This past weekend, Ulster University Jordanstown hosted an electrifying event that set a new benchmark for 3×3 basketball in the region. The 3×3 International Event brought together top basketball talent from Great Britain, Ireland, and Northern Ireland for a weekend of intense competition.
The fast-paced, dynamic nature of 3×3 basketball has been gaining popularity globally, and this event marked a significant milestone in its local development. Featuring both Mens and Womens teams, the event highlighted the inclusive nature of the sport and its growing appeal across all demographics.
Marc Mulholland, Vice Chair at Basketball NI, expressed his pride on Team NI’s developments, “We have built our performance pathway from the learnings of our Commonwealth Campaign in 2022. With 3×3 stalwarts in Belfast Stars, Paddy McGaharan (now Team NI’s most capped player) followed closely by Liam Pettigrew, it was great to welcome their Star teammates Oisin Kerlin and, young hopeful, Luke Donnelly into the developing squads. It was exciting to welcome Lucien Christofis, (Akranes IA, Iceland 2nd Division) who earns his first caps for Northern Ireland representing his family from Armagh. Lucien who plays professionally in Iceland reached out and explained his heritage, which aligned with commonwealth selection and has brought with him a wealth of experience with 3×3 experience , competitive work rate and a real passion and desire to represent Northern Ireland, which we know will be a real catalyst for the culture we are creating within Team NI.”
Marc continued, “On the women’s side it was great to have sisters Charlie and Georgie McGrath (Phoenix Rockets and Queens Basketball join Erin Maguire (HCUB Huskies) and Abigail Rafferty (Ulster University) come off the back of great seasons in club basketball and working together creating a real force on the 3×3 court this past weekend for Team NI’s women. We are looking forward to seeing Team NI continue to compete in an invitational tournament hosted by Scotland this weekend in East Kilbride against the hosts, England and Ireland. This is the beginning of our preparation window for potential Commonwealth games competition and we are delighted to have the support of Sport NI and NI Commonwealth games helping in our preparation.”
On Saturday evening, the Team NI Men, coached by Ryan McCormick, faced two strong Ireland teams and two Great Britain teams. After a slow start, getting to know each other, in game 1 against Ireland Senior Men, they secured a win in game 2 against Ireland U23 and narrowly lost one game against Great Britain (U23). On Sunday, the men secured 3 strong wins against Ireland U23 and Great Britain (U23), with one defeat against Great Britain (Senior Men).
The women’s team competed against two Ireland teams and Great Britain (U23) on both days. On Saturday, they went undefeated winning 3 of 3 games. On Sunday, they achieved a win against Ireland (White) but had two hard fought battles losing out narrowly against Great Britain and Ireland (Green).
Pat O’Neill, North Development Officer for Basketball Ireland and Team NI Women’s Coach, expressed his enthusiasm about the successful weekend: “We were delighted to host such a high-level international 3×3 event at Ulster University Jordanstown Sports Village. The event would not have run as smoothly without the help of Sport Services Jordanstown, Niamh, Lauren, and Lee from Basketball Northern Ireland, along with Harry and Luke from Basketball Ireland.” He also praised the women’s team, stating, “I am very pleased with the execution and focus shown by our Women’s team, securing four wins out of six games. I really couldn’t have asked for more from these exceptionally talented women. It has set us up with a lot to work on, but knowing we can compete and win gives us great confidence as we head to Scotland this coming weekend.”
Saturday Results
| BNI Men Ireland Green | 11 21 |
| BNI Women Ireland Green | 20 16 |
| Ireland White BNI Men | 18 20 |
| Ireland White BNI Women | 14 18 |
| BNI Men GB U23 | 15 21 |
| BNI Women GB U23 | 21 16 |
| GB Senior Men BNI Men | 19 11 |
Sunday Results
| Ireland White BNI Men | 15 16 |
| GB U23 BNI Women | 18 10 |
| BNI Men GB Senior Men | 16 12 |
| Ireland Green BNI Women | 18 13 |
| GB U23 BNI Men | OT 12 11 |
| BNI Women Ireland White | 16 8 |
The final scores of all Saturday games can be viewed here and Sundays can be viewed here.
Saturday games can be viewed at:
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0c7np0LI1UI7qn5T9Dd3EF8UA
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15fsaY9G83Ohz9BzK-A7SaeQwtzt9pG2g?usp=sharing
The weekend was a resounding success for players and spectators alike, with perfect weather and exceptional basketball showcasing the growing world of 3×3.
Team NI will be back training this week as they prepare for their trip to Scotland this weekend for more 3×3 games against England, Ireland and Scotland on Saturday.