PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea - The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) has announced its men’s national representative team that will compete in the 2017 FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup this coming September in Port Moresby.

The final team of twelve players and five shadow-reserves were named today, following an intense three-day training camp held at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre (TAIC) this past weekend.

Nine players from the side that finished fourth in the 2015 Pacific Games have reclaimed their spots including - Apia Muri, Aron Farmer, Dia Muri, Gabriel Elavo, Liam Wright, Moses Lune Apiko, Matineng Leahy, Purari Muri & Robert Kave. Previous PNG representatives Charles Parapa and Sibona Kala have earned successful recalls, while 20-year old James Banduru Jnr. will make his senior international debut.

Most Valuable Player of the 2017 BFPNG Men’s National Championships Lloyd Wright, was unavailable for selection due to his United States college commitments.

BFPNG President and Chair of the men’s selection panel Mr. Nick Daroa said coming up with the final team was a “very tough” decision for the committee.

“There were twenty-three athletes in camp over the weekend and all of them worked extremely hard in trying to earn a spot,” Mr. Daroa said.

“I commend each player’s effort and thank them for their outstanding commitment to PNG basketball.”

“The panel certainly had to make some difficult choices, but when we as a Federation are in that position, it means we have a wide range of talent to choose from, which is a good thing for our sport.”

“We are happy with the mix of youth and experience and feel a well-balanced side has been picked that will represent our great country with passion and pride in this tournament.”

“Playing at home is going to bring extra expectation, but I think this team will be able to achieve our collective goal, which is winning the inaugural men’s FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup.”

For more information, please contact BFPNG Chief Executive Officer Joel Khalu on khalujoel@gmail.com

PAPUA NEW GUINEA MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM - 2017 FIBA MELANESIA CUP:

Apia Muri

Aron Farmer

Charles Parapa

Dia Muri

Gabriel Elavo

James Banduru

Liam Wright

Moses Lune Apiko

Matineng Leahy

Purari Muri

Robert Kave

Sibona Kala

 

SHADOW-RESERVE PLAYERS:

Anderson Hewe

Conillus Muri

Emmanuel Parapa

Joe Elavo

Manessah Moere