Belfast basketball prodigy makes history with 'crazy position' NBA deal | Belfast Live

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CJ Fulton holds an Irish national record having scored 15 three-pointers in the U16 All-Ireland Schools National Final back in 2018

A Belfast man has made history by becoming the first ever Northern Ireland basketballer to sign with a club in the NBA in America. CJ Fulton, after a standout college career at Charlestown and an impressive stint during Minnesota's NBA Summer League campaign, officially signed with the Timberwolves.

Despite limited playtime during the Summer League, as anticipated, former St Malachy's schoolboy star Fulton managed to impress the organisation enough to secure a contract offer.

The 23-year-old follows in the footsteps of Offaly's Pat Burke, who signed for Orlando Magic 25 years ago. Burke is the only Irishman to ever sign for an NBA side.

Fulton was 2019 and 2020 Basketball Ireland U19 Male National Schools Player of the Year. He holds a national record having scored 15 three-pointers in the U16 All-Ireland Schools National Final back in 2018.

"The opportunity came up to work a few NBA workouts and I obviously couldn't turn those down. It's a crazy position to be in but I'm just embracing the opportunity," said Fulton back in July during the Summer League.

The Timberwolves reached the Western Conference finals, beating the Golden State Warriors along the way.

During the off-season, NBA teams often sign and waive players to maintain their rights. Typically, these players are sent to the team's G-League affiliate or sign a two-way contract with the main team.

Minnesota is expected to waive Fulton, allowing him to play the upcoming G-League season with Iowa.

Fulton, son of former Ireland international Adrian, reportedly turned down offers from various European leagues, considered the next best basketball league after America's, holding out hope for an NBA contract, reports the Irish Mirror.

The Wolves are set to kick off their season against the Cleveland Charge, the Cavaliers' G-League affiliate, on 7th November.