With PNG to play host to New Caledonia, Fiji, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, Basketball Papua NewG (BPNG) CEO, Joel Khalu, said with PNG’s proven record of successfully hosting big sporting events, such as the 2015 Pacific Games, he is adamant the event will be a success.
This year will be a massive year for BPNG, especially with PNG to host the inaugural FIBA Melanesian Basketball Cup. Khalu says arrangements to organise the national side will be a priority in organising the team to be ready to take on Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.
He stressed training will be a must for the senior players, as there is no time to waste. This will be the first ever FIBA Melanesian Basketball event for PNG to host in the region, says Oceania Executive Director David Crocker.
With available farcicalities from 2015 Pacific Games and eager volunteers, this event will be a contributor to another international event hosted in the country. The event has provided an opportunity across the region to bring together top players to compete at the highest level.
Top three teams from the tournament will represent their countries at the 2019 Pacific Games in Tonga, while top two teams will qualify for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Pre-qualifiers, while top two teams for the women’s competition from the 2019 Pacific Games will qualify for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2021.
