Fulton Faces Unexpected Challenge as Ireland Return Sparks Intense Spotlight

CJ Fulton is gearing up to step back onto the Irish hardwood after a nearly three-year hiatus, and he’s not shying away from the spotlight. The 23-year-old Belfast-born dynamo, fresh from a whirlwind ride signing with the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves, admits there’s going to be a bit more pressure and attention this time around. And honestly, who wouldn’t feel that? After missing the first two qualifiers due to college commitments, Fulton’s now laser-focused on helping Ireland claw their way through the nail-biting FIBA EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers, kicking off with the must-win clash against Azerbaijan. The stakes couldn’t be higher, especially with recent losses to Luxembourg and North Macedonia hanging over the team like a thick fog. But Fulton’s excitement is palpable, ready to dive back into the European style of basketball he’s known since his youth — even if it’s been a while. There’s a real sense of purpose here: not just to win, but to boost the game’s growth at home and give back to the next generation. It’s a story of determination, evolution, and the raw intensity of chasing big dreams while carrying the hopes of a nation. LEARN MORE

CJ Fulton says he is expecting “a bit more pressure and attention on me” when he makes his first Ireland appearance in over two years in Friday’s FIBA EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifier against Azerbaijan (19:45 GMT).

It has been a whirlwind year for the 23-year-old after signing for NBA side Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Belfast native is now focused on helping Ireland advance in the qualifiers for the European Championships following defeats by Luxembourg and North Macedonia.

“It’s hard to believe it’s almost been three years since I last played in the green jersey, but [I’m] looking forward to it,” Fulton told BBC Sport NI’s Thomas Kane.

“Very important, must-win games if we want to have a chance of qualifying for the EuroBasket.

“I am very excited to be back.”

The first round of qualifying for the EuroBasket consists of three groups with the winners of each and the best-ranked second-placed team advancing to the second round.

Then, those teams will be joined by eight more from the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European qualifiers in the second round of qualifying.

“I think I can definitely come back and help the team,” added Fulton.

“The European style of basketball is what I grew up playing, I’ve been out of it for a little bit, but I’m excited to try and get back into that style of basketball.

“We’ve got a lot of talented guys on the roster.”

Fulton signed a professional contract with Minnesota Timberwolves after he played two games in the summer league for the side, and was then waived to the Iowa Wolves who are the Timberwolves’ reserves.

Since playing for the Wolves, he has featured in the NBA’s team-affiliated development division in the G-League.

Now, Fulton returns home after missing the first two Ireland qualifiers due to college commitments and wants to “give back” to the international side.

“Three years ago, I was probably still the young guy, still coming up and trying to make a name for myself whereas, I’m a bit more established,” he added.

“Just with everything that’s gone on the past few months, there probably will be a bit more pressure and attention on me, but there’s a lot of good players on the roster, so I think it’s just about me coming back and trying to help the team win.

“I think it’s just really important to try and help as much as I can, help grow the game here, give back to the kids.”

G-League ‘an adjustment’

Following the two international games, the former St Malachy’s College pupil will return to Iowa as the Wolves push to make the play-offs.

The side currently sit in eighth position of the G League Western Conference but have lost their last four matches.

“The G League is kind of a unique kind of trade, you know, guys going up to the NBA. So that’s been an adjustment, just kind of trying to embrace all the changes that happen rather than knowing what’s going on every day,” said Fulton.

“It’s been a good experience. There’s a lot of talented players in the league and a lot of guys that are on the bubble of making that NBA, just they’re not quite there yet, or guys who’ve played in the NBA and are trying to make their way back.

“There’s definitely a lot of talent that I’m going up against, and I think that’s only going to help me in the long run.”