PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea - As part of preparations for the upcoming FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup, the PepsiPNG Men’s National Basketball Team will face an international All-Star line-up comprised of the best players from the Filipino Association of PNG (FAPNG) Basketball League.

The two-sides will meet at 7:30pm this Sunday evening at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre (TAIC).

The idea for the exhibition match-up came about following a meeting between Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) President Mr. Nick Daroa, FAPNG Madam President Ms. Cathy Madrid and PepsiPNG Men’s National Team Assistant Coach Mr. Ferdinand Daroya.

The trio agreed that the event would be a tremendous showcase, one that if successfully delivered on Sunday, has the ability to become an annual event on the BFPNG basketball calendar.

BFPNG President Mr. Nick Daroa acknowledged the game as being a positive lead-up contest for PNG.

“Both of our PepsiPNG national teams need pre-tournament games leading into the Melanesia Cup and this matchup with the FAPNG All Stars gives our men’s side a real high-quality hit out,” Mr. Daroa said.

“When you combine the premier FAPNG players together on one team, it creates a very formidable side.”

“Their squad will resemble a similar size and standard to that of a top pacific hoops nation and the game is going to be great entertainment for fans.”

“It will certainly be one of the best basketball showdowns that we have seen in Port Moresby since the 2015 Pacific Games and we are grateful to FAPNG for accepting the invitation to participate,” Daroa added.

The FAPNG Basketball All Stars will be coached by Eddie Salazar and their line-up includes a number of players who possess professional PBL experience.

Following the game there will be trophy presentations sponsored by Rainbow Travel.

Admission to the game is free for all spectators, with the TAIC doors opening at 6pm.

The 2017 FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup presented by Paradise Beverages, commences on Wednesday, September 27 at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre (TAIC).

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

FAPNG BASKETBALL ALL STARS 

Player Number            Player Name                           FAPNG Team

#3                                Mark Palisoc                             Wel Builders 

#4                                Ian Trinidad                              Wel Builders 

#5                                Ezekiel Echane                        Rain or Shine Paints

#9                                Orlando Daroya                        Salcon Builders 

#10                              Ralph Nacu                              Wel Builders  

#14                              Floyd Dedicatoria                     Rain or Shine Paints

#16                              Constancio Lumingkit               Salcon Builders

#20                              Rodel Vergara                          Salcon Builders      

#24                              Mark Montes                            Salcon Builders 

#25                              Chuck Dalanon                        Rain or Shine Paints

#31                              Kenneth Balasote                    Wel Builders 

#34                              Kiel Yutuc                                Wel Builders 

#85                              Ryeon Delos Trinos                  Salcon Builders  

Head Coach:                Eddie Salazar    

Assistant Coach:          Ermin Salas     

Team Manager:            Wilbert Mendoza