Scovell upbeat of basketball team

By KEVIN TEME
THE Basketball Federation of PNG (BFPNG) is confident the final 15-member team to the Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia, will improve on their rankings.
BFPNG president Chey Scovell said this when giving his approval for the men’s and women’s teams to the games recently. 
“We have named 15 players each from both divisions but only 12 will travel while the three remain on shore,” he said.
In an e-mail to The National, Scovell said the onus was on the players to perform and meet the requirements set by the BFPNG.
The selectors have also named two overseas-based players, Charlie Parapa and Diga George, who have put their hands up to represent their country.
Scovell said both players had confirmed their willingness to join the side with sufficient time to prepare with the rest of the squad members.
Parapa is not new to the team having made his way from the junior team to the Coffs Harbour in 2004 and through FILBA, he was given a scholarship to study and play in the Philippines thanks to Ferdinand “Boyet” Daroya, who was also appointed as the men’s coach.
“As a result of our hard work and based on observations on the recent Arafura and Cairns games early this year, we are hopeful of being medal contenders in both divisions,” Scovell said.
The men’s team: Peter Davani, Purari Muri, Wally Parapa, Sibona Kala, Charlie Parapa, Dia Muri, Apia Muri, Joe Elavo, Robert Kave, James Ipasi, Mika Loko, Richard Arava while the non-travelling reserves are Tonny Haro, Veuga Taviri, Eke Kendi and Diba George.
The women’s side: Louisa Wallace, Jenny Magatu, Nellie Jemsop, Nape Waka, Marca Muri, Karo Lelai, Susan Paisoi, Jullianne Diro, Emily Koivi, Dianne Hani, Jenny Maravoa and Opa Eko.
The non-travelling reserves are Richanda Idau, Veronica Vali Ole and Grace Wong.
The men will be coached by Daroya while the women’s team will be headed by Veitu Diro.