The world of basketball is evolving, and one format that's gaining prominence is 3x3. This fast-paced, high-intensity version of the sport is set to become a major player on the international stage, and Ireland is at the forefront of this exciting development. With the recent funding from Sport Ireland, Basketball Ireland is keen to build on the progress made by the men's and women's teams, with a particular focus on 3x3. The women's team, ranked 39th in the world and 21st in Europe, and the men's team, ranked 55th globally, are both making strides in the FIBA 3x3 Federation rankings. The men's team's landmark debut in the FIBA Europe Cup last September in Copenhagen was a significant moment, and it's clear that 3x3 is a realistic route for Irish basketball to compete at the Olympic Games. This is music to the ears of Adam Mullally, a Dubliner who has embraced the 3x3 world with gusto. Mullally, who hails from Rolestown near Swords, was introduced to 3x3 while playing five-a-side for CB Conejero in Lanzarote during the 2022-23 season. His high-scoring performances in tournaments for Loriguilla led to a move to La Celeste, a team from the Liga FEB 3x3, the Spanish Federation's highest league in the men's category. This made him the first Irish player to play in that top tier competition, a real test of his mettle. The 3x3 format is a fast-paced, high-intensity game where there's 'nowhere to hide'. The ten-minute length of games and the 12-second shot clock leave little time to catch a breath, while the half-court set-up and quick transitions from defence to attack and back again mean players get plenty of touches on the ball. Mullally believes that 3x3 lends itself to players who are all-rounders in terms of skill-set variety, which may benefit the development of fundamentals, particularly if it can be promoted within Irish schools. The growth of 3x3 in Ireland is evident, with more tournaments being played and 3x3 basketball courts being installed in various locations. Mullally is seeing signs of growth, with kids playing 3x3 instead of 5v5, and he believes that the men's senior team's qualification for the Europe Cup has been a significant boost to the profile of 3x3 in Ireland. The team's success has shown that Ireland can compete on an international level, and this has led to a push from Basketball Ireland to play more 3x3. This is a positive development, as 3x3 is based on ranking points, and the more a country plays, the more ranking points they get, which can qualify them for the Olympics. Mullally's passion for 3x3 is clear, and he believes that the sport is set to become a major player in the world of basketball. With the right support and promotion, 3x3 could become a cornerstone of Irish basketball, and Mullally is determined to be at the forefront of this exciting development.
