THE Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation has sent its men’s and women’s team to Guam to compete in the 2022 FIBA Micronesian Basketball Cup from June 8 to 11.
On Monday, a send-off ceremony was held in the Northern Marianas Sports Association conference room.
“Just go out there and play with your heart,” NMIBF President James Lee told the players. “This is what most of you guys have been training for. This is it guys.”
Lee added, “I like being the underdog…. Why? Because that means I have nothing to lose. I’m not the one under pressure. So, when you guys go down there, play your game. Believe in yourself, your teammates and your coaches.”
NMSA President Jerry Tan, in a video-recorded message, noted that basketball is not one of the sports that will be highlighted in the upcoming Pacific Mini Games.
But he added that he is “so happy that the NMI basketball teams are making an important trip to Guam. Good luck and fight hard, NMI!”
The Northern Marianas Sports Association provides financial support to the local basketball federation.
The NMI men’s national squad consists of team captain Yuyacoby Santos, Lucio Aldan, Elijah Aughenbaugh, Jeffrey Castro, Chioni Dela Cruz, Sir-Lashu Dela Cruz, Shane Deleon Guerrero, Leopoldo Naraja, Gregory Sablan Jr., Frankie Satur, and Donovan Brennan. Their head coach is Joe Diaz with Sha Aina Mendoza and Keith Nabors as the assistant coaches.
“We will try our best to represent NMI and hopefully bring back some medals,” the team captain said.
As for the NMI women’s national squad, its team captain is Madeleine Alegre, and the members are Fiona Bucalig, Azriel Fatialofa, Michelle and Richelle Kautz, Marlene Lumabi, Sha Aina Mendoza, Destiny Pangelinan, Gabrielle Race, Angellyn Roligat, Sylvina Simram, Kaia Travilla, Ky’Sonna and E’Anna Won. Their head coach is Catherine Attao-Toves who will be assisted by Sylvina Simram.
“I would like to thank our supporters, sponsors, friends, families and the NMIBF,” Alegre said. “Thank you for helping us in our journey this past year. Without all of you we would not be able to progress this far. We thank you for trusting us to represent our home and we hope to all make you proud.”
Ethan Kwon will be the manager of both NMI teams.
On Wednesday, June 8, the NMI women’s team will face Guam at 4:45 p.m. while the NMI men’s will play with their Guam counterparts at 7 p.m.
On Thursday, June 9, the NMI women’s team will go up against Palau at 12:15 p.m. In the men’s division it will be NMI vs. Palau at 2:30 p.m.
On Friday, the NMI men’s team will square off with FSM at 12:15 p.m. while the NMI and FSM women will play their match at 2:30 p.m.
The finals will be held on Saturday. All games will be played at the UOG Calvo Field House.
Members of the NMI men’s and women’s national basketball teams pose for a photo during Monday’s send-off ceremony. The NMI teams are seeing action in the 2022 FIBA Micronesian Basketball Cup which will be held on June 8-11 in Guam.
The NMI women’s national basketball team
The NMI men’s national basketball team
