Latest news with #Irish-developed
The 42
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
CJ Fulton makes Irish basketball history as he features for NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves
CJ FULTON MADE Irish basketball history on Wednesday night as he became the first Irish-developed player to feature for an NBA franchise, coming off the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves in their 89-85 Summer League victory over the Phoenix Suns. Ireland international point guard Fulton checked in for just under four minutes in the first quarter, earning game-time among several other Minnesota rookies and development players in Las Vegas. Belfast's Fulton conceded one turnover but otherwise slotted in seamlessly as he broke new ground for a talent cultivated in Ireland, live on ESPN 2. Speaking to media post-game, the 22-year-old Fulton said: 'It was definitely a cool moment for me, checking into the game. Obviously proud to get here, proud of the achievement. 'Wish I could have contributed a little bit more, but it was definitely a cool moment, cool experience.' Fulton's family and some of his friends made the trip to Las Vegas, wielding Irish flags in the crowd as they celebrated his achieving a seminal moment in Irish basketball. Advertisement 'It's really special,' said former Belfast Star Fulton. 'They've supported me the whole way and everyone's buzzing back home as well, so it's been great. 'Hopefully I can inspire a few players down the line, future players, just to keep working, and show them that reaching this stage is possible.' The Summer Leagues are used by NBA franchises primarily to develop players further down their rosters, with the T-Wolves centering their efforts this year around Rob Dillingham, their eighth pick in last year's draft. Dillingham, who has been guarded by Fulton in team practice in recent days, scored a game-high 23 points against the Suns. Minnesota's Summer League coach Kevin Hanson praised Fulton's efforts throughout training camp, expressing some regret that the Belfast native was dropped in the deep end on Wednesday night having not featured in his side's opening three games. 'Yeah, he was awesome in camp,' Hanson said. 'I feel bad because, basically, he did not play the first three games, and it's pretty hard to have any rhythm or feel for the team at that point. 'We've had one practice since we've been here, so I felt bad throwing him in there in that kind of circumstance, but it was good to put him in. He earned it, he was awesome in camp.' Fulton became only the second ever Irish-born player to feature for an NBA team after Pat Burke, who played for the Orlando Magic and the Phoenix Suns in the 2000s after moving to the States when he was three. Susan Moran remains the only Irish player to have featured in the WNBA, having been selected in the second round of the 2001 draft by the New York Liberty. While Fulton is understood to have offers from several of Europe's top clubs, his dream of making it in America remains alive. One potential avenue to extend his stay Stateside would be to get signed as a G League player, wherein he would have a two-way contract split between an NBA franchise and its affiliate in the NBA's development league.
Irish Examiner
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
CJ Fulton makes Irish NBA history in Vegas
Irish international point guard CJ Fulton made history on Wednesday night as he became the first Irish-developed player to play in the NBA Summer League, as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Phoenix Suns to remain unbeaten (4-0). With 7:39 remaining in the first quarter, Fulton checked in and immediately looked at home on an NBA floor. Despite a turnover against the Phoenix Suns' aggressive defense, Fulton did not look out of place overall in just under four minutes of action, though he will likely want to be even more assertive with the ball in his hands if he sees more time on the floor. Speaking to Zone Coverage Minnesota, Fulton acknowledged the moment but expressed a hunger for more: 'It was definitely a cool moment for me checking into the game. Obviously proud to get here, proud of the achievement. "Wish I could have contributed a little bit more, but it was definitely a cool moment, cool experience.' Summer League coach Kevin Hanson also spoke to Zone Coverage, highlighting Fulton's efforts in training camp: 'Yeah, he was awesome in camp. I feel bad because basically he did not play the first three games and it is pretty hard to have any rhythm or feel for the team at that point. "We have had one practice since we have been here so I felt bad throwing him in there in that kind of circumstance, but it was good to put him in… he earned it, he was awesome in camp.' Summer League varies from team to team depending on developmental priorities. Minnesota have so far focused on Rob Dillingham, the eighth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Dillingham impressed again in the win over the Suns, scoring a game-high 23 points. The top four teams qualify for the semi-finals, while the remaining teams play one consolation game. The Timberwolves are currently among the top four, but their place will likely come down to point differential as five other teams can match their record with a win today. For Fulton, missing out on the semi-finals could be a blessing in disguise, potentially increasing his minutes if Dillingham is rested for the consolation games. Fulton is understood to have offers from top-tier European leagues already, but the NBA and G League dream is still alive in Vegas.
