Palau basketball delegation will be leaving tonight headed by National Basketball Development Officer, Topps Sungino, Head Coach – Logan Ngiriou and Assistant Coach- Rayson King with their 11-squad men’s team, and Head Coach – Burton Wong and Assistant Coach – Radley Kazuma bringing 10 – players for the women’s team. In addition, two of the nation’s prime referees, Jubilee Kuartei and Wallace Rikrik, were chosen to officiate the games.
Games tip off on Sunday, 28th of September and games closing ceremonies are scheduled for the 4th of October.The men’s team will be going toe to toe against Team Australia. Despite the big difference in height, “We are going to get them with our speed,” commented Perry Oiterong, Team Captain-Men’s. “We just need our outside shots to be working for us,” added Sweety Kalbasang, Team Captain-Women’s. To complete the list of players for the men’s team: Dembei Watanabe, Chris Chiba, Jose Meltel, Ferris Baulechong, Anthony Rudimch, Xyrus Salii, Justine Sandei, Leon Mengloi, Arthur Kyota, Rekoi Yano. For the women’s team: Oreng Ngemaes, Wanda Kelulau, Esichang Ubedei, Gail Williams, Jaime Mersai, Carmel Hanser, Aquilla masami, Tara Tamakong, Jenna Mersai.Countries that will participate in the tournament are Guam, Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Northern Marianas, and Tahiti.“Please support and include us in your prayers – young men and women who have dedicated ourselves to trying to achieve a goal, not only to win but to represent our country,” said team captain Perry Oiterong.
