BFPNG announces 3×3 training squad

The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea has announced the extended 3x3 squads ahead of this weekend’s trials in Port Moresby.

Both the senior men’s and women’s teams along with the under-23 boys’ and girls’ sides are scheduled for trials this Friday and Saturday at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre.

The wider squad will be trimmed as selectors and coaches prepare to pick the best PNG 3x3 teams that will represent the country in 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Singapore and Mini Pacific Games in Palau.

“We have two separate squads consisting of the Seniors or Open division were the final squad will travel to compete in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Singapore,” 3x3 national coach Nick Daroa said when revealing the names of the extended teams.

“We’ve also included a trials lists for the U23s as we are expected to send an U23 men and women’s team (Team PNG) to compete in the Mini Pacific Games in Palau around June,” he said.

The select sides were identified from the 3x3 regional tournaments which were hosted in Momare, Islands, Highlands and Southern region, including the recently concluded national championships in Goroka.

BFPNG are expected to welcome athletes from; Goroka, Aiyura, Mt Hagen [Highlands], Lae Madang [Momase], Kavieng [New Guinea Islands] Alotau, Kikori and hosts Port Moresby [Southern] including a Brisbane-based athlete for the trials.

Basketball for Good Programme coordinator Jordan Sere said the U23 trial squad consisted of existing junior national representatives who have represented PNG in the U15s and U17 FIBA Oceania Championships among new faces.

“The reason why we recruited these juniors is because we have to prepare all of them for future national duties especially leading up into the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti,” Sere said.

“The trials also serve as one of our many approaches to identify who makes the cut to rep Team PNG at the Palau Games next year,” Sere said.

Meanwhile, BFPNG president David Peter said the federation looks forward to a competitive weekend as players’ battle for spots in the national teams.

“This is specifically for the two main 3x3 events we’ve mentioned, as per the trials list, there is a good number of players from different provinces/associations and it gives us a good mixture of talent from across the four regions,” Peter said.

“We also have the 5x5 trials and selections coming up especially for the Melanesian Cup however the list will be revealed at a later date; we are still finalizing it after having the All Star Championships played in Goroka.”

Select side for 3x3;
Open Men: Mclayton Andrews [Madang], Kamat Muri [Goroka], Herman Palik [Kavieng], Jordan Gease, Manase Moore [Lae]; Epson John [Mt. Hagen]; Ryan Tetemo, Sydney Dobunaba, Ipai, Purari Muri, Apia Muri, Sibona Kala, Moses Lune, Moses Kairi, Emmanuel Bryant, Ivano Ivano, Jabez Geita, Obert Muri, Anderson Hewe, Tony Haro Jordan Sere [Port Moresby].

Open Women: Vernalma Toukma [Alotau], Helen Muri [Goroka], Ann Kave, Michaelyn Ham [Aiyura], Joelyne Opety [Kavieng], Mary Simon [Kikori], Marina Boino, Serah Yawasing, Bianca Tukayo, Serah Amos [Lae], Nester Sape, Vincelyn Vekao (Madang), Hannah Kuwimb, Jemina James (Mt. Hagen), Hannah Kalua, Betty Angula, Betina Dobunaba, Jacky Asiba, Norma Dobunaba, Jonitha Warabe [Port Moresby].

U23 Men: Jabez Lucas, Joseph Gorogo, River May, Deideiya Jarope [Alotau], Simeon Topoqopo [Aiyura], Leon Thomas, Danis Topu [Kavieng], Jabez Philemon, Brown Philip, Enge Kainge, Sylvester Bayu, Samuel Valuka-Valuka, Elijah Bonga, Carlos Abel [Lae], Darren Parangkei [Madang], Arnold Makis [Mt. Hagen], Ray Whitchurch, Lukas Gaby, Morea Elavo, Adam Maikai, Michael Horo, Givton Lama, Malcolm Maliaki, Harold Elavo, Reginald Lengei, Francis Kini, Kelly Waku, Logan Nagi [Port Moresby].

U23 Women: Philomena Esai, Gloria Kaiawa [Alotau], Renee Kasu [Kavieng], Lausanne Kallinu, Bianca Tukayo, Grace Gisileng [Lae], Shaneldah Parangkei [Madang], Nauna Lynnette Lelai [Brisbane], Cayla Ham, Vasti Ham [Aiyura], Lynnette Tongia, Clarice Hane, Carmella Konaka, Rayvinah Marape, Gibella Maikai, Mary Simon, Maraga River, Emmanuvella Sine, Katherine Gosa, Alice Mea [Port Moresby]