BFPNG announced Men’s & Women’s 5x5 Teams for FIBA Melo Cup

The Papua New Guinea Basketball Federation (BFPNG) officially announced the men’s and women’s 5x5 teams on Wednesday, 10th September, at Taurama Aquatic Indoor Center for the upcoming FIBA Melanesian Cup slated from 13-18 October 2025, in the Solomon Islands.

The teams comprise 15 men and 15 women, a total of 30 players, with 6 non-traveling reserves, respectively. Both teams are well-balanced in terms of experience and youth, raring to showcase their skills in the biggest arena.  

The players were selected based on merit following a rigorous and transparent selection process carried out by the BFPNG selection committee over the past twelve months. The athletes were tested and tried before making the final cut.   

Prior to making the national selection, two National Championships were hosted in Goroka and Alotau, respectively - including three National Trials in Mt Hagen and Port Moresby - to identify the best talent to represent PNG in the forthcoming FIBA Melo Cup.

Eleven independent selectors had gone through a comprehensive and painstaking selection process set by the PNG Olympic Committee and BFPNG to pick the cream of the crop in both divisions.

The players selected represented active basketball associations across the country, reflecting the depth of talent spread nationwide and ensuring that every association is well-represented in the two national teams (men & women).

BFPNG President David Peter was pleased with the final squads for both men and women, emphasizing confidence in the players and urging them to wear the jersey with pride on foreign soil.   

“We believe this team is well-prepared to represent PNG with pride and determination. The journey has been a rigorous one, and the athletes selected have demonstrated the qualities we value in our national teams,” Mr. Peter said.

“We hope that this squad not only performs strongly at the Melo Cup but also continues the pathway toward qualifying for the Pacific Games in Tahiti 2027.”

President Peter acknowledged the commitment of all players, associations, selectors, officials and volunteers, who have contributed to the selection process, and looks forward to seeing the best of PNG basketball talent being showcased on the regional stage. 

With the 2025 FIBA Melanesian Cup serving as a qualifying tournament for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti, the participating teams will compete fiercely, including PNG, as they aim to secure their spots at the biggest Pacific tournament.

The following are the final team lists for both men’s and women’s divisions:

Men - Apia Muri, Moses Lune Apiko, Cornelius Muri, Allan Millard, Harold Boyet Elavo, Moses Kairi, Enoch Raka, Purari Muri, Morea Elavo, Anderson Hewe, Richard Mako, Matthew Kairi. 

Non-Traveling Reserves - Adam Maikai, Ryan Beerwold, Augustine Kaupa. 

Women - Betty Angula, Betty Wong, Hannah Kuwimb, Jackie Asiba, Jemina James, Lynnette Tongia, Marca Muri, Michaelyn Ham, Nadica Samson, Normalisa Dobunaba, Rayvina Marape, Vernelma Toukma.

Non-Traveling Reserves - Betina Dobunaba, Elina Yala, Hannah Kalua.