Basketball NI recently held our first Youth Forum and we thought we would introduce to our members of the BNI YF.
Callie Burnett
Ulster University Tigers Basketball Club
Point Guard
Why do you love basketball?
It’s enjoyable and allows you make new friends that have the same passion as you and you can use it as an escape from everything else.
Cameron Blundell
Queens Basketball Club
Why do you love basketball?
It gives me the ability to be part of a team as well as having another way to stay fit every week.
Eoghan Sherry
Phoenix Basketball Club
Small Forward
If you could have anybody (not just basketball players) on your team who would it be and why?
I would pick the former Ulster and Ireland rugby captain Rory Best because throughout his career he was hard working, honest and humble whilst being a brilliant leader who led by example. I believe these skills would transfer over to any team environment. I’d also love to have Caroline O’Hanlon, the Northern Ireland netball captain and captain of the Armagh Gaelic football team, who manages to do all that as well as being a G.P.
Ethan Quinn
Ulster University Tigers Basketball Club
Guard
Why do you love basketball?
I grew up surrounded by basketball so came to love the sport at a young age and that passion has been increasing as I’ve got older.
Jacob Bryne
Phoenix Basketball Club
Power Forward
Why do you love basketball?
I love the nature of Basketball as a sport. Basketball has the ability to connect people on a level I have not seen other sports. Basketball is a tool to bridge divides, create friendships and build culture. I love all aspects of Basketball from coaching to playing to reffing. I love the feeling of swishing a three or making a big shot, I love supporting my teammates and being apart of the team. I love the life skills and lessons that Basketball teaches me and helps me develop.
Jessica Love
Newry Fliers Basketball Club
Shooting Guard now focusing on coaching
Why do you love basketball?
For me, basketball is so much greater than the game itself; it’s being given the opportunity to build a community, to help younger children develop skills and create lasting relationships. Playing/ coaching allows me to be part of a club and a family of people who share a similar interest and are invested in each other’s successes. I love the relationships I have been fortunate to build relationships through the sport and recognise the opportunity to positively impact others around me, using basketball as a channel.
Maria Smyth
Queens Basketball Club
Point Guard
If you could have anybody (not just basketball players) on your team who would it be and why?
I would have Steph Currie as my attacking coach, David Clifford as an inspirational figure, and Katie Taylor for strength and conditioning, and role model for all girls.
Rory McPartland
Phoenix Basketball Club
Point Guard
Why do you love basketball?
It’s a fantastic team sport, and brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. I get to meet new people from all over the country and automatically have something to talk about and bond over. It improves physical, social and communication skills. I love the satisfaction of working hard and getting better and being a leader to my teammates. I think that basketball is one of the most complex and interesting games and you are able to constantly keep improving and learning more. When I was younger I felt that I would never be good at any sports like football because I didn’t enjoy them very much, but I have loved playing basketball since my first ever session and have had many opportunities because of it.
Tom Kearney
Phoenix Basketball Club
Shooting Guard
If you could have anybody (not just basketball players) on your team who would it be and why?
I’ve always admired sports figures particularly in basketball, I would choose people like Steph curry or Tim Duncan who aren’t only good themselves but help others around them win championships with their character and charisma on and off the court.