Fiji wants two teams

 BASKETBALL Fiji expects more overseas clubs to be part of its annual Easter Basketball Championship next year.

Papua New Guinea’s top men’s side Moni Plus Tamaraws was part of this year’s event but was not much of a threat to local teams.

Basketball Fiji development off­icer Lai Puamau said PNG would send two teams next year.

The PNG Basketball Federation has yet to confirm this invitation from Fiji Basketball for 2014.

BFPNG treasurer Boyet Daroya, who was the in Suva as Tamaraws head coach, refused to comment, saying president Nick Daroa was the right person to speak to.

Puamau said they were negotiating with other Pacific Island countries to send their top teams to the tournament and they aimed to increase the number of women’s teams taking part.

“Last year we had teams from Australia, New Zealand and American Samoa coming but due to the floods in Nadi, the tournament got shifted and they were unable to come,” he said.

“But we will be inviting them again and other Pacific Island countries too to make the tournament the best of a Fiji versus the best of overseas teams.” 

Puamau said the level of competition at this year’s tournament had risen but there was still room for improvement.

“Saints set a benchmark for other teams to follow and we believe this will eventually help improve the level of competition,” he said.