BASKETBALL Basketball Ireland host second leg of domestic launch

The Basketball Ireland 2008/09 domestic season was launched on Thursday in front of players, supporters and the media at the Temple Bar Hotel in Dublin's city centre.

The launch provides the perfect build up to the opening set of fixtures in the Nivea For Men's SuperLeague with Hoops' meeting at home to DART Killester opening the curtain on Friday night at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.

Reigning champions Abrakebabra Tigers host UCD/Marian, while a strong UCC Demons face an away tie with Belfast Star.

DCU Saints open their campaign at home to Limerick Lions, while UU (Ulster Elks) travel to Cork to take on Neptune.

Tigers will have to prepare for their meeting with UCD/Marian without the services of Kieran Donaghy and Michael Quirke, who are on GAA duty in the Kerry county championship.

Tigers have already signalled their intent on holding onto their league crown by managing to persuade Head Coach Mark Bernsen back to Tralee for a second season. The highly experienced coach will be joined by CJ Hadley, the high scoring points scorer for the Kingdom giants last season.

UCD/Marian coach Cormac Connor admits his side face a daunting opener but is relishing a trip to the home of the champions.

"It is a massive clash to open with," said Connor. "Obviously, being away to the reigning champions is a massive challenge but it also adds an exciting start for our guys.

"We have managed to bring in a couple of new faces, which has put a younger look on our squad but we also have David Ryan back in our squad after he played so well for us last term," he added.

Hoops open at home to the league runner-up's DART Killester and newly appointed coach Ahmad Smith has already witnessed the strength of his Dublin rivals.

"I seen them play in a pre-season game in Cork and they don't make a lot of mistakes," said Smith. "They are a tough outfit and they work together as a team so I am not surprised they have such a successful record."

DART Killester have been one of the busiest sides in the league this summer and have added a number of quality players to their already bulging squad. On top of signing Jim Grabowski from the NCAA Division 2 league, they have also managed to persuade DCU Guard Pete Madsen and Kieran O'Brien of Neptune to the club.

Another new Head Coach in the shape of fancied UCC Demons Douglas Leichner is another who is tipped for the major honours this season.

This weekend they face a trip to Belfast Star and the former University of Maine supremo is relishing gaining some experience in Ireland.

"It's already being an experience and there is a great relationship between the US and Ireland in terms of basketball," said Leichner. "It promises to be a great season and I am already looking forward to the big one when we meet (Neptune) in the derby."

Belfast Star will be looking for a bright return this season after capturing Forward Kevin Foley from UCD Marian, while Chris Butler is returning from Spain to play a part in the 08/09 season.

Neptune will have a full quota and welcome Ger Noonan into the squad after his stint with St Paul's, while their opponents on Saturday UU (Ulster Elks) will be looking to build on their debut season in the Nivea For Men's SuperLeague.

DCU Saints will be hoping home advantage will count when they meet Limerick Lions with both sides revealing new head coach's for the new season.

Former DCU star Vinny O'Keeffe takes up the reigns with the Saints, while former Irish women's international coach Sasa Punosevac will be in charge of the Lions.

For more information

Shane Whelan
Public Relations Officer
www.basketballireland.ie
Phone: +353 (0)1 4590211
Fax: +353 (0)1 4590212
Mobile : +353 (0)87 9892733
National Basketball Arena
Tymon Park, Dublin 24