SDA Blog
‘Playing Hoops in the USA’ – Webinar – 22/3/2023
Sport Dream Academy (SDA) is excited to announce its upcoming webinar on ‘Playing Hoops in the USA’. This talk aims to demystify the basketball scholarship process for the Irish basketball community and help both athletes and parents understand the reality of playing basketball in the United States. [more]
The SDA Elite Invitational Camp 2023, August 16th-18th
The impact of Covid-19 made it impossible to run camps for the last few years but SDA is back and better than ever. But now that things have improved SDA is gearing up for the best Elite Invitational Camp yet in 2023! [more]
Sport Dream Academy runs Ireland’s most Elite Invitational Basketball Camp
SDA runs Ireland’s most Elite basketball camp where the best student-athletes in the country are invited to compete against the best, develop their skills through top coaching, and help to get their game noticed in the USA. [more]
SDA has helped over 20 top Irish student-athletes pursue their student athlete careers in the USA including current Irish International basketball stars John Carroll, Jordan Blount and Sean Flood
Since its inception SDA has helped over 20 top Irish student-athletes pursue their student athlete careers in the USA including current Irish International basketball stars John Carroll, Jordan Blount and Sean Flood. This is one of the unique aspects of SDA that makes its services different and highly valuable for Irish student-athletes. The Elite Invitational Camp provides a forum for top players to compete, develop and get their games noticed. [more]
Former SDA Athletes shine in the Irish International Senior Men’s 2022 Campaign
Some of the top Irish athletes that have come through SDA to then continue their fantastic careers include current Irish International players John Carrol, Sean Flood, Jordan Blount and Conor Quinn. SDA is so proud of their achievements since being part of SDA initiative including wearing the green jersey in the recent Irish Men’s National Campaign that included winning the home nation’s competition followed by a competitive European Qualifying campaign in which the Irish Team faced some fierce competition against the likes of Austria and Switzerland. [more]
Former SDA Star John Carroll captains the Irish Senior Men’s Team
SDA star John Carroll had an excellent Irish Men’s Euro Qualifier campaign before suffering an unfortunate injury before the final game against Switzerland. In 2022 John was a consistent leader in both points and rebounds while captaining the national team to a successful small nations tournament win and a positive Euro qualifier campaign.
John attended the very first SDA Elite Invitational Camp to compete against the best in Ireland and to support his dream to continue his development in the USA. [more]
Former SDA Star Sean Flood shines in the Irish Senior Men’s Euro Qualifier Campaign
SDA star Sean Flood had an excellent Irish Men’s 2022 campaign as starting point guard. Sean was a consistent leader in both assists and 3-point field goals while helping the national team to a successful small nations tournament win and a positive Euro qualifier campaign.
Sean attended the SDA Elite Invitational Camp in 2015 to compete against the best in Ireland and to support his dream to continue his development in the USA. At camp Sean won Camp Co-MVP and the 3-Point Contest while showing true leadership skills throughout. Sean impressed a number of American college coaches with his shooting ability, decision-making and character. Sean’s SDA Camp highlights and SDA Player Profile put his talents in the shop window and served as the starting point for many interested American prep school and college coaches. Sante Fe College proved to be the most keen to get Sean on board given the fit between Sean and Sante Fe’s athletic and academic requirements.
After a successful campaign at Sante Fe College Sean earned a scholarship to Longwood University who compete in the Big South Conference, Division 1 (NCAA). Sean had a great career at Longwood University where he was an instrumental leader both on and off the court and was the team’s most potent 3-point shooter.
After graduating from college Sean continues to excel in both his professional basketball career (Cyprus) and International basketball career (starting point guard for the Irish Senior Men’s team).
“SDA was extremely helpful in both developing my skills at the Invitational Camp, and then getting my game out there through my highlights and through the SDA Player Profile Service. These tools were so important in getting me the exposure I needed to go follow my student-athlete dream to play and study in the USA. Every young athlete who is serious about reaching their potential should be a part of SDA” – Sean Flood (Irish International)
“We are very grateful for the support and guidance SDA has provided both Sean and ourselves as his parents – it made the process much clearer and SDA is an invaluable service to any aspiring Irish student-athlete out there who wants to get noticed” – Margaret Flood (Sean’s Mother)
SDA is very proud of Sean and what he has achieved to date, and we wish him continued success into the future!
Register your interest in the 2023 Elite Invitational Camp now!
Former SDA Star Jordan Blount makes a big impact in the Irish Senior Men’s Euro Qualifier Campaign
SDA star Jordan Blount had an excellent Irish Men’s 2022 campaign as starting small forward. Jordan was a consistent leader in both points and steals while helping the national team to a successful small nations tournament win and a positive Euro qualifier campaign.
Jordan attended the SDA Elite Invitational Camp in 2015 to compete against the best in Ireland and to support his dream to continue his development in the USA. Jordan was a standout athlete at the SDA Elite Invitational Camp where he won Camp Co-MVP and the 1v1 Contest. He showed huge potential throughout that camp and impressed a number of American college coaches with his athleticism, toughness and defensive abilities. Jordan’s SDA Camp highlights and SDA Player Profile put his talents in the shop window and served as the starting point for many interested American prep school and college coaches.
