Tall Ferns boss lends helping hand to Fijians

SUVA (2015 FIBA Oceania Women's Championship) - Kennedy Kereama is keen to take the New Zealand Tall Ferns as far as he can, which includes a trip to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

But the national team coach is also more than willing to lend his expertise to other developing basketball nations in the region.

One of those is Fiji, who will have men's and women's teams in the XV Pacific Games that is to be staged in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 4-18 July.

Kereama has been helping out with the training sessions for both the men's and women's teams.

"It's been a great experience working with the Fijian Basketball Federation, coaches and national teams in their preparation for the Pacific Games," Kereama said to FIBA.com.

"I only hope my time here has helped increase their chances of a great performance at the Games.

Our programs are very similar in many respects. - Kereama

"The Fijian coaches and players have been really open to learning new techniques and methods.

"They have also been great hosts and I hope I can make it back here again some time soon."

Kereama, who coached the Australian WNBL's West Coast Waves last season, will eventually gather with the Tall Ferns and help them start getting ready for the FIBA Oceania Women's Championship.

The New Zealanders will play Australia in Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on 15 August before returning home and hosting the Opals in the second game two days later in Tauranga.

The winner of that that series will clinch a spot in the Rio de Janeiro Games, while the losing side will be invited to the 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

FIBA