BASKETBALL:KILLESTER SWEPT the boards last season and the Dubliners are keen on repeating the feat as they prepare for their Nivea For Men's Superleague season opener away to Moycullen.
Killester claimed a domestic treble last term (National Cup, Northern Conference & Men’s Superleague) but rather than rest on their laurels, they now want to go one better and become the first team to repeat a treble.
“We are very determined to repeat those achievements and go on to be the only team to repeat a treble,” said 11890 Killester coach Mark Keenan. “We want to improve on our regular season record as we were not happy to lose five regular season games last season.
“We saw what happened to UCC Demons after they won the treble two seasons ago, and we are determined not to let that happen to us. We do realise every team will want to knock us down this year so we must improve as a team if we want to maintain our position at the top.”
Meanwhile, last season’s beaten finalists, UL Eagles, are expected to mount a serious challenge this season and are boosted by the appointment of vastly experienced US coach Mark Bernsen.
Bernsen lead Tralee Tigers to the title in 2008 and he will mark his return to Ireland’s top flight this Saturday with a tricky fixture away to UCD/Marian.
Bord Gáis Neptune are also predicted to be among the frontrunners but their coach, Pat Price, is cautious ahead of their meeting with Belfast Star.
“Pre-season, in all honesty, was a bit slow in developing,” said Price. “We have a lot of new faces, and several of our returning players were hampered by injuries. We will likely remain on a learning curve well into November.”
UCC Demons failed to hit the heights of their 2009 treble winning season last term but they welcome a new coach Paul Kelleher in time for Sunday’s test against Ulster Elks.
The Cork giants have signalled their intentions by securing the signing of Marcus Van from Central Michigan University. Van arrives at Demons early next week with a strong reputation after his senior year in the MAC Conference saw him named top offensive rebounder, top rebounder in the conference, top scorer on his team as well as being named on the All-Conference second team.
FIXTURES:Saturday: Men's Superleague – UCD Marian v UL Eagles, UCD Sports Centre, 7pm; Bord Gáis Neptune v Belfast Star, Neptune Stadium, 7pm. Sunday:Men's Superleague – Moycullen v Killester, Kingfisher Club, NUIG 3pm; UCC Demons v Ulster Elks, Mardyke Arena, 3.15