Irish Examiner
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Irish Eyes on Vegas: CJ Fulton makes history in NBA Summer League
CJ Fulton will make history this Thursday as the first Irish-developed player to compete in the NBA Summer League, suiting up for the Minnesota Timberwolves in Las Vegas. Tip-off is at 8:30pm, live on ESPN2 and the NBA App. It's fitting that it's CJ who's made the breakthrough. His family's history in Irish basketball is one of trailblazing achievement, and his rise continues that tradition. While the domestic story of Irish basketball has long been rooted in Cork and the glory days of the 1980s, much of the sport's international success has come from the Fultons of Belfast. The Fulton Legacy CJ's grandfather, Danny Fulton—a Basketball Ireland Hall of Famer—coached the Irish Senior Men's National Team for over a decade, including leading the squad to its first-ever win over continental opposition: Portugal in 1977. He also coached the U19 team to a historic European Championship qualifier win over Denmark in 1984, where a young Mark Keenan starred at point guard. CJ's father, Adrian Fulton, has continued that legacy both on the court and on the sidelines. He was a key point guard on the team that won Ireland's first gold medal at senior level at the 1994 FIBA Promotions Cup (now the FIBA Small Countries Championship), and he was part of the coaching staff when Ireland captured gold again in 2021. His playing days coincided with one of Irish basketball's brightest eras—when the national programme built strong connections with Irish America, blending homegrown talent with U.S.-born players eligible to represent Ireland. 22 years ago this month, Adrian stood on court in New York at the World University Games, facing off against the United States. That moment—when Irish-American fathers in the crowd were moved to tears seeing their sons play for Ireland—now has a parallel: Adrian will be in the stands in Las Vegas, this time as a proud father watching CJ forge his own path. Ireland's NBA Connection Ireland's direct links to the NBA are few. Pat Burke remains the only Irish-born player to appear in the league. Marty Conlon and Cal Bowdler, both of Irish descent, had NBA careers and represented the Irish National Team, with Conlon in particular carving out a solid stint in the league. John O'Donnell, a Cork native who moved to New York at age seven, was drafted in the 10th round of the 1972 NBA Draft, a gesture of recognition more than a real opportunity. O'Donnell came from the influential Barry family, known for Barry's Tea and their political legacy, including former Tánaiste Peter Barry. His uncle, John Kerry O'Donnell, is also well known in sporting lore having helped preserve Gaelic Park in New York in the late 1930s when the GAA couldn't afford to hold onto it. O'Donnell's draft selection was a thank-you from his college coach, Dean Smith of North Carolina (Michael Jordan's college coach), but his professional career was ultimately spent in Europe. Against that backdrop, CJ Fulton's appearance in the Summer League is truly groundbreaking. The Opportunity in Las Vegas CJ isn't just making up the numbers. After the NBA Draft, he was quickly identified by the Timberwolves as a Summer League target. Kevin Hanson, who's coaching the Summer League squad, has already highlighted CJ as the standout performer from Day 1 of their mini-camp ahead of Vegas, calling him a true point guard. Andrew Dukowitz, a Timberwolves beat writer with Zone Coverage, sees a clear alignment between CJ and Minnesota's head coach, Chris Finch: 'He seems like a Finch guy. Finch loves players that can control the pace and have a great feel for the game. It makes a lot of sense that he's here—he checks a lot of boxes for what the Wolves look for.' The fit does feel natural. Finch himself came from an unconventional path—playing Division III college basketball before spending time in the British League with Sheffield, where his coaching journey also began. Coaches with more traditional U.S. basketball résumés may have overlooked CJ, but Finch's familiarity with the UK and Irish basketball scene could give CJ a genuine chance. Already this week, CJ has been assigned to guard rising Timberwolves star Rob Dillingham in practice. Dillingham, the 8th overall pick in last year's draft has already played over 40 NBA games and is expected to take a leap forward this season. A strong Summer League start for Dillingham could actually benefit CJ, as teams often rest proven players early, giving more minutes to those still being evaluated. CJ has spoken about the importance of "starring in his role"—as a facilitator, not a star scorer. Surrounded by top-tier talent, that role may be exactly where he shines. What Comes Next? What happens next is anyone's guess. Whether CJ can play himself into a G-League spot, a two-way contract (NBA teams are allowed 3 players that have time split between their NBA team and a G-League affiliate), or another pro opportunity remains to be seen. What's already clear, though, is that a new chapter in Irish basketball history is being written. Twenty-two years after Adrian Fulton stood on court in New York, representing Ireland as proud parents cheered from the stands, the roles have reversed. Now, it's Adrian's turn to look down from the crowd in Vegas and watch his son blaze a trail few thought possible just months ago.
