YAP -- In the upcoming 2018 Micro Games, Basketball will be one of the disciplines to watch according to Basketball Competitions Manager, John Gilsowth which will start on July 16 in Yap, Micronesia.

"Basketball is the most popular sport in Yap. We are really excited about seeing the level of the teams that will be playing in the games and our teams have been practicing hard to be competitive," said Gilsowuth.

"As this years hosts, we think this event is going to be exciting because we believe the Men's and Women's teams will do well and make the playoffs," added the Yap native.

The event faced difficulties with the basketball's to be used in the games not arriving, but the Guam Basketball Confederation stepped up and they will bring 12 men and 12 women's balls on their flight from Guam.

FIBA Oceania Development Manager, Annie La Fleur is in the Micronesia state to help the local organizing committee prepare for the games.



"There was a lot to do prior to the event but I think it is all falling in to place now and we will have a good competition," said, Gilsowuth.

The 9th edition of the Micro Games will kick-off on July 16 and will have its closing ceremonies on July 24.

The quadrennial event is the most popular multi-sport event in the Micronesian region and basketball will be well attended with the official teams to compete below:

(Mens)
Nothern Mariana Islands
Palau
Kosrae
Pohnpei
Chuuk
Guam
Marshall Islands
Kiribati

(Women's)
Northern Mariana Islands
Palau
Pohnpei
Chuuk
Guam
Marshall Islands
Kiribati
Yap