NMI, he said needs at least 12 players to participate in one of big sports in the Pacific but as of yesterday, only seven picks have confirmed willingness to play.
Mesa said nine teams of male and female players from different Pacific countries and territories will compete in the Oceania Basketball Tournament that is sanctioned by Federation of the International Basketball Associations.
Mesa who heads the NMI Referees Association is assisting BANMI in preparation for the Oceania caging.
He said that in the course of completing the list of draft picks, he noticed that many of the NMI basketball players showed little interest of joining the upcoming event.
Mesa said they are seeking for any individual who wants to support them in completing the team. He encourages basketball players to sign up, saying it takes courage for a player “to learn and remain.”
“One mission is better than a thousand options,” he added.
Mesa said that competing to represent a country is the greatest honor for one to do.
The seven cagers who have confirmed interest includes Jericho Cruz, Mark Rabauliman and Kelvin Fitial.
Saipan Local Law 16-7 which Gov. Benigno R. Fitial signed last week has appropriated funds to host the Oceania basketball tournament.
