PAPUA NEW GUINEA -- Acclaimed basketball coach Joel Khalu will return to the capital city of Port Moresby to hold a coaching workshop on September 18-19 to help Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea's (BFPNG) commitment in developing their national teams.

Khalu served as PNG's national team head coach for 2012 to 2017 and is looking forward to the improvement of the basketball scene in the last year.

“I’m excited to have this opportunity to return. I have made some wonderful friendships in PNG and it will be fantastic to catch up with so many familiar faces," shared Khalu

"It’s also great to be going back to help grow the game via the facilitation of this coaches workshop. I’m grateful for this chance to continue working with coaches from across the country," he added.

Khalu acknowledged that the coaches workshop will involve various levels of coaches and will cater the workshop that will tailor to the needs of the attendees.

"I think they’ll be a mixture of different levels of the coaches who are attending the workshop, some coming from the grassroots and others the elite level. For me, a big part is about helping teach coaches how to deliver the key fundamentals of the game – dribbling, passing, shooting, defense," shared Khalu.

"If we can really focus on teaching those fundamental skills well, especially to the younger ages, the playing standard throughout the country will rise," he added.

FIBA Competitions Manager, Amanda Jenkins commended Khalu's contributions to the growth of basketball in PNG.

"Coach JK (Khalu) has been instrumental in the growth of PNG which culminated in a massive performance in last year's Melanesia Cup. We believe that this is only the start for PNG and they have the potential to get even better," shared Jenkins.

Aside from the coaches workshop, Khalu will also be able to watch the National Championships of PNG; which will determine who will join the pool of players to be considered for their 2019 Pacific Games representatives.

Khalu will work with a panel of basketball officers in determining the players to be added to the pool.

"Both PNG men’s and women’s national teams are coming off FIBA Melanesia Cup success last year and for both sides that was focused heavily around defense and player fitness. On the men’s side, in particular, being able to defend is a critical element of earning selection. Another key criteria element for me is the ability to handle pressure and play with poise," shared Khalu.

The former QBL player has signified his intent to coach the team and made it official by sending a letter of intent.

I’ve submitted an application to coach the PNG men’s national team once again and would certainly be grateful for another opportunity to lead the side at the 2019 Pacific Games. We finished fourth at the 2015 games and with another four years of experience under our belts, the goal next year would definitely be to finish with a medal," said the hopeful Khalu.