Irish Examiner
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
NBA's Timberwolves single CJ Fulton out for Summer League praise
The Minnesota Timberwolves have gathered for a mini training camp ahead of the NBA Summer League, which kicks off this Thursday in Las Vegas. All Irish eyes are on CJ Fulton, who is rubbing shoulders with top NBA draft picks and current NBA squad members as part of the Timberwolves' 15-man roster. The dream of seeing an Irish-born and Irish-developed player actually reach the NBA seemed almost impossible just a month ago. However, growing interest in Fulton has forced many to reconsider what might now be possible for Ireland's brightest basketball prospect. Impressive pre-draft workouts led Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly to name-drop Fulton after the NBA Draft as a player he was keen to sign for their Summer League squad. That initial excitement has only continued to grow as the Summer League approaches. After the first day of Timberwolves practice, Assistant Coach Kevin Hanson - who is coaching the Summer League squad - identified Fulton as the standout performer from Day 1. CJ's ability to run a team and get the ball into the hands of higher-profile teammates is what earned him this opportunity, and that approach clearly made an impression on the coaching staff as they prepare for Vegas. Hanson went as far as saying Fulton reminded him of Indiana Pacer TJ McConnell who recently played a major role in the NBA Finals. However, Hanson did note a reluctance on Fulton's part (compared to McConnell) to aggressively seek out his own offence - an observation echoed by Timberwolves analysts, who have raised questions about his ability to score at the highest level given that he only average single digits at the NCAA level. Still, CJ knows how to run a team, a skill set the Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch is known to covet. For the first time in his life, Fulton is set to be surrounded by NBA-level talent now too, which will only help him thrive. If he can hold his own defensively and continue to thrive in his role, making those around him better, then what once seemed impossible might now be considered a long shot... or perhaps even more.
Irish Examiner
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
CJ Fulton on NBA Summer call: 'I'm still almost in disbelief'
On Friday, CJ Fulton made history as the only Irish-developed player to sign a contract for the NBA Summer League. He is the second Irish player to do so, following Pat Burke, who left Ireland aged three. The Fulton family is steeped in Irish basketball. Grandad Danny Fulton coached the Irish senior men's team. He has passed that baton to his son Adrian, who served as an assistant coach with CJ as he made his senior debut in 2021. And while he may be walking a well-worn path — CJ is carving out a legacy of his own. A dynamic playmaker, recording over 500 career assists in college, he was ranked 14th in the nation last season averaging 6.5 assists per game. Fulton stretches the opposition's defence with devastating accuracy from beyond the three-point line. The 6'3 point guard is also regarded as the safest hands in college basketball, leading the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio across multiple spells of his college career. CJ Fulton playing with Charleston Cougars While being chosen in the NBA draft seemed unlikely from the outset with only 60 players picked on the night, Fulton was invited to pre-draft workouts with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the 2023 Champions Denver Nuggets. 'I never thought I would be in this position and I'm still almost in disbelief myself," he said. "But I'm looking forward to the opportunity.' After a busy summer of NBA workouts, graduating from the College of Charleston, and training with fellow Irish international Neal Quinn in New Jersey, Fulton managed to squeeze in a trip back home, spending a few days with family, friends, and former Belfast Star teammates as the first step in his professional career began to unfold. Tim Connelly when asked if he came into the draft thinking he was going to take two 18 year-old 7-footers: "I was hoping to get like 14.4 feet combined. And I achieved that goal." — Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) June 27, 2025 Tim Connelly, the Timberwolves general manager, shared his aspirations to add Fulton to his Summer League roster in a media interview on Thursday evening and due to the time differences, CJ slept through the contract negotiations. "I was kind of expecting an update from my agent after the second night of the draft to see if teams were showing any interest in me for Summer League. "He texted me after midnight to say he was talking to the Timberwolves but it wasn't until the next morning that I saw the interview with Tim Connelly. "That was pretty cool. I was buzzing when I saw that." The Summer League is a stepping stone towards an NBA contract as it gives undrafted players like CJ a chance to prove themselves on a bigger stage. He will suit up alongside the 17th overall pick in Joan Beringer and last year's 8th overall pick in Rob Dillingham. With plenty of celebrities spotted courtside during the 11-day tournament every summer it becomes the focal point of the basketball world every July. 'I head back to Minnesota this week for a short training camp and then we travel to Vegas from there.' The Timberwolves will travel to the Thomas & Mack Center and Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada. On July 10th they will face New Orleans at 2:30 CST (7:30 Irish time). Their schedule also includes games against the Denver Nuggets on the 12th, the Detroit Pistons on July 15th, and the Phoenix Suns, Pat Burke's former team, on the 16th, which will be available to watch on the ESPN app. 'It should be a really cool experience with a lot of top-level talent so hopefully I can give a good account of myself. 'I'm very grateful to the Timberwolves for the opportunity and for all the support I've received from back home." With 450 jobs in the NBA, it's uncertain whether CJ will sign a contract for the regular season; however, what is guaranteed is more scouts from the NBA's G League (development league) top-tier European clubs analyzing his game. While the golden era of Irish basketball is regarded as the success of the domestic league during the 80s and 90s. Fulton is leading the charge in what looks to become our most significant era, as a wave of young stars put Ireland on the basketball world map. And we inch closer and closer to seeing an Irishman back in the NBA.
