With the deferral of the PNG Games to March 18, 2017, Basketball PNG has started their planning early to send its technical officials to officiate the games.
But with the deferral, Executive Officer Joel Khalu, says this will give more time to the Federation to prepare well.
He added that more emphasis will be given to junior players for the next three years, where Basketball PNG will be working on their identification program which will take place in Port Moresby.
Mr Khalu said this is due to financial constraints. The federation is unable to travel around the country to scout talented young players.
With U17 FIBA Oceania Championships to be held next year, National Championships will be staged in Port Moresby in April to identify and select the best U17 squad, before the Oceania championships in July.
Khalu said, it is critical that National Championships are held every year so that the best players are selected for the National Junior Team Program.
