The Irish Are Coming

Irish National Hoop Team to Visit Suffolk 

By Tony Ferullo (Suffolk University Public Affairs)                                                                                      

Although college basketball season has been over for months, Suffolk University head coach Adam Nelson is about to lace up his sneakers, grab his whistle, and go to work with the Irish Under 18 National Basketball Team.

The Irish team is taking a two-week summer tour of New England colleges and high schools, and one of its stops will be the Regan Gymnasium. 

The youngsters will demonstrate their on-court talent while learning about America off the hardwood. 

Nelson will welcome the traveling roundball team to Suffolk Thursday July 2 with a one-hour basketball clinic beginning at 10 am.  The Irish squad will then scrimmage the Beacon Hill Under 18 team.

"I am very excited about this opportunity to work with a top-flight international program," said Nelson, who also serves as assistant athletic director.  "I am eager to teach these young players some of the things that we do here at Suffolk, but I am also looking forward to learning from them.  It should be a great experience."

Nelson will discuss the intricacies of the game with the Irish team about and put them through a series of fundamental drills.

"My goal is to demonstrate what a college basketball practice is like," said Nelson.  "I want them to listen, work hard, and have fun.  It's the same basic principle that I want my own players to follow." 

The Irish team will be in the region from June 27 through July 10.