Invitational basketball tournament attracts six teams

 By KEVIN TEME

AN invitational basketball challenge, which will be held in Port Moresby on Jan 21-23, has already attracted six teams from all regions.

It is a new concept but should give the Basketball Federation of PNG the basis to select a competitive side to represent PNG at the Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia, in August.

The event should also help selectors pick a national side for the 2015 Pacific Games in PNG.

The tournament will run for three days and it will also be an opportunity for various companies and organisations to support the event for their marketing purposes and a good community obligation.

With more focus on the 2015 Pacific Games, the event will also be used to identify competitive players, including youngsters, for national or international duties.

Teams are expected to come from the Highlands, Momase, New Guinea Islands and Southern regions to participate in the challenge.

The challenge has attracted three teams each from Port Moresby and Lae, a Madang side and one team from the Highlands which is yet to be confirmed.

Two teams who are currently training for the Far North Queensland All Stars challenge in Cairns – the Papuan Blacks and Exodus and another from Tubusereia – will also be competing.

It is believed PNG selectors will be out to identify potential players for national representative duties.

Apart from the event, there will also be slam dunk competitions and other fun games before, during breaks and after the competitions.

The organising committee is still waiting for confirmation from PNG Sports Foundation for the use of the Sir John Guise Stadium indoor complex.