PORT MORESBY - Leading into the FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup 2017, the Papua New Guinea Men’s and Women’s National Basketball Teams took the streets of Port Moresby over the weekend to showcase what each team is playing for.

Over 5,000 people had the chance to get up close with the hand-carved cups, taking photos with the silverware and selfies with their favourite PNG National Team players.

The tour commenced on Saturday morning traveling through Port Moresby and the surrounding villages including - Kaugere, Badili, Koki, Ela Beach Town and Hohola.

PNG Men’s National Team Head Coach Joel Khalu was excited to have the cups on display to the public.

"It was a great way to promote the international event, the kids especially, really enjoyed holding the trophies and taking pictures," Khalu said. "Fans were excited and kept saying that they were looking forward to watching our team’s play."

PNG Men's star Apia Muri felt the 'buzz' while mixing with fans on the tour.

"Papua New Guineans love basketball," Muri said.
 "You could really tell that with the way they were coming up to get pictures with us and the trophies."

"It was a great feeling getting well wishes from our supporters and I can’t wait to play."

The FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup 2017 will be held in Papua New Guinea from the 27th of Septemeber 2017.

FIBA