I wish I was a little bit taller.
Kerry has a long and proud tradition of basketball, with even county senior players Kieran Donaghy and Colm Cooper known for their love of the life on the hardwood.
But the county, or indeed Ireland, probably has never seen anyone quite as talented as young Tralee man Cian O’Sullivan, who has just landed himself a deal that could see him feature in the NBA some day.
The 19-year-old Irish international has been offered a scholarship at a top American university where, if he succeeds, he could be drafted by a top American basketball side.
The Irishman will become only the seventh person from Ireland to be offered a basketball scholarship in the USA, and he’s been in America since September at the well-known St Andrew’s school in Rhode Island ahead joining LaSalle University.
@cian_32 Xstudent who has become just the 7th player in Irish history 2 secure D1 American basketball Scholarship pic.twitter.com/h2dGuVZ8LJ
— Mercy Mounthawk (@MounthawkMercy) November 12, 2015
It’s believed the deal will see him sign up to play four season in the Atlantic 10 Conference, where he will get a chance to improve his skills as well as develop physically for the demanding nature of basketball in the States.
According to the Providence Journal Andrews coach Mike Hart is delighted to have captured the Kerry teenager for the college,
“Cian is going to be on the Mike Hart diet this year and try to gain about 20 pounds. He likes the weight room and is getting stronger and in two years I can see him being 230 pounds. He loves the game and is willing to work hard.”
The Kerryman will be joined in the USA by Jordan Blount.
Congrats to SDA athlete Jordan Blount who has signed with the university of Illinois Chicago (NCAA D1 basketball program) #hardwork
— Sport Dream Academy (@sda_info) November 6, 2015
Two D1 commits from Irish Basketball players this week. Congrats to Cian O'Sullivan (@Mhawkbasketball) & Jordan Blount (@Neptune1BC).
— John O'Byrne (@alnova1) November 8, 2015
We would say watch out but at seven foot, it’s going to be hard to miss him.
