The draw for the Hula Hoops National Cup took place in Basketball Ireland HQ during the week. We will have three teams competing on a national level this year: U18 Women, U18 and U20 Men.

U18 Women will have to make the journey to the North being drawn in Pool 4a along with Liffey Celtics and Oblate. The qualifying tournament will take place 7/8 November with hosts Ulster University Elks in Pool 4b with WIT Wildcats and Titans.

U18 Men will make their way to Cork for their qualifying tournament 4/5 November. Limerick Lions and Kestrels join them in Pool 4b opposite Ballincollig BC, Dublin Lions and the winner of a preliminary game between Tipperary Knights and Killester BC.

U20 Men have a home draw against Glasnevin in the preliminary round with the winner earning a home draw versus Ballincollig BC in Round 1.

There is something special about a cup competition and playing against teams from around Ireland adds an extra dimension to the regular season. Best of luck to all teams, their coaches and team managers.