BFPNG names squads

The National Sports

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea has announced the final squad for the men’s and women’s national teams for the Fiba Melanesia Cup scheduled for Oct 26-30 in Fiji.
Executive officer Miskus Lapan said the teams were finalising their training preparations to defend their titles as reigning champions.
PNG won gold in both the men’s and women’s division in the 2017 edition of the tournament hosted in Port Moresby and the pressure was on to retain the title.
Lapan said there would be strong challenges from the other Melanesian countries.
“In addition to the pressure of defending the title, PNG must do well in this tournament and be accorded 1st or 2nd place for automatic qualification for the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands next year,” Lapan told The National.
“To our credit, the senior men and women have had credible exposure at the recent Asian 3×3 Games in Singapore in July so that experience will prove valuable.
“PNG will field 12 players as per Fiba’s requirements for both teams, which comprised of youth and experienced players.
“According to respective coaches, the teams look balanced and are working on formidable combinations in both attack and defense.
“There has been some new inclusions in both teams, and those that have been called up to wear the national colors are adapting and coping well with high performance training and court sessions.”
The federation has appointed Moi Muri as the men’s head coach with Tokaravu Kini Aua as team manager and Dickson Omaro as assistant team manager.
For the women’s team, Lewa Hani was named coach while Emily Maha was appointed team manager for the upcoming tournament.
The team is expected to leave for Fiji on Oct 22 before their tournament opener against Solomon Islands on Oct 26.
PNG will then play New Caledonia on Oct 27 and Fiji on Oct 28.
Squad – Men: Gabriel Elavo, Anderson Hewe, Jordan Geasa, Ryan Tetemo, Lucas Keith, Cornelius Muri, Morea Elavo, Michael Henry, Ronnie Lavai, Apia Muri, Purari Muri and Ivano Ivano. Women: Susan Paisoi, Sherah Kusawie Yawasing, Betty Angula, Normalisa Michelle Dobunaba, Mary Cindy Elavo, Clarice Hane, Ozma Legas, Samantha Kitan and Marcia Muri.