Florida Tech Men’s Basketball Program Adds Darragh O’Sullivan, Captain of Ireland’s National Team

Darragh's father played for Billy Mims in Ireland, will join Panthers for 2020-21 campaign

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Florida Tech men’s basketball picked up its third signee for the 2020 class in Darragh O’Sullivan, a 6-6, 165-pound wing player who comes from The Winchendon School and is a member of the Ireland National Team program.

Tech head coach Billy Mims is excited about the recent addition, including his past history with the O’Sullivan family.

In 1986-87, Mims coached Darragh’s father, Tom O’Sullivan, when the two were a part of the Burgerland International Neptune Basketball Club back in Cork, Ireland.

“Well, you know that you’ve been in basketball a long time when you start coaching the sons of former players that you coached years ago,” Mims stated.

“I can’t think of a better compliment in this business than to have a former player recommend their son to play for you. I’m excited to have the opportunity this season with a second ‘Sully’ playing for me.”

The first ‘Sully’ was a tremendous shooter who helped lead my Irish pro team to three championships, the Irish National League Championship, the postseason Irish Top Four Championship, and the Cork County Board Championship. I’m hoping Darragh can do the same here at Florida Tech.”

The younger O’Sullivan, who also hails from Cork, is fresh off an outstanding season in one of the toughest prep school leagues in the U.S., the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC).

In his lone season at Winchedon in 2019-20, he averaged 12 points, four rebounds and four assists. He shot 43% from the field and 40% from three-point range, while leading his team to a 14-17 record and an appearance in the NEPSAC playoffs.

A prominent player on the international stage, O’Sullivan has served as captain of his Irish National Team the past five years and is averaging 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in international competition.

In 2018, O’Sullivan led the Ireland U18 Team to a bronze medal at the European Championships and was awarded an All-Star 5 award following the tournament. Later in the summer of 2018, he was named the Male Irish International Player of the Year by Basketball Ireland.

“Darragh has tremendous international experience playing at the highest level in Ireland,” said Mims. “This past season, he got an introduction to the American style of play in the very tough NEPSAC where he adjusted quickly and had a fine season. He brings size and athleticism to our backcourt, as well as adding to our perimeter firepower.

Darragh is also a tough defender with a high basketball IQ. With him being a captain of his Irish National team for several summers, I look forward to him bringing those leadership skills to our team.”

O’Sullivan is anxious to get Melbourne and begin the next stage of his basketball career.

“There are several factors that led me to choose Florida Tech, including my relationship with coach Mims and the basketball program he is running, I felt it is perfect for me,” O’Sullivan stated.

“The location was a big reason as well with it being a big change from the snow we had in Massachusetts this year and the cold rain back home in Ireland. I’m hoping to bring an outside presence to the team and to be a factor on the defensive side of the ball. I hope to bring a hardworking and winning attitude to the team this season.”

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