FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup

PNG reigns at Melanesia Basketball Cup

After an undefeated group phase, PNG were crowned women’s champions after defeating 2015 Pacific Games gold medallists Fiji 77-58 in yesterday’s final.

Both Fiji and Papua New Guinea have qualified for the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa. They will be joined by third-placed New Caledonia after their win against the Solomon Islands.

To the men’s, PNG capped off their undefeated run by overcoming New Caledonia 81-61 to keep the FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup in PNG.

​Men’s team to challenge Filipino All Stars

The line-up will comprise of the best players from the Filipino Association of PNG Basketball League.

The two-sides will meet at 7:30pm this Sunday at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre.

The idea for the exhibition match-up came about following a meeting between the President of the Basketball Federation of PNG, Nick Daroa, Madam President of FAPNG, Cathy Madrid, and the PNG men’s assistant coach, Ferdinand Daroya.

20yo ready for FIBA Cup

“I’ll be honest, there were a few things I wasn’t doing right regarding execution in the three-day training camp we had recently,” said Banduru.

“I always tried to give my best effort though and I’m thankful to the selectors for noticing that. Now that I am picked, I’ll make sure I perform to the best of my ability for my country and our people.”

Banduru, who goes by ‘Junior’, will be making his senior international debut for when the FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup tips off later this month.

Seeking sponsorship for Melanesia Basketball Cup

The international sporting showcase will feature national representative sides from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Caledonia and Solomon Islands, with games taking place over four days at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre.

There’s a lot at stake with the top three finishing sides in both men’s and women’s divisions, earning qualification for the 2019 Pacific Games.

CEO of the BFPNG, Joel Khalu, said BFPNG is working in partnership with EMTV to secure sponsorship for the event, and added there are some fantastic options available.

Squads for FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup

The 23-player women’s squad and 25-player men’s squad were named on Saturday night after the grand final of the BFPNG National Championships. Both squads include athletes based in-country and overseas.

The women’s squad is headlined by 2015 Pacific Games standouts Betty Angula, Marca Muri and Mary Elavo Jnr, while 2016 PNG under 18 national team captain Normalisa Dobunaba also received a call-up to the senior level.

FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup launched

A gathering of more than 50 dignitaries, guests and media were on hand to witness for the first time, the tournament’s unique new logo and listen to speakers, including FIBA Oceania Executive Director David Crocker, who made the trip from Australia to be in attendance.

“FIBA is extremely excited to be hosting the first ever FIBA Melanesia Cup in Papua New Guinea.

“PNG is a very passionate sporting nation and basketball is very much on the rise in country.