FIBA Oceania Bulletin March 2010

Secretary General’s Report v Steve Smith Lastly, and we accept that this is most likely to be a very rough estimate, how many people be‐ The FIBA Oceania staff have sides those listed in any of the above, partici‐ spent a lot of time recently pate regularly in as a recreational discussing what we do, activities – play pickup games, scrimmages, how we work and what regularly go to a basketball court just to shoot should be our goals for the future. Myself and the around. Development Manager have been discussing what should be our targets for 2010 for each individual Having this kind of information will let us know federation, and we have sought some input for how popular our sport is and give us some Developing and ‘baseline data’ which we can use in the future, promoting basketball our decision making from your federation, from the Zone Development Officer and from the Spe‐ to measure if we are making any progress in across the Pacific increasing the popularity of basketball – which cial Projects Manager. That project is still a ‘work must be one of our goals. I hope you’ll give us in progress’ so final decisions are not able to be announced just yet, however two across‐the‐ some support for this initiative which will pro‐ board priorities for 2010 are; vide you, as well as us, with useful information. vContinue our push for federations to make greater use of FIBA Organizer – particularly the Who will host our 2012 Youth Tournament? Î Ryan Burns reports competition management and database manage‐ Every two years, FIBA Oceania stages our Youth ment aspects of it, without diminishing the use of Tournament for 8 men’s and 8 women’s teams Î McLeod rewarded the website communication function. from among our 21 member federations. Since its inception in 1997 it has been played in Fiji, v ÎFiji on fire Improve our knowledge about the strength of New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Tonga, , New the game by collecting information about how Zealand and Guam. This year the event returns ÎFIBA 33 in Vanuatu many people actually play our game across the to New Caledonia as a much stronger and devel‐ Pacific and under what circumstances. oped tournament than when it was first played Î Palau do boot camp It was quite surprising to us a couple of years ago, there more than 12 years ago.

to learn that until we started the exercise, there Î NBDO’s in action was no information about what facilities were Where will the event be played in 2012? FIBA Oceania has, during the month of February in‐ Î News from the zone available to play our sport in each of your coun‐ tries, where the courts were and what was their vited federations to submit a tender to host this event, with bids closing at the end of April. Our ÎNZ restructures condition. Thanks to the work of our energetic host must be a member basketball federation, ZDO’s and some plotting and compilation work by although there is provision for the federation to Î NZ Life membership the Zone Development Manager we now have, supervise the event which could be conducted and you now have, this information. But we still don’t have participation information. I ask you to by a member association, event company etc. assist us during 2010 to collect this information. The host country will gain automatic entry to the Regan from our office will be contacting each fed‐ tournament along with 7 other teams in both eration but we would like to know; the men’s and women’s division. The host is P.O. Box 174, Toormina responsible for all financial aspects of hosting vHow many people take part in Federation or‐ NSW, Australia 2452 the tournament but will be provided with a sub‐ ganised activities each year (men, women, boys, stantial subsidy by FIBA Oceania to assist them Ph +61 2 6658 6110 girls)? meet the costs of accommodation and meals for Fax +61 2 6658 6114 the participating countries. vHow many (additional) people play on a regular

Email: basis in competitions organised by your member If your federation has not received a copy of the [email protected] associations (men, women, boys, girls)? bid documents, please contact Judy Smith v Website: How many people play regularly in competi‐ ([email protected]) or go to our website www.fibaoceania.com tions which sit outside your federation (men, and download the documents from the women, boys, girls)? Some examples of these “Education – Administration” button. competitions might be competitions organised by schools, churches, the Filipino community – in fact We have set the closing date early to allow us to by anyone who is not a member of your federa‐ announce the 2012 host when we meet in New tion. Caledonia later this year.

