PNG national basketball men’s squad members impress coach

By KEVIN TEME
PLAYERS in the PNG basketball squad to the Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia have lifted their performance for their local clubs in the Capital Basketball League (CBL) competition.
And the national men’s coach Ferdinand ‘Boyet’ Daroya is confident the players selected would continue to perform well as they prepare for the games starting in August to September.
The squad went into camp at a 2-Mile Hill residence last Friday.
The players should also note that their performance will be monitored leading up to the Pacific Games.
The women’s side under head coach Veitu Diro, are to follow strict guidelines from the team management.
Last weekend, Tamaraws lanky centre Joe Elavo was in devastating form and made use of every opportunity at  the ring with spectacular slam dunks.
However, it would not have been possible without the assistance of his teammates and guards from the Defence back court.
Dominated by the current PNG squad members, the Tamaraws thrashed Defence 84-22, while on the adjacent court, the Muri brothers, Apia and Purari, who are also in the squad helped Exodus beat Jazz 32-19.
Watching from the sidelines, Daroya said he was pleased with the performance of the squad members playing for their teams.
“The boys have been in camp since last Friday and I see that team spirit is high. The players will be in camp until the final day of their departure,” he added.
Despite the costs of housing the players, Daroya’s ultimate objective was to ensure the players improved on their performance.
“To tell you the truth, team spirit is high and I believe we are more disciplined when together in camp. We are hoping for better results at the Pacific Games in August,” Elavo said.
“I know it will cost the team and despite not having the support, we are thankful to Daroya for bringing us together,” Elavo said.
The squad is dominated by CBL players from Exodus, Tamaraws, Saints and another from Theodist Unitech Bulls, who is a student at the University of Technology in Lae.