Basketball names U20 squad

BASKETBALL Fiji has selected its final 10-member squad to prepare for the FIBA Oceania Under-20 Games in New Caledonia next month. Coach Saula Koroi had his first run with the final squad last night at the Raiwaqa Ed's Court. Twenty players made it to the final trials last Saturday under the watchful eye of selectors Koroi, Ned Taito and development officer Laisiasa Puamau at the Vodafone Arena. Five players from the Western Division made it through to the trials but only two are in the squad. Natabua U17 team player Jone Senikabuta and Nadi's Neil Tudru are the lone players from the west. "The players were selected according to their fitness, skill level and how they played their positions," said Puamau. "The players are between the ages of 16-18 and most of these players will have the opportunity to represent our national team twice if they are committed to the sport because they have this tournament every two years," said Puamau. 2008 U20 team member Orisi Naivalurua has also been selected and he stands to be the only player with the greatest knowledge and skill level due to his experiences. Although the team was ranked fifth after the Guam Games, this has posed to be a great development stint for this young player. This year's Twisties championships most valuable player, Mataika Koyamainavure is also a squad member. This will be the first time most of these boys will be representing the country in an international competition and Koroi and Puamau are preparing the players well. As for the Final 10 women's national U20 team the members from Lautoka are Leba Korovou who is also a member of the netball trial squad that will be hitting the courts this Saturday to make the national netball training squad. two other western players were also selected and they are Sisilia Buitora and Maria Dabea. Notable names are Milika Koyamainavure who was the U19 girls Twisties most outstanding player and 2008 U20 rep Vika Fifita. They are being coached by former national rep, Seini Dobui and managed by Lydia Sokosoko.

Sera Whippy
Wednesday, September 15, 2010