We welcome stories from across the zone for the Bulletin. If you have some news from your club, school, association or federation, email it, and a photograph to Judy Smith at [email protected]

The Oceania Bulletin is an official publication of FIBA OCEANIA and is circulated throughout Oceania, Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe. To be added to the email distribution list, send your address to [email protected] Visit our website at www.fibaoceania.com for previous editions. Page 2 FIBA Oceania Bulletin, March 2010 Welcome to 2010 Welcome to 2010 from ZDO Ryan Gordie McLeod Wins Australian NBL Coach of Burns: the Year: A big hello to everyone in the Pacific. Many players and coaches across the Pacific It’s 2010 and I’m looking forward to will be delighted to read that Gordie McLeod visiting your country this year. In has won the Australian NBL Coach of the Year January I was given the opportunity Award. Gordie has been a regular participant to attend the Australian Junior Coun‐ at the FIBA Oceania Youth Tournaments and All try Cup in Albury, and also the Austra‐ Star training camps. After helping the undermanned Wollongong lian Development Camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Can‐ Hawks get to an NBL Grand Final in his first year with the club, berra. Both were fantastic professional development opportuni‐ Gordie won the Lindsay Gaze Trophy as Coach of the Year by ties, allowing me to work with some of the most knowledgeable earning 59 votes to finish ahead of Perth coach Rob Beveridge and people in Australian basketball, who lead the Oceania Zone. Townsville’s .

At the Country Cup, an annual tournament for junior State teams McLeod had his Hawks flying early in the season, winning five of in the U18, U16 & U14 age groups, I worked in the referees pro‐ their first six games. The Hawks ended the regular season with a gram. This provided me with the opportunity to work with referee 16‐12 record. This meant that the team whom many predicted managers and coaches from throughout Australia. Teams at the would finish last, finished second on the NBL ladder at the end of tournament attended from , Tasmania, Western Australia, the regular season. New South Wales, South Australia and New Zealand and also had referee representatives from each state. The number of officials Under McLeod, the Hawks formed a chemistry which could be was 60 referees, 20 referee coaches and 5 referee administrators seen both on and off the court. They played team basketball (a total of 85). I spent 3 days with the referee officials and their throughout the season, averaging 16.3 assists per game. McLeod coaches with the most rewarding day being the referee camp on did it tough however, with import Tywain McKee going down in‐ 17th January. The camp provided intense training for all referees. jured mid season. McLeod brought in former Sydney King Luke Martin to fill the role and lost nothing in doing so. Some of the The FIBA philosophy of ‘feel for the game’ was strongly empha‐ younger Hawks in Rhys Martin and Tim Coenraad blossomed un‐ sized and areas of officiating covered included preventative offici‐ der the guidance of McLeod. With McLeod at the helm, the Hawks ating, game management, areas 5/6, contact on the dribbler and became a defensive force this season limiting their opponents to pre‐game talk. It was also pleasing to see at this camp how 81 points per game on 44% shooting coaches and referees were working together by discussing game tactics. This allowed referees to gain a better understanding of Vanuatu Secure Grant for FIBA 33 preparation: what the coaches were trying to do and also gave the coaches an Vanuatu Basketball Federation has received from the Vanuatu understanding of the rules of the game. Following this session I NOC (Vasanoc) a cheque for US$34,787.00, representing an ad‐ worked closely with the referee coaches and evaluators in game vanced payment of 75% of the budget allocated for the prepara‐ situations the following day. This was a very rewarding experience. tion of their 3‐on‐3 girls team who have been awarded a place in the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in August. From Tuesday 19th – Saturday 23rd January I attended the Austra‐ lian Development Camp (ADC) at the AIS. This camp is the first The presentation was made on Friday 19th March by the Presi‐ preparation stage for both the U/20 Men & Women, and U/23 dent of Vasanoc, Antoine Boudier, to the Vice President of Vanu‐ Wheelchair National Teams for their World Championships in 2012. atu Basketball, Jack Himford. The official presentation ceremony That gives these teams at least 18 months preparation time. It was was witnessed by the VASANOC CEO Henry Tavoa, and VBF repre‐ good to see the intensity that the athletes trained at, and the in‐ sentatives Gloria Lango, Rosemary Leona and the VBF National volvement of a number of coaches all working together. Although I Development Officer Peter Izono. spent time with the wheelchair and U/20 women's group, most of my time was spent with the U/20 men's ‘Emus’. Mr Boudier said that VASANOC was happy to support Vanuatu Basketball in the lead up to the event and wished the federation The ADC also included a lecture with Australian Sports Anti‐Doping the very best of luck with the team preparations. In return Mr Authority (ASADA) to educate the athletes and coaches about the Himford thanked VASANOC for the great contribution and said rules regarding anti‐doping policy in Australia. This information that the preparation program had commenced some months ago, would be useful as a guide for elite athletes in the Pacific, espe‐ and that the funding will help VBF to get the girls into their best cially for international competition as the website provides accu‐ shape for the Youth Olympic Games. rate information on banned substances. Please have a look at www.asada.gov.au

