‘The highest level we’ve played’ – Ireland set for stiff test against Olympic champions in first 3×3 Europe Cup tilt

Their qualification at a tournament in Kosovo in June marked a major milestone for the country’s fledgling 3×3 set-up.

But Basketball Ireland’s plans remain bigger still, with CEO John Feehan describing an Olympic appearance as the ultimate goal when launching the programme two years ago.

For Ireland international John Carroll, reaching a first Europe Cup already represents a breakthrough.

“It’s probably the highest level we’ve played within Ireland. It’s not a pre-qual or even a qualification, it’s the actual Euros,” the 30-year-old says.

“We’re playing the Netherlands who won the gold medal so there will probably be more eyes on this than anything we’ve played so far.”

The game is different to its regular counterpart. Two teams of three play each other on a half court, with the first side to 21 points or one with the higher score after 10 minutes winning the game.

Two points are awarded for baskets scored outside the arc and one point for scores from inside it.

All this requires a different approach.

Darren McGovern’s team of Carroll, Jordan Blount, Matt Treacy and Sean Jenkins travelled to Novi Sad in Serbia – “the world capital of 3×3” – to prepare for the tournament earlier this week.

“There’s certain things you need to adjust to. You’re playing in a confined space. It ends up being two on two a lot of times with the third guy being the decoy,” Carroll continues.

“It’s good being here in Serbia as they can teach us the nuances of three on three.”

The top two in their group on Friday advance to the quarter-finals on Sunday, which may give Carroll and Co a chance.

The Dubliner, who plays his club basketball for Sligo All-Stars, feels the game’s format could also play in their favour.

“It’s obviously a tough group. But if this was five on five and we had the last two gold medallists, it would be very hard to win.

“The nature of three on three is that if we hit a few two-pointers, the score can fluctuate very quickly so it is open. It’s going to be tough but we definitely feel we can win a game and get out of the group for sure.”

TG4 will broadcast both of Ireland’s group games on Friday and the knockout stages on Sunday on its player service.

Fiba 3×3 Europe Cup finals

Friday, September 5

Pool C: Latvia v Ireland, 10.30am, TG4 Player

Pool C: Netherlands v Ireland, 3.45pm, TG4 Player

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