The Fiji men’s and women’s under-23 basketball teams have recently concluded their participation in the FIBA World Cup held in Xiongan, China, where they had the opportunity to showcase their skills and gain international experience. Despite facing tough competitors, this experience is a significant step forward for the development of basketball talent in Fiji.
The women’s squad, featuring players like Moana Liebregts, Camari Ravai, Ranadi Koroi, and Estelle Kainamoli, faced challenging opponents and took losses against teams such as Czechia, New Zealand, Uganda, and the Netherlands. On the other hand, the men’s team, with athletes like Tevia Vocea, Ratu Tuivabuavou, Isaac Sewabu, and Keenan Hughes, played against strong teams including Latvia, the USA, China, and Qatar.
Each matchup offered valuable learning experiences, contributing to their growth and development in basketball. As these teams return home, they bring with them new insights and experiences that can enrich Fiji’s local basketball community. The skills and exposure gained during the World Cup enable these athletes to inspire and mentor upcoming players, driving the sport forward in Fiji.
The teams’ participation in the FIBA World Cup follows a history of strong performances, such as their achievements at the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League – Oceania, where they won gold and qualified for the World Cup. Such achievements mark important milestones for Fiji’s basketball aspirations on the international stage.
This journey reflects not only their skills but also their determination and potential to inspire more young athletes in Fiji to pursue basketball. With the experience gained, there is optimism about the future contributions these players will make to Fijian basketball as they continue to strive for excellence.