It’s important to remember that there is always more to learn in life and in basketball, and I would like to encourage everyone in the Pacific region to make the effort to learn from someone else in their community. Everyone has something to offer, and one can gain so much more by simply listening.

Good luck with your basketball in the first half of 2010! Page 3 FIBA Oceania Bulletin, March 2010 School Championships in Palau: Meyuns Elementary School Lady Dolphins were Palau National Teams survive BOOT crowned Elementary School Girls Champions CAMP: again after defeating George B Harris Elemen‐ The Palau National Men’s & Women’s tary School in the championship game at the squads have both participated in sepa‐ Palau National Gymnasium in late March. rate weekends of ‘boot camp’ with the assistance of the US Navy. Leaving Koror at 5.00am on In a good standard game that see‐sawed in each Saturday morning, keen and eager, they were very differ‐ quarter, the Lady Dolphins managed to control the final quarter to ent groups that returned on Sunday evening, tired and run out winners by 40‐33. The game started slowly but GBH got sore, but alive! going after 5 minutes to take a handy lead by the end of quarter Players were greeted to Camp by the sign – “WELCOME one. Not to be outdone, MEH came out strong to catch up and TO CAMP CRUELTY – We are here to make your life hell”. scores were tied by half time at 16 all. There was no doubt that The Camps has a number of goals including: GBH had the loudest cheer squad and at times the noise in the gym v To develop a good attitude to accomplishing tasks was deafening. v To develop a very high work rate v The coaches did a good job at having their charges play basketball To have each player challenge themselves to levels not previously attained at both ends of the floor. The defence was very aggressive for such v young players, while the offence was equally as good with players To develop a high level of team work in all tasks v To develop leadership skills. moving to spaces to get open. Rebounding was not for the faint hearted. SDA Elementary School gained 3rd place in this year’s Each team was allocated a coach who acted as their in‐ league with very tight win 38‐37. structor and each team also had a leader appointed. These people pushed players to their limits and slowly but Local ABL coach, Jonathan Kominsky commented following the surely all responded. games that the future of women’s basketball in Palau looked good with such young talent on show. The girls program was slightly different to the men’s but they did not complain when they were asked to push a Emmaus High School Squires won the 2010 heavily laden vehicle from the Camp up to the school, Junior Varsity Championship for boys in a some 1 ½ miles, and immediately were put into team ex‐ thriller. In a close encounter Emmaus Black just ercises that included doing upper body exercises with got home against a determined Belau heavy logs of wood, sit ups using the same logs and de‐ Modekngei School (BMS) Raptors team by 2 cline push‐ups that tested even the toughest of the squad. points – 60‐58. Emmaus High School took out For the men, boot camp commenced with a 30 minute 3rd place with a win by EHS White High School. run through the hills behind the village. On return they had a quick shower and breakfast and were then taken through a session on substance abuse by the Navy Sea‐ bees group. Then it was a 1 mile run to the local school where the Seabees took them through their first session on physical exercise.

For those who had not completed the strength work and running during the past 3 months it was a real challenge to keep up and several simply gave up at times. With breaks for recovery and energy replacement and re‐ hydration it was back into work lead by the Seabees.

The afternoon continued with education sessions and physical activities, along with recovery sessions. By late afternoon the teams were starting to work together and encourage each other. Tired bodies were being pushed to the limit and many suffered from cramp, but battled on.

