APIA (Samoa) – Basketball is back in Samoa with the Under 16 Women leading the way after claiming the Division B Under 16 Women’s Asia Cup in June, paving the way for future Samoan basketballers.

On the back of their international success, Samoa Basketball Federation President, Pauga Talalelei Pauga said basketball is building up to be one of the biggest sports in the country once again.

Samoa have also introduced a range of academies that have provided various development opportunities for coaches, officials, and players to learn, train and play.  “Our academies provide a great opportunity to connect remote villages with access to basketball infrastructure to train and practise their skills,” Pauga Talalelei Pauga said. 

“Through these academies we are aiming to upskill a range of basketballers across all age ranges to not only increase participation, but to provide opportunity for our Samoan community to access a quality sporting environment learning valuable lessons, on and off the court.”

Aligning with the FIBA Strategy to empower national federations, building grassroots basketball is a major focus in Samoa with Basketball for Good programs paving the way for development opportunities.

Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins said the following about basketball growth in Samoa, “Following the various lockdowns across Oceania, it is great to have countries like Samoa, back up and running with basketball programs and success on the international stage.  With the success of the under 16 women’s team, we look forward to seeing the basketball talent continue to develop.  This talent will be on display at the FIBA Polynesian Cup 2022 in November, and we look forward to further supporting grassroots development through Basketball for Good programs.”

Samoan basketball talent runs deep across Oceania with Australian Roman Siulepa recently awarded Basketball without Borders Asia Camp MVP, Siulepa’s parents were both born in Samoa.  “My parents are both Samoan and I’m proud to have that heritage,” Siulepa said.  “I’m looking forward to being able to get back to Samoa soon and play ball with my family and friends there.”

Basketball for Good programs in Samoa are supported by FIBA through the FIBA Foundation.

FIBA