Following SDA Jordan ultimately committed to the University of Illinois-Chicago on full scholarship. The University of Illinois-Chicago competes in the Horizon Conference, Division 1 (NCAA). Jordan had a great career with the UIC Flames where his all-round game made a positive impact on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor where he averaged 6.3 ppg and 4 rpg as a senior.
After graduating from college Jordan continues to excel in both his professional basketball career (Spain, Iceland) and International basketball career (starting small forward for the Irish Senior Men’s team).
“SDA provides the most elite basketball camp in Ireland for both skill development and recruitment to college in America. SDA really helped me in my student-athlete career and I would recommend it for any up and coming Irish student-athlete.” – Jordan Blount (Irish International)
SDA is very proud of Jordan and what he has achieved to date, and we wish him continued success into the future!
Register your interest in the 2023 Elite Invitational Camp now!
Former SDA Standout Killian Gribben Commits to Siena College (NCAA Division 1)
Killian was a standout athlete at two SDA Elite Invitational Camps where he was easily recognisable as one of the best post players at camp. He showed true leadership skills throughout that camp and impressed a number of American college coaches with his work ethic, basketball IQ and post presence. Killian’s SDA Camp highlights and SDA Player Profile put his talents in the shop window and served as the starting point for many interested American prep school and college coaches. [more]
Former SDA MVP Jamie Muldowney earns Scholarship to Coker College (NCAA Division 2)
Jamie was a standout athlete at the SDA Elite Invitational Camp where he was awarded camp MVP. He showed huge potential throughout that camp and impressed a number of American college coaches with his shooting ability, length and overall skill set. Jamie’s SDA Camp highlights and SDA Player Profile put his talents in the shop window and served as the starting point for many interested American prep school and college coaches. [more]
Former SDA Athlete Ryan Djoussa earns Scholarship to South Georgia Tech (NJCAA)
Ryan stood out at the SDA Elite Invitational Camp where he showed huge potential throughout camp and impressed a number of American college coaches with his athleticism, length and post presence. Ryan’s SDA Camp highlights and SDA Player Profile put his talents in the shop window and served as the starting point for many interested American prep school and college coaches. [more]
SDA founder Dr. Paul Cummins features on the Irishman Abroad podcast!
Listen to SDA founder Dr. Paul Cummins speak about his basketball journey to the US and beyond! In this podcast Paul talks about how he got to the USA to pursue his basketball dreams, playing against Steph Curry in highschool, playing alongside NBA champion Dorell Wright in prep school, and competing at the NCAA Division 1 level for Lafayette College. Listen using the link below: [more]
SDA Supports Ruari Cronin’s next chapter at Choate Academy
Ruairi is a standout Irish International U18 athlete who gained recognition through SDA by a number of US prep schools. One of the interested coaches was SDA Coach Drew Dawson who is the head coach at top prep school Choate Academy. Ruairi ended up earning a spot to play at Choate Academy Prep school where he is excited to contribute to the team in this upcoming season. [more]
SDA is delighted to partner with HoopsLife
SDA is delighted to partner with HOOPSLife to help support the growth of Irish basketball development into the future. HOOPSLife assists in the development of players in Ireland by providing a pathway of progression that supports the growth of our basketball community, and its ethos fits very well with what SDA provides the Irish basketball community. [more]
CJ Fulton shines at Lafayette College
SDA is really enjoying watching CJ perform well at Lafayette College, especially as SDA Founder Dr. Paul Cummins started at shooting guard position with the Lafayette Leopards from 2004-2008! Paul was delighted to endorse CJ with the Lafayette coaching staff when asked, and it was clear that his skillset and high IQ was an excellent fit with the Leopard program. [more]
SDA 2018 was another fantastic camp
SDA 2018 was another fantastic camp where top talent ranging from 14 – 17 years old competed against each other and gained in knowledge, skill and strength on the basketball court. This years camp was targeted at a slightly younger age group than previous years [more]
2014 SDA Camp MVP Aaron Whelan earns scholarship to the University of Limerick
Fantastic news recently when SDA learned that the 2014 SDA Camp MVP Aaron Whelan earned a scholarship to the University of Limerick to play basketball and study Materials & Technology Education. [more]
Dublin GAA Star helps 2016 SDA Athletes gain a Mental Edge
Dublin GAA star Kevin McManamon gave a wonderful lecture to 2016 SDA Athletes to help them gain ‘The Mental Edge’ in their sport of basketball. [more]
10 SDA Athletes have been facilitated to follow their Student-Athlete Dream in the USA since 2013
SDA is first and foremost about developing the right habits, key skills and a work ethic. The reason for this is simple: [more]
SDA 2016 star Eoghan Kelly is headed to The Gunnery Prep School located in Connecticut.
Eoghan has been a standout player at the SDA Elite Invitational Camp Structure since 2014. The Moycullen star has grabbed attention on his Galway school and club teams since he began to play the game, and Eoghan made an impact immediately at SDA through his athleticism, ball-handling skills, offensive decision-making and tough defence.
