PNG National Basketball Teams Depart for FIBA Melo Cup

The Papua New Guinea National Basketball Squad, comprising men’s and women’s teams, just left for the Solomon Islands this morning (11th October) to participate in the FIBA Melanesian Cup scheduled from 13-18 October, 2025. 

The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) President, David Peter, confirmed 24 players for both divisions (12 each), including 6 non-traveling reserves, coaching staff, and team management. 

The men’s team remained unchanged, except for the women’s team, the non-traveling reserve player, Hannah Kalua, was promoted to the starting line-up ahead of a player who did not attend the training in Port Moresby. 

“We are confident with the two teams that we have selected. There are no changes to the list. We still have the first 12 for both divisions that were announced on the 10th of September, including the non-traveling reserves,” Peter said.

“Based on the players’ performance and their availability during the training sessions, we have come down to the final 12 for both men and women.”

Peter explained that 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.

The FIBA Melo Cup serves as a qualifying tournament for the Pacific Games, with President Peter showing 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 support of KMHL, including 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. 

The following are the confirmed list of players for both divisions, including the coaching staff and team management: 

Men’s

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. 

Women’s

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

Men’s Coaches

Moi Muri - Head Coach 

Morris Asiba - Assistant Coach 

Women’s Coaches

Michael Henry - Head Coach 

Adrian Weeks - Assistant Coach

Team Managers

Ronnie Pomat - Men’s TM

Dickson Omaro - Women’s TM

Nape Waka - Assistant TM & Assistant Coach

Referees

Samuel Mope - POM

Ivan Wapuan - Madang