NEW CALEDONIA (FIBA U17 Oceania Championship) – The New Caledonia Men's team will rely on cohesion and spirit for success at this year's FIBA U17 Oceania Championship according to Head Coach Miguel Delaveuve.

Keeping their eyes on the prize, they are training tirelessly to improve their results from last year's U18 Championship in Fiji. 

After qualifying for the Bronze medal game in December last year, the U18 New Caledonia Men ultimately fell to Guam, 87-68. This year's team will be looking to go one step further and come home with a medal.

If you ask Coach Delaveuve, team chemistry will not be an issue for New Caledonia come July. "They have known each other for a long time and they are proud and happy to represent their country," Delaveuve told FIBA.com."At this time, we train twice a week, we compete against local teams to reinforce our team spirit and gameplay. Clubs also keep up the good work during their training."

Even with their competitive spirit, Coach Delaveuve points out that the tournament is a never ending learning process,"we will approach every game, every team with the willingness of doing good and to win."

He hopes the team leaves the tournament with a wealth of new experiences and take their game to the next level