Basketballers eyeing basics

THE Papua New Guinea women’s basketball team are focusing on getting the small things right heading to next month’s Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa.
Coach Moi Muri told The National yesterday that his Port Moresby-based players were training well and were reaching peak form and fitness.
“So far everything is good and we are only looking forward to the Games,” Muri said.
“We may not have the height but we have the speed and just need to play smarter on both offence and defence.
“We have 15 players in the final squad with the final team announcement to be made this month during the last camp here in Port Moresby.
“Our two Australia-based players Javapro sisters, Penninah and Madelene, will be up here during the final camp.
“They will be our only two overseas-based players we have and we’re proud that they are part of the team.
“We are also in combined training with the three-by-three teams (men and women) mixing it up to test our fitness level and skills and so far it’s all good,” Muri said.
Muri said combining some training sessions with the men’s squad had helped his players.
“We’ve changed our mindset and attitude and if we maintain this come the Games we’ll do well.
“We’re aware that we’ll face taller sides like Fiji and New Caledonia but we are going there to prove ourselves.”