Sunday did not bring any respite from the torture, as after rising at 5.00am the teams completed another run through the hills on a more challenging route.

Page 4 News From Around the Zone FIBA Oceania Bulletin, March 2010

News from Fiji: help to the National team travel expenses to New Caledonia. Laisiasa Puamau – NBDO, Basketball Fiji Basketball Fiji and our affiliated associa‐ The Lautoka Basketball Association, on the western side of the tions have been able to pick up from main island, is keen to develop the sport in the ‘sugar city’. The th where we left off in 2009. On the 19 association has staged its third junior clinic at the multi‐purpose January Basketball Fiji organized a 3 on 3 courts and attracted over 20 players. Newly appointed LBA de‐ winner’s take‐all competition at Ed’s velopment officer Emily Chambers said interest in the sport was court in Suva. A total of 12 teams took high. She said the number of participants had gradually in‐ part in the one day event as we look to creased. "The aim is to strengthen the grassroots level, so we grow the program in the months ahead. are targeting kids between the ages of 6‐15 years. The response has been overwhelming. The numbers have increased from the In January an inaugural National Club Championships for both first clinic, with all the kids being taught the basics." men and women was organized to officially open the 2010 bas‐ ketball season. A total of 17 teams registered for the three day Drasa Avenue School is the first school in Lautoka to be actively event with two separate venues used during the champion‐ involved in the junior development. Under the guidance of ships. The finals were played at Ed’s court, Raiwaqa and at‐ Atunaisa Qabale, Drasa Avenue School has mapped out a sound tracted a large crowd. A closing ceremony was conducted with development program. the winning men’s team received $300.00 and the winning women’s team receiving $150.00. All teams enjoyed the incen‐ Chambers said they hoped to involve other schools in their de‐ tive of opening the season with a bang. The team registration velopment efforts, and are just waiting for funds before they for the event was a low $30.00. FIBA Organizer was used to cal‐ start a junior competition, which will involving both primary and culate the draws and results of the competition and Basketball secondary school teams. Fiji was able to gain good publicity even with the International Suva 7’s rugby festival being played 500 metres away.

Following the completion of that very successful tournament the Lautoka, Raiwaqa and Suva Basketball Associations have been conducting their respectively weekly league competitions.

A great achievement for the year was when national women’s player Valeria Nanima, who now plays her basketball at South Caro‐ line University in the USA, took out the 2009 Fiji Sports Women of Year Award at the Fiji Sports Council Sports Awards. This was a historical achievement for basketball as no basketballer has previously received the prestigious award. ELECTRONIC Valeria’s mother was on hand to receive the award. SCOREBOARD EXPERTS Another historical achievement for basketball in Fiji was when a

local basketball club was given the green light to host a tourna‐ PLAYER FOUL LIGHT DARK PLAYER FOUL ment. The three day tournament was organized by the Boston

th th F F Basketball Club and was held on the 11 ‐13 March, 2010 at‐ O O U U tracting 12 men’s and 8 women’s team. The tournament was L L held at 3 venues— International School Gym, Indian College and SUB SUB Ed’s court in Suva. The tournament gained excellent media cov‐ erage with day to day clips of the event in the newspapers, ra‐ T/OPERIOD T/O dio and on the Fiji Sports TV News. The winning teams for the men’s took home $600.00 while in the women’s competition $400.00 in addition to cash prizes for the runners up and losing semi‐finalists. BASKETBALL SCOREBOARDS AUXILIARY DISPLAYS Basketball Fiji fielded two men’s and two women’s teams in the SHOTCLOCKS & GAME TIMERS competition. The teams consisted of players who are vying for PLAYER FOUL DISPLAYS a spot in the National U20 Men’s and Women’s teams who will be competing in the 2010 FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament in FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT US AT New Caledonia. The National U20 Women white team won the www.scoreboards.com.au women’s division, causing a buzz around the courts, the basket‐ OR CONTACT US AT ball community and in the media. The prize money has banked QUESTEK AUSTRALIA into the fundraising account to help with the Youth Tournament 22 Brodie Street Rydalmere NSW Australia 2116. expenses. Earlier in the year, Basketball Fiji conducted a Walk‐ Inside Australia Ph. 02 9898 9500 Fax. 02 9898 9400 athon to raise funds for the Youth Tournament teams. We were Outside Australia Ph. +612 9898 9500 Fax. +612 9898 9400 fortunate to raise more than $4,000.00 which will be a great Email [email protected] Page 5 FIBA Oceania Bulletin, March 2010

