SAIPAN (Northern Marianas Islands) – The Northern Marianas Islands (NMI) Men’s Team will be trusting their experienced cohort in Guam, as they take the court for the FIBA Micronesian Cup 2022 in June.

After falling agonisingly short at the 2018 Micronesian Games against Marshall Islands in the Quarter Finals, the NMI Men’s Team will be hoping to make the final game at the FIBA Micronesian Cup 2022 to fight it out for 2023 Pacific Games qualification.

Head Coach, Joseph Diaz said the team is focusing on trusting each other along with clear and effective communication, he believes that will be key to their success.  With an experienced team and no new recruits, NMI aim to play consistent fast basketball.

“We have been training team concepts and encouraging friendly competition,” Diaz said.  “Our game style involves a lot of running and ball movement which will be great to see come together at a tournament.

“We have a number of valuable players on our team, and I think Coby Santos and Chioni Dela Cruz will be fun to watch.”

The Northern Marianas Island Men’s Team schedule.

Wednesday June 8 Vs Guam | 19:00 (GMT+10)

Thursday June 9 Vs Palau | 14:30 (GMT+10)

Friday June 10 Vs FSM | 12:15 (GMT+10)

Full FIBA Micronesian Cup 2022 schedule click here.

About the FIBA Micronesian Cup 2022 | #FIBAMicroCup

The FIBA Micronesian Cup 2022 will feature national teams from across Micronesia, with 16 games to be played in four days from June 8 to 11 in Mangilao, Guam.

This will be the first time the Micronesian Cup has been held as a standalone event with Guam the reigning Men’s and Women’s Micronesian Games Champions.  The top team will qualify for the 2023 Pacific Games.