Ireland looking to shock Croatia in sold-out clash at the National Basketball Arena

Ireland head coach Mark Keenan has named an unchanged 12-man squad for their FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifier against Croatia on Saturday at the National Basketball Arena.

Ireland were convincing 96-76 winners over Luxembourg on Wednesday to move to a 1-1 record in Group G, ahead of the must-win game against world number 25 Croatia.

"The squad are really buzzing after the win over Luxembourg on Wednesday and naturally all those involved deserve their spot for this game on Saturday," said Keenan.

Naturally you're always hoping that no one picks up a knock during a game or training and thankfully so far we have a clean bill of health."

Ireland lost 89-49 to Croatia in Opatija last week and speaking about the upcoming opponents, Keenan added: "Croatia will be another step up, we’ve seen first-hand what they can do. We will need to execute our game plan and minimise mistakes, as they’re a team that can punish you if you’re not at your best.

"We gave a good account of ourselves in the second half against Croatia and we’ve built up a lot of confidence from the away win against Luxembourg too.

"We’re going for the win and we know that our supporters will be right behind us, the players can wait to play in front of a full house here at the National Basketball Arena, it should be a brilliant atmosphere. We’re determined to leave it all out on floor, as we look to cause a major upset against illustrious opposition."

Ireland final 12-man squad: John Carroll (unattached), Sean Flood (unattached), CJ Fulton (Charleston, USA), Conor Quinn (Belfast Star), Conor O’Sullivan (Ulster University), Lorcan Murphy (Templeogue), Sam Alajiki (Rice University, USA), Taiwo Badmus (Saudarkrokur Tindastoll, Iceland), Matt Treacy (Moy Tolka Rovers),