THE PEOPLE LEADING DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION News from the Cook Islands: OUR NBDO’s IN ACTION By George Williams, President The Cook Islands Basketball Federation held a KIRIBATI: School Holiday camps commenced mixed one day tournament on the 4th Janu‐ in late December and ran through until ary, with 8 teams participating. This was a school returned in February 2010. The great way to open the 2010 basketball year, camps combined skill development and and it seemed that everyone was very happy games. There were more than 30 students with the tournament. participating regularly in the camp, which was supported by a number of sponsors, In late February we commenced a 10 week sports program, who provided sunshades, drinks, and prizes for the winning focusing on the 6‐12 years old children. Basketball, touch and teams. The camps were conduced at the Naw‐Hospital court. athletics have combined to put this initiative in place. On our first week we had over 70 children participating, and we ex‐ FIJI: pect is only going to get bigger and better. The Post Fiji Easter Championships began Tuesday 30th March at the Vodafone Arena In mid March we will be commencing our men's and women's with teams from Suva, Raiwaqa, Nadi and competitions, which will run for the following 12 weeks, fol‐ Lautoka fired up for the 5 days men’s and lowed by our inter‐school tournament in June. The inter‐ women’s event. school competition will be conducted for students in the Year 6 to Year 10 age group. This is the only age group where we can hold a tournament and involve at least 4 schools, as not all PALAU: schools in the Cooks go up to year 12. Topps Sungino and National Women’s As‐ sistant Coach Logan Ngiriou visited the State of Ngaremlengui to conduct a players clinic for boys and girls in grades 5‐8. Nga‐ remlengui has an excellent court facility, with covered stands and the only hand carved score table in Palau.

TONGA: Radio Nuku'alofa hosted a ‘Family Day Out’, and invited basketball to host a mini 3‐on‐3 tournament. Prizes were given to 1st and 2nd place, as well as a "good sportsmanship MVP" award.

VANUATU: NBDO Peter Izono thanks ‘Graphic Image’

who agreed to sponsor the first ever FIBA 33 tournament in Vanuatu. Graphic Image Surfacing and Construction of Sporting Facilities agent Freddie Marsden say he is happy to Throughout the Pacific

support VBF and that his company will Experts in all types of indoor and outdoor recreational support basketball in future events surfaces for all sports including basketball, netball, tennis, track and field, baseball.

We supply and install Tru-flex Acrylic and Synthetic Grass KIRIBATI: Tennis Netball and Basketball Courts and have an Bikenibeu Parish court and the Nawerew‐ excellent indoor shock absorbent gym/basketball floor. eg: Pulastic 2000 ere court were the 2 venues used for re‐ cent primary school clinics. "It was amazing We can meet all your recreation construction requirements to see so many young kids interested in including lighting, fencing, surfacing and base work on basketball” said the school teachers. concrete or asphalt. Free construction brochures to complete your own base and save $000‘s. Apply for our brochures to:

