By becoming the 20th member of the FIBA-Oceania in 1988, Palau Basketball Federation (PBF) is considered to be one of the youngest organizations compared to other regions that are included in the list. With this, the Secretary General congratulates the tremendous improvement of widespread understanding of the game of basketball in the island despite being a late bloomer.
He also commented that the administration has done a lot, with the leadership of National Basketball Development Officer – Kazuki “Tops” Sungino, in continuing the programs that would enhance more the skills and understanding of potential basketball players in Palau. He then added that this gives the opportunity for FIBA to take these conditions in helping the federation to improve the skills and talents of the players and coaches and take Palau basketball to a higher level. “We came here not to disrupt any programs that the federation has started but to just fine tune it and propose some improvements,” said Secretary General Steve Smith. He reiterated that in pursuit to a better development on all facets of the sport of basketball to the highest level in the Republic, they have come to assist by carrying out evaluations of programs lined-up by the PBF and to look up on some calendar of events that will work towards the goal of FIBA. In line with this, our two honored guest have also pointed out some implications that would gear up the federation to better perform in an international standards. Sec-Gen Steve mentioned initially, that the federation could start with identifying and building up talented players in an early age by putting them into programs that would build up and perk up their performance to a very competitive level. In addition, they talked about that this is the time now for the federation to make changes regarding the structures and organization of coaches. There was a proposal coming from the two experts of putting up an association of coaches were they could be able to sit down and exchange ideas and gradually improve on their coaching skills. Another topic that would be discussed was to introduce the players and coaches to other styles of basketball instead of just relying on the “run and gun.” As Regan Kama, who oversees the programs and its development of every federation in the region, has put it, “Palau has come to be not complacent and would gladly embrace the influx of new programs that would help the progress of basketball in Palau.” In line with this, Regan also suggested to focus in improving the skills and other strengths that would complement their heights and would help them perform the style of basketball suited for them in time for international competitions. Lastly, they will also look into the facilities of the federation that needs improvements.In conclusion, FIBA officials are very pleased with all the works that PBF have accomplished and would like to see more developments in improving skills of both coaches and players with the revisions of some offered plan towards the goal of a better reformed teams set for international competitions.
