CJ Fulton makes Irish NBA history with Minnesota Timberwolves

September 24, 2025

CJ Fulton has created a slice of history by becoming the first Irish-developed player to sign for an NBA side.

The 23-year-old, born in Belfast, has signed a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves after impressing during the summer pre-season programme.

He’ll still have to work his way up before making his NBA debut, however.

Fulton is likely to be waived to the Iowa Wolves, where he’ll compete in the G-League, which commences in November.

It’s an NBA-affiliated development league that allows prospects to impress and stake their claims to playing in the full squad.

For Fulton, it’s another step in the right direction after a productive summer. In July, he became the first Irish-developed player to feature for an NBA franchise when he came off the bench against the Phoenix Suns in the Summer League.

Fulton played for four minutes in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 89-85 victory. The Summer League is a pre-season competition for NBA franchises to showcase new and upcoming players.

CJ Fulton attempting to realise a dream

Fulton, who attended St Malachy’s College, started his basketball career with Belfast Star and won the National Young Player of the Year on two occasions.

He then earned a scholarship to head to the US and attend The Winchendon School in Boston.

From there, he started his NCAA Division I college career with Lafayette College and was named on the Patriot League All‑Rookie team.

After two seasons at Lafayette, Fulton transferred to the College of Charleston as his reputation continued to grow.

When he made his Summer League debut earlier this year, he said: “It was definitely a cool moment for me, checking into the game. Obviously proud to get here, proud of the achievement.

“Wish I could have contributed a little bit more, but it was definitely a cool moment and cool experience being out there.

“My family and a few friends made the journey over. It’s really special. They’ve supported me the whole way and everyone is buzzing back home as well so it’s been great.

“Hopefully I can inspire a few players down the line, future players, just to keep working, and show them that reaching this stage is possible.”

Irish history in the NBA

Fulton’s achievements in the Summer League have ensured he has become the third Irish-born player to play NBA basketball after Pat Burke and Susan Moran.

Burke played 62 games for the Orlando Magic from 2002, while Moran is the only Irish player to have played in the WNBA. She was selected by the New York Liberty in 2001.

Fulton’s basketball quality runs in the family. His grandad coached the Irish men’s senior team, and his father was also an Ireland international.