FIJI: William Mortlock A parade has been organised for all teams Recreational Surfaces Pty Ltd 653 Pacific Highway, Killara (Sydney), Australia 2071 in the National Champs, beginning at ‘Cost Ph +61 2 9499 2100 Fax +61 2 9499 2896 U Less’ and finishing at the Vodafone Website: www.recsurf.com arena. A special feature of the senior event will be a junior exhibition match between Successfully completing projects throughout the Pacific and Raiwaqa All Stars and Veiuto Primary Asia region. We’ll come to you! School Page 6 FIBA Oceania Bulletin, March 2010 successfully defended their crown at the 2010 Osaka Cup in Japan, By Kimberley Lewis boding well for their world championship campaign. Recently the 2009/10 Men’s and Women’s National Basketball League Champions were Australia’s U19 Men’s team, the Emus, have warmed up for the crowned, setting new re‐ Albert Schweitzer tournament by hosting the Philippines National cords in both leagues. The Men’s team on the first leg of their Australian tour. The Philippine claimed a National Team is playing games in both Canberra and Sydney record 5th NBL title on against the Emus, the Australian Institute of Sport men’s team, the March 12 after defeating Canberra Gunners, Sydney City and the NSW Institute of Sport. the Wollongong Hawks in the best‐of‐three grand National Championships final series, while the Can‐ Four national age champi‐ berra Capitals became the ons have already been most successful club in the played for 2010. The U20 history of the WNBL when they topped minor premiers the and Ivor Burge National Bulleen Boomers in a thrilling grand final on March 6. Championship were held in Gawler, South Australia The two seasons culmi‐ from February 21‐28. Victo‐ nated with the Awards ria won the U20 Men’s Dinner at the championship while South Australia took the U20 Women’s title. Crown Casino, as the Most Victoria Metro claimed both the Men’s and Women’s crowns in the Valuable Player in each Ivor Burge Championships. league was presented, along with other player In March, highly respected and coach awards, in a businesswomen Gillian fantastic celebration of McFee joined the Board of basketball. Already the , and buildup to the 2010/11 NBL season begins after the announce‐ Aaron Flanagan joined the ment of the makeup of the next season. In a highly anticipated staff as General Manager of press conference, Basketball Australia CEO Larry Sengstock NBL Sales and Marketing. announced nine teams will contest the revamped NBL compe‐ tition in 2010/11 with all teams from the 2009/10 season re‐ turning, and the addition of a team from Sydney.

Basketball Australia, together with the Australian Paralympic Committee, introduced the inaugural Frank Ponta Trophy this summer, for the national development league for wheelchair basketball. The league aims to create an opportunity for more game experience for wheelchair basketball players, with the teams containing a mix of Paralympians and Australian U23 representatives through to players with only 1‐2 years of NWBL experience.

National Teams 2010 will be a very exciting year in Australian basketball on the international scene, with six national teams contesting FIBA World Championships. The Boomers will participate in the World Championship for Men in Turkey in August, the Opals at the World Championship for Women in the Czech Republic in September, the U17 Men’s and Women’s teams at the inau‐ gural FIBA U17 World Championships for Men and Women in Germany and France respectively in July, as well as Australia’s Wheelchair Basketball teams, the Rollers and Gliders who will contest the IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championship in Birmingham, England in July.

The 2010 Jayco Opals squad has been named with stars such as Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor and Kristi Harrower featuring, while Rachael Flanagan and Hanna Zavecz have been named in the squad for the first time.

