Basketball squads named

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea has named the national men’s and women’s train-on-squads for the Fiba three-on-three Asia Cup that will be held in Singapore from July 6-10.
Federation president Karo Lelai said the tournament would provide a good lead-up to next year’s Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.
Nine players were named for the women’s squad while the men’s group had eight players, but the inclusion of some individuals is subjected to medical and physiotherapy advice.
“The selections were based on performances in last year’s national three-on-three championships and previous three-on-three events onshore and offshore,” Lelai said.
“Nick Daroa has been asked to coach as he was the coach of the first PNG three-on-three team finished fourth behind Australia, New Zealand and Guam on the Gold Coast in 2014.
“He has been a committed person behind the scenes for three-on-three over many years.
“The levy fee of K2,000 applies and all persons travelling, including the coach, must be fully vaccinated (against the Coronavirus) as Singapore has very strict rules.
“The tournament rules require every athlete to have had a PNG passport issued before Jan 1 this year.
“Given that, we were unable to include players who are still awaiting their dual citizenship.
“We have raised this with the PNG Sports Foundation to help fast-track the process through their government network.
“The tournament rules also have their own eligibility requirements.
“We are required to take at least two of the top-10 ranked players in PNG.
“The federation will be running some registered events to rank our players.
“Each athlete must register and have an account on 3x3planet.com to be ranked.” Squads: Men – Moses Lune, Apia Muri, Conilus Muri, Sibona Kala, Ryan Tetemo, Ivano Ivano, Michael Henry and Purari Muri; Women – Betty Angula, Rosa Kairi, Normalisa Dobunaba, Marca Muri, Jane Tongia, Susan Paisoi, Jenny Magatu, Nellie Jamsop and Phillipa Joumkalop.