Reflection is the better part of a champion. Air time is the better part of a basketball player.
Lorcan Murphy, you are not human.
Templeogue BC began the defence of their National Cup in flying fashion on Saturday when an Irish man – yes, we’ve checked – produced a reverse slam dunk right out of an American teenage movie.
UCC Demons were edged out in the first round, first leg clash of the Hula Hoops Men’s National Cup when the champions put them away with just nine points to spare, 96-87 it finished in the end.
But, if our NBA cousins were hoping Templeogue wouldn’t reach another final so they could avoid trying to pronounce their name again, it doesn’t look too promising on this showing anyway.
Whilst Michael Bonaparte stole the show in the 2015/16 decider, it was Lorcan Murphy writing the headlines this weekend.
The man who ranked 31st during last year’s Premier League with 154 points produced pure magic on Saturday when he drove in from the side, let fly, spun in mid air and dunked the ball straight between the hoop.
And the people have spoken.
The roar from the crowd, the shocked reaction of the young ones, the way Murphy sprints straight back into position, it was a special, inspiring moment.
It was a moment that put down a marker that it’s going to take something special to beat Templeogue this year.
National Cup First Round:
UCD Marian 95-68 Radisson Blu UL Eagles
SSE Airtricity Moycullen 72-71 Belfast Star
Templeogue 96-87 UCC Demons
Pyrobel Killester 69-70 DCU Saints
Irish TV Tralee Warriors 61-55 Griffith Swords Thunder
KUBS BC 72-65 Commercial.ie Éanna
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