentina.

EXPERIENCE

Jenkins is joined by fellow Leesiders, veteran Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU off-guard Adrian O’Sullivan and UCC Demons forward David Lehane for this trip in what should be a great experience for the trio from the Rebel county.

Former Ireland captain John Carroll comes out of international retirement to take his place in the squad. The 28-year-old stepped away ahead of the last international window, but now re-enters the fold as one of four changes from our FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Pre-Qualifier against Switzerland in February. 

Talented 6′ 7″ forward Sam Alajiki also returns having missed the games against Kosovo and Switzerland due to college commitments.

Ireland will play two games against Guatemala and hosts Armenia, who sit 147th and 84th respectively in the FIBA World Rankings. Ireland are currently 88th.

“I’m delighted that John has decided to come back into the fold,” said head coach Mark Keenan. “He has been a big player for us throughout his career and I’m confident his experience will be a huge asset. Sam did well for us in his last cap against Luxembourg, so we’re looking forward to having that energy back in camp too.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to have a closer look at Sean and Eamonn. 

Sean had a great season for Griffith College Éanna, won a championship and will bring a lot to the group, while Eamonn will add another dimension with his size and ability at the rim on both ends of the floor.” 

First up for Ireland will be a tie with Guatemala at 1am (Irish time) on Saturday, June 22 before a contest against Armenia on Sunday, June 23 also at 1am (Irish time). Both games will be available to watch on YouTube.

IRELAND SQUAD: 

Sean Flood (Den Helder, Netherlands), 

John Carroll (Unattached), 

Adrian O’Sullivan (Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU), 

Conor Quinn (Belfast Star), 

Sean Jenkins, James Gormley (Griffith College Éanna), 

Rapolas Buivydas (Garvey’s Tralee Warriors), 

Sam Alajiki (Oral Roberts University, USA), 

David Lehane (UCC Demons), 

Taiwo Badmus (Valur, Iceland), 

Matt Treacy (Gold Coast Wallabies, Switzerland), 

Eamonn Joyce (San Martin, Argentina).