Over the years, the Dunleavy family has made an impact in American basketball, both in the NBA and the NCAA.

Now, one Dunleavy has a chance to impact Europe.

Baker Dunleavy, the son of NBA coach Mike Dunleavy and the brother of Mike Dunleavy Jr. of the Golden State Warriors, will lace up his sneakers for the Irish national team in their EuroBasket Division B qualifying campaign.

		Basketball Ireland President Tony Colgan welcomes Baker Dunleavy.

The 198-cm forward had a desire to return to his Irish roots. His friendship with current national team player Marty Conlan opened the doors for his arrival to the national team.

“He (Marty) knew I was playing at Villanova, which is a northeast school and Marty is pretty connected in the east, and also my family has had a little bit of history with Marty," Dunleavy said.

"My father coached him in the NBA with Milwaukee for I think two or three years and my dad always liked coaching him - they had a good relationship so when the time came it was a natural connection."

He has enjoyed his opportunity to be a part of the national team.

"I've loved it, my stay here so far,” Dunleavy said. 

“We've been seeing the country while in the training camp and meeting the guys. We are lucky to have such a great group and we have been having a lot of fun together."

More than the fun, Dunleavy’s experience in Ireland has allowed him the unique opportunity of connecting with his family’s roots.

“My grandfather always told me about his time in Ireland and I was always proud of that heritage,” he said. 

“Now, unlike many other Americans who say that their Irish, I am able to give something back and be a part of something connected to the country. It’s definitely something I am very proud of."

The Dunleavy family roots are from the city of Galway. Dunleavy has had the opportunity to meet with his relatives.

"It was really cool during the training camp to see signs like 'The Tribes of Galway' and some of my family's names and to see the connection and it was cool to see the heritage of where I come from."

Dunleavy will most likely stay in Europe after Ireland’s qualifying campaign to play with the Netherlands club Matrix Magic.

Before he does, he will try to make a lasting impression on his ancestor’s land and hopes to be a part of the team in the future.

"I would definitely love to keep it going for as long as the other guys continue to do the same. As I said before I’m enjoying the experience with this group of guys."

Dunleavy's first game with Ireland is in Switzerland on September 3rd.

Basketball Ireland Public Relations Officer Mags Moroney provided the quotes in this story.