Rising basketball talent uncovered at Kewabi tournament

The National Sports

By SULI SULI
THE recent Kewabi Unity Basketball Tournament in Southern Highlands may have just uncovered a rising star hidden in the mountains of Mendi Central.
Oshen Benly is one of the best ballers in the province with immense abilities on the court.
The stocky point guard is hoping to compete in competitions in Port Moresby where he is looking to develop his basketball career.
“One day I want to see myself in the red, black and gold colours representing my country,” Benly told The National yesterday.
“It’s my dream to play for PNG. But as a local kid I only play in Mendi. If the Basketball Federation of PNG can develop pathways, it would be a great way to expose talents like us to achieve our dreams.
“I hope to play in other centres where the competitions are very competitive so it could help me build my career.”
As a teenager in 2016, Benly took part in the National Souths Basketball League and was recognised as the best youngest player after the tournament, eventually loving the sport.
He recently led his team Enso Mioks to a fourth-placed finish in the unity tournament at Riwi Rindi village.
Playing against some of the country’s best in the tournament, his genius grind on the court earned him the player-of-the-tournament award, adding another award to his basketball curriculum vitae.
“There were rep players in the tournament but no one controls the ball like him,” Kewabi competition media director Terence Yacop said.
“Benly is an unbelievable talent and is one of the best ballers in the country at the moment with an unmatched handle.
“Whatever he lacks in height he makes up with all his moves that gets the crowds effectively behind him.
“He must be given an opportunity in the basketball federation development side to guide his development. He has the potential to represent PNG.”
Inspired by NBA legend Kyrie Irving, the 25-year-old hopes BFPNG would develop proper pathways to give talents like him an opportunity to prove themselves at the national level.
Whilst he makes his way through the offseason competitions, Benly is prepared for future tournaments as he hunts for a call-up in representative duties.