Ireland’s senior men’s 3×3 basketball team made history over the weekend by qualifying for the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Finals for the first time.
Competing in the Europe Cup Qualifier in Kosovo, Ireland secured their place in the final tournament with a 21–19 victory over Cyprus in Sunday’s decisive qualification match.
The squad of Taiwo Badmus, Sean Flood, Jordan Blount, and Matt Treacy bounced back from an earlier defeat to the same Cypriot team during the group stage.
Ireland advanced from their group after wins against Albania and Kosovo, earning a spot in the qualifying final.
In the rematch against Cyprus, Treacy hit crucial two-pointers late in the game, and Badmus scored the winning basket to send Ireland through to the September finals in Copenhagen, Denmark.
“Losing to Cyprus earlier in the group was tough, but that was a real learning process that we were able to take into today,” said Captain Sean Flood.
“We knew it was going to take a couple of games to gel together because our practice time was very limited.”
Ireland now joins eight other nations in the 2025 European Cup Finals, including France, the Netherlands, Latvia, Serbia, and hosts Denmark. The event will take place from September 5th to 7th in Copenhagen.
Basketball Ireland has increased its investment in 3×3 basketball through national competitions, youth development, and international exposure.
The format, which features teams of three and a 10-minute game clock, has gained popularity since its Olympic debut in 2021, and this is being viewed as a major breakthrough for the sport here.
The Irish women’s 3×3 team also competed in the Kosovo qualifier but did not advance.
From the Sport for Business Podcast Archives
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Check out Sport for Business coverage of Basketball
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
This is a brilliant achievement and one that deserves significant coverage before the tournament rolls around in the first week of September
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The Sport for Business line up of events for the rest of this year is now available to check out with new dates being confirmed in the coming weeks.
Register Your Interest in a Sport for Business Event
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
Basketball Ireland are among the 300+ members of the Sport for Business community, including all of the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, individuals interested in our world, and an increasing number from beyond these shores taking a keen interest in Ireland.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Get the full benefit of a Sport for Business membership by joining us at one of our upcoming events, where sporting and business leadership come together.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
