The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea has announced its men’s national team that will compete in the 2017 FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup in Port Moresby next month.
The final team of twelve players and five shadow-reserves were named yesterday, following an intense three day training camp held at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre (TAIC) over the weekend.
Nine players from the side that finished fourth in the 2015 Pacific Games have retained their spots- Apia Muri, Aron Farmer, Dia Muri, Gabriel Elavo, Liam Wright, Moses Lune Apiko, Matineng Leahy, Purari Muri and Robert Kave.
Charles Parapa and Sibona Kala have earned successful recalls, while 20-year old James Banduru Jnr will make his senior international debut.
Most Valuable Player of the 2017 BFPNG Men’s National Championships, Lloyd Wright, was unavailable for selection due to his college commitments in the United States.
BFPNG President and Chair of the men’s selection panel, Nick Daroa said coming up with the final team was a very tough decision for the committee.
“There were twenty-three athletes in camp over the weekend and all of them worked extremely hard in trying to earn a spot,” Daroa said.
“I commend each player’s effort and thank them for their outstanding commitment to PNG basketball.
“The panel certainly had to make some difficult choices, but when we as a Federation are in that position, it means we have a wide range of talent to choose from, which is a good thing for our sport.
“We are happy with the mix of youth and experience and feel a well-balanced side has been picked that will represent our great country with passion and pride in this tournament.
“Playing at home is going to bring extra expectation, but I think this team will be able to achieve our collective goal, which is winning the inaugural men’s FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup.”
The PNG Men’s National team - 2017 FIBA Melanesia Cup:
Apia Muri
Aron Farmer
Charles Parapa
Dia Muri
Gabriel Elavo
James Banduru
Liam Wright
Moses Lune Apiko
Matineng Leahy
Purari Muri
Robert Kave
Sibona Kala
Shadow-Reserve Players:
Anderson Hewe
Conillus Muri
Emmanuel Parapa
Joe Elavo
Manessah Moere