Portlaoise native makes the Irish basketball squad for European Championships

Portlaoise's Amaan Sanni who has previously played basketball for Portlaoise Panthers before moving stateside to play with Kents Hill has been chosen in the 12-man Irish squad for the upcoming U20 European Championships in North Macedonia.

Sanni is one of four uncapped players chosen by Ireland head coach Thomas Walsh. Ireland will compete in the FIBA U20 Men’s Championship ‘B’ Division in 2023 and have been drawn in Group A alongside Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and hosts North Macedonia. 

Speaking about his squad, head coach Thomas Walsh said: “We’re very excited to name our final-12 players for the  FIBA U20 Men’s European Championship in July. The coaching staff doesn’t get much time together with players due to everyone playing at the top level in Ireland and overseas. However, in the past two weeks we got the chance to play friendly games with two tough US collegiate sides, which will be of great benefit going forward.

The players have shown great commitment to each other and this programme in a short period of time. We have a few weeks left to build on that commitment and our style of play, but we’re looking forward to exciting basketball in North Macedonia.”

Ireland U20 Men’s Squad:

Ajay Ryan Walsh (Limerick Sport Eagles), Amaan Sanni (Kents Hill, USA), Christian McDonnell (Malahide BC), Cian Tiernan (Dublin Lions), Darragh Ferguson (Belfast Star), Elijah Faapito (Tolka Rovers), Joseph Coughlan (Titans BC), Killian Gribben (Sienna College, USA), Ronan Byrne (UCD Marian), Ruairi Cronin (Limerick Celtics), Wede Esajobor (Drogheda Wolves), William Ayodele (UEL London Lions)