Some of the national teams have already been in action as the Australia’s Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team, the Gliders, Page 7 FIBA Oceania Bulletin, March 2010 News from New Zealand: News from American Samoa: By Grant Chapman By Ed Imo Stalwart Wellington Saints owner Nick Mills is a The boys High School competition was completed in February, new addition to the Basketball New Zealand Board after the and was won by Tafuna High School over Fagaitua High in the Annual General Meeting in Wellington. Mills was one of five varsity division. Tafuna High school went undefeated in the junior nominations for the three vacant seats up for grabs and, when varsity division. Following the end of the boys interschool sea‐ the votes were counted, was the only new member on the son, it was time for the girls to hit the courts. board. He brings a record of business acumen, innovation and a passion for basketball. The annual Flag Day League began in March at the American Sa‐ moa Community College. There are a total of 14 men's teams, “I’m excited to be part of a team to guide the sport I love,” but because the girls high school league is also going on at the says Mills, who has guided Saints to five NBL titles. “I hope to moment, the women's competition will begin next month after make a difference towards achieving a strong, financially sta‐ the finals of the high school league. ble sporting organisation.” Coach and players clinics are being conducted at Fagaitua High Other highlights of the meeting included … School, Pago Park, and Leone High School. We are preparing our • Former President Barbara Wheadon and current vice presi‐ teams for that competition, with the finals to be played in late dent Mel Young were unanimously installed as life members April. The competitions will cater for players aged 8‐10; 11‐12 and 13‐14, for both boys and girls. We are also preparing for a • West Coast’s Bill Kennedy, who earned a 50‐year service summer competition for ages 8‐14 when Hawaii will visit in July. award last year, was presented with the Sir Lance Cross Award for his contribution to basketball News from the Marshall Islands: • Southland’s Jill Bolger was named as recipient of the Zena The Marshall Islands Basketball Federation launched tryouts at Gay Award for services to women’s basketball. Bolger, a BBNZ the start of February for its men’s and women’s national teams board member, was absent as she prepared for the Southland that are slated to compete at the Micronesian Games in Palau Sharks’ NBL debut later that evening later this year. About 50 players competed during the three‐week period, and preliminary cuts have reduced the squads to about • Tall Blacks coach Nenad Vucinic was Coach of the Year for 15 players each. The teams are practicing three times a week, leading the national team to a record victory over the Austra‐ with the pace to step up in April. lian Boomers at the 2009 FIBA Oceania Championship for Men.

• Counties Manukau stalwart Georgina Nathan was named The men’s team — to assist with developing its playing level and Volunteer of the Year, while colleague Jillian Harris was Official to raise funds — launched a $250 challenge for all teams on Ma‐ of the Year. juro to play the national team on Fridays. The incentive of a $250 prize for any team that beats the practicing national team has • Basketball New Zealand declared a $214,248 deficit for 2009, teams lining up challenge the Marshall Islands men’s team. The mostly attributable to hosting the FIBA U19 World Champion‐ Federation charges a nominal entrance fee that helps with gener‐ ship for Men in Auckland ating funds for sending teams to Palau. Delegates also heard of a very full national team programme during 2010 and the organisation’s priority to rebuild its high New Zealand Basketball Restructures to al‐ performance capability. low grassroots contribution: “Commissions” are not a new concept, but The annual Koru Tour to the Australian Country Junior Basket‐ perhaps one whose time has come as Basket‐ ball Cup in Albury saw 110 players and 11 coaches participating ball New Zealand reaches out for the commu‐ with the NZ Kea winning the U14 Boys final 78‐48 over Victoria nity’s help. So, when chief executive Tim Ham‐ Goldminers. ilton, unveiled his plans for the organisation at its AGM in Wellington in February, he wasn’t Harbour’s Alex Stojkovic was named head coach of the New exactly re‐inventing the wheel. But his inten‐ Zealand men’s team to contest the FIBA 33 competition at the tion to bring in commissions signalled he was serious about Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in August. greater interaction with the basketball community, as well as acknowledging the needs of the game had outgrown the re‐ The Bartercard NBL tipped off with 10 teams after the Auck‐ sources available at the national office. land Stars were a late scratching. Defending champions Wai‐ kato Pistons opened their schedule with a comfortable win “The function of these commissions is pivotal in re‐engaging with over Nelson Giants in a rematch of last year’s finalists the sport in the heartland,” says Hamilton. “The basketball com‐ munity is made up of many skilled and experienced people, and we need to utilize these strengths to not only sustain the game, but to see it grow and develop.” At the AGM, Hamilton proposed introducing commissions to help out with • Associations • Competitions (including a tournament review) • Honours and awards • Women’s basketball

Page 8 FIBA Oceania Bulletin, March 2010 Oceania represented in World Select 19 and looking at the mix of teams in the prelimi‐ years and under team: nary pools there are no easy matches. Australia’s Jason Cadee and New Zealand’s Rob Loe have been named in the highly The gathering of basketball federations in Tur‐ prestigious U19 World Select team that will key for the World Championships is also the face the best American high‐school age basketball players at reason FIBA stages its four‐yearly Congress and this will be held the Nike Hoop Summit on 10th April. The World Select team in Istanbul on September 5th and 6th in conjunction with some consists of 10 players aged 19 or younger who hail from 9 exciting and crucial quarter final games. During this time FIBA countries across 4 continents and all boast vast international Oceania founding Secretary General Al Ramsay will receive his experience. The game will be played at the Rose Garden in induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame – an honour announced late Portland, Oregon and broadcast live across the USA. last year.

