FIBA in Oceania hosted a 3x3 workshop in Fiji for all the Pacific NBDO's. Cook Islands were one amongst 15 participants learning the mechanics around the new basketball platform. Nicolas Widmer, from FIBA head office in Geneva, flew to Fiji to conduct the 3x3 workshop. Due to the alarming rate 3x3 has grown, FIBA in Oceania is really trying to promote and grow the game in the Pacific region.
Host organisers have just completed the installation of the official competition basketball court ahead of the Youth Olympic Games that gets underway on 14th August in Singapore. This event marks the debut of FIBA 33, the official 3 on 3 version of basketball.
Oceania will be represented by Australia girls, Vanuatu girls and New Zealand men. Players are aged under 18 and coaches under 35.
The Womens Team Prima Donnas, still remains undefeated taking the win against the Hot Shotz. 23-20. Hot Shotz recieved a 5 point penalty dues to 1 team member not having the correct uniform. This having a significant effect on the final score.
First Womens game was a close game going right down to the wire, with Prima Donnas winning their game over the Licorice Allsorts by just 1 point. (29-28)
The Cook Islands South Pacific Games (SPG) training squad gets the opportunity to learn more about basketball from the ZDO Eddie Calic. The sessions covered a variety of things from ball drills to discipline and encouragements.
It was a close encounter in the Under 20 boys final with Takitumu taking the lead early when they received 6 points head start when the Puaikura team did not take the court on time.
The Cook Islands Men's Youth Development team will head to NZ at the end of the year for a series of games against some of the best teams in the region.