Basketball names squads for Pacific Games in Samoa

By JACK AMI
THE Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) has named the men’s and women’s national squads for the Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa, next month.
The three-on-three and five-on-five squads for both men and women were confirmed by the BFPNG board and released by the president Nick Daroa to The National yesterday.
Daroa said the members of squads were selected on merit to represent the country in the 16th edition of the Pacific Games.
“These are the best teams that we have selected and are medal prospects heading into the Pacific Games,” he said.
He said it was a pity that men’s guard Purari Muri was ruled out due to injury.
“Purari was one of our strike weapons but unfortunately injury has denied him to represent the country again,” Daroa said.
He also made special mention of the inclusion of debutants Christian Pang (men) and the Javapro sisters –Penninah and Magdalene – from Australia to bolster the country’s medal prospects.
Others also making their debut are Cornilius Muri, Anderson Hewe and James Banduru in the men’s squad, and Erica Amos, Deneiene Bray and Jonita Warabe in the Purari Muri-coached women’s side.
Meanwhile, Charles Parapa is making a comeback to the Joel Khalu-coached side following his solid form in the Papua New Guinea Men’s Basketball League.
Squads — 5×5 Men: Matineng Leahy, Liam Wright, Lloyd Wright, Aron Farmer, Christian Pang, Apia Muri, Moses Lune Apiko , Robert Kave, Conilius Muri, James Banduru Jr, Charles Parapa, Anderson Hewe; Non-travelling reserve – Mika Loko.
5×5 Women: Magdalene Javapro, Peninah Javapro (Australia), Betty Angula, Rosa Kairi, Deniene Bray, Normalisa Dobunaba, Jonita Warabe, Lewa Hani, Nester Sape, Marca Muri, Serah Yawasing, Erica Amos (PNG).
3×3 Men: Dia Muri, Augustine Kaupa, Obert Muri and Jordan Sere; Non-travelling reserves – Percy Aron, Richard Arava.
3×3 Women: Louisa Wallace, Elina Yala, Serah Amos and Christine Oscar; Non-travelling reserves – Lydia Gotuno, Vasty Jamsop.