2010 World Select team: The FIBA Congress will mark the end of Bob Elphinston’s four Guards year term as FIBA President. The FIBA Secretariat is working Cory Joseph (Canada), Duje Dukan (Croatia), Sui Ran (China), hard to make the 2010 Congress the best and most informative Jason Cadee (Australia) ever. Certainly this last four year period has been an exciting Forwards one of growth and development for our sport. Tristan Thompson (Canada), Enes Kanter (Turkey), Nikola Mi‐ rotic (Montenegro), Mael Lebrun (France) FIBA Oceania Secretary General Steve Smith who was in Istanbul Centres late last year said: “Turkey is a fascinating country, standing as it Dejan Musli (Serbia), Robert Loe (NZ) does with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia and with such a rich cultural history. The Turkish Basketball Federation is brim‐ For the sixth straight year, Australian national team head ming with enthusiasm for the hosting of this year’s World Cham‐ coach Rob Beveridge will be in charge of the World Team. pionships and already in late 2009 the event had a very high pro‐ file in the country. Turkey is a place of great cultural and emo‐ Life Membership to Barbara Wheadon: tional significance for Australians and New Zealanders. If you Basketball New Zealand bestowed life mem‐ only make one basketball trip in your lifetime I encourage you to bership on Barbara Wheadon at its 2010 consider making it to Turkey in September for the Men’s World AGM. Barbara's honour was a well deserved Championship and FIBA Congress. To find out more about the recognition of her years of involvement in Men’s World Championship visit the event website at basketball in New Zealand, which has cov‐ www.turkey2010..com . ered almost every facet of the game. Barbara has been a player, coach, referee, administra‐ The Australian Opals will be the sole Oceania rep‐ tor and competition promoter. She has resentative in the field of 16 teams at the 2010 worked at the domestic, national and international level of our Women’s World Championship in the Czech Re‐ sport, and is a very worthy recipient of the Life Membership public in September. However, they will be going award. there as reigning World Champions although pull‐ ing up short against the USA in Beijing during the FIBA’s premiere events in Turkey and the Czech Republic Olympic Games. The Opals would love to hear During the 2010 northern hemisphere summer, Europe will be you cheering them on in the Czech Republic in the centre of the basketball universe as September. To find out more about the Women’s Turkey and then the Czech Republic host World Championships – teams, sched‐ our 2010 World Championships. ules, teams, tickets etc, visit the website www.czechrepublic2010.fiba.com . Twenty four teams will assemble in Turkey ahead of the tip‐off of the Men’s World Got the travel bug? Want to see some Championship in the cities of Ankara basketball? The first ever FIBA U‐17 (capital), Istanbul, Izmir and Kayseri. The Men’s Basketball Championships will be finals will be played in Istanbul. played in Hamburg Germany 2‐11 July and the first ever U‐17 Women’s World The New Zealand Tall Blacks and the Aus‐ Championships will be in Toulouse & tralian Boomers will send teams to the Rodez, France, 16‐25 July. preliminary rounds in Kayseri (AUS) and Izmir (NZL). The two nations fought out a Don’t want to travel quite that far? spectacular Oceania Championship in Au‐ How about Singapore in August for the gust last year with the Tall Blacks taking first ever Youth Olympics with Australia, out the number one ranking and bragging New Zealand and Vanuatu all fielding rights. Although in separate groups, both teams in FIBA’s new FIBA 33 competi‐ federations will also be competing to see tion. Should be something special. which of them goes deepest into the th Championships. Out of the preliminary A reminder that our 8 Youth Tourna‐ ment will be held in Noumea, New Cale‐ pools of 6 teams, only four can proceed to th th the elimination phase of the competition donia October 30 – November 8 .