Tetemo honored to represent PNG in Asia Cup
Basketball ace Ryan Tetemo says its always an honor to represent the country on international stage with the youngster prime to compete in FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, where Papua New Guinea is set to kick off their campaign today.
Tetemo is amongst a 4-player men's contingent that departed on Monday, alongside the women's team to Singapore for the regional tournament.
The 190cm forward told NBC News that he is geared to compete for the first time in the short format international competition with hopes to improve PNG's quest in the regional 3x3 ranking.
"I am very confident in myself. I believe I’ve got what it takes to play the game of 3x3, and looking forward for the challenges," Tetemo told NBC News.
"I am very proud of myself, it’s an honor representing my country
"Our goal as team is to bring the ranking up and to finish on the podium."
Tetemo made his international debut in 2022 Melanesian Cup, representing PNG in the 5x5 format.
His contributions propelled the men's national team for a second-place finish, earning a spot in 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands.
The Morobe native says putting on the PNG jersey is always an honor, dedicating his game to his family.
"I’ve dedicated this game to my family back home in Lae," Tetemo said ahead of the first game against Kazakhstan.
"I will give my best to make my family proud and my country men.
"It is an honor representing my country, and I am grateful for the opportunity. I am focused and looking forward for the coming games."
Tetemo will be running alongside childhood idols and 3x3 veterans Moses Lune and Sibona Kala and youngster Moses Kairi.
It's a dream that SS Flames star has always had to one day play with them.
"This will be a very special moment for me," he said.
"I’ve heard the names since I’ve started playing basketball back then, and I have played against this two veteran in the leagues.
"And to play along side with them will be a memorable one for me."
PNG are in the qualifying pool with Kazakhstan, Maldives and Iran.
The National team guided by head coach Gabriel Elavo will need to win their games to qualify for the actual 3x3 comp for the cup.