Russell - The FIBA in Oceania board met on Saturday for a day of productive discussions regarding the state of basketball throughout the region. The board met in New Zealand, with FIBA Chief Operating Officer (COO) Markus Studer joining to provide an update on FIBA operations globally.

"Oceania is not forgotten about on a global stage. We see the great work this region does and are always very impressed by how it operates," he said.

Oceania President Burton Shipley opened proceedings with a moment of reflection following the recent deaths of both Oceania board member Tony Thompson, and former FIBA President Yvan Manini. The significant contributions to basketball of both men was acknowledged by all board members.

"Tony's loss will be greatly felt by all in the Oceania region. His legacy will continue to live on in Guam teams," said Shipley.

FIBA Executive Director of Oceania and Singapore David Crocker provided an in-depth update to the board of the operational activities of the Oceania office for the first quarter of 2018 highlighting:

• Australia and New Zealand success at the Commonwealth Games, 3x3 Asia Cup and FIBA U16 Asia Championships.
• Vanuatu, Guam and Samoa participation at their first 3x3 Asia Cup and the opportunities experiences such as these open up
• The success of the Basketball for Good program with funding provided by the Australian and New Zealand governments and the International Basketball Foundation for programs in Fiji, Samoa, PNG and Kiribati.
• The major increase in 3x3 activity in the region with 149 registered events (an increase from 103 in the same period in 2017) and 5357 (4220) ranked players.

Crocker also pointed out the Performance report of the Oceania office with 101 activities and targets set to be completed in 2018, with 71 either completed or underway through Q1 of 2018.

"We may be a small office but we pride ourselves on putting our national federations first and developing programs and activities to help our federations achieve their goals” he commented.

Board members Talalelei Pauga (Samoa) and Karo Lelai (PNG) provided the board with updates on the upcoming Oceania events to be held in their respective nations, whilst Mr Crocker also updated the board on the upcoming 3x3 World Cup and Micronesia Games.

The board also officially launched the logo for the FIBA Oceania 50^th Anniversary dinner to be held in Sydney, Australia on the 20^th October.

The meeting concluded with a robust discussion on the how the Oceania office can continue and improve on its ability to service the region.

FIBA