New recruit to strengthen Ireland squad

BASKETBALL: Glenn Sekunda  will debut for the Ireland team in tonight's European Championship semi-final round game in Cyprus, the fourth and latest stop-off in the quest for a place in the European finals of 2003.

Sekunda's arrival adds some necessary depth to coach Bill Dooley's squad, who are down on three key players. The 6ft 9in American-born Sekunda is currently signed to CB Girona in Spain, but the versatile player has spent most of his career playing in the Italian league. Before that made his name with Penn State in the American NCAA competition.

Missing the Cyprus game will be the injured Jimmy Moran of Telecom Canarias (Spanish Division One) and Mike Mitchell of Avitos Giessen in Germany, while Dan Callahan is committed to his new club Wurth in Italy. Mitchell should be back for the home game against Bosnia on Saturday.

"Sekunda will be a strong addition to the side," said Dooley after the final training session ahead of tonight's game in Limassol. "The rest of the team are all doing good and played very well in practice this morning."

The Ireland senior men have already been surprise packets in the opening games of the semi-final round. They came closest to beating group leaders Croatia (losing out by just two points) and should have enough in reserve to handle Cyprus, who have yet to record a win in their three games.

Croatia are unbeaten in three games, followed by Bosnia and Germany (two wins, one loss each). Ireland are tied with Macedonia (one win, two losses) and can make it out as one of the top two in the six-team group should the remaining results go their way. After Bosnia on Saturday, their final qualification games take place next November and the following January.

IRELAND Senior Men

(v Cyprus)

Billy Donlon (Giessen),

Adrian Fulton (Star of the Sea),

Damien Sealy (Killester),

Marty Conlon (Maroussi BC),

Jay Larranaga (Paris Basket Racing),

Tim Kennedy (Ovarense),

John O'Connell (Birmingham Bullets),

Glenn Sekunda (Girona, Spain);

Coach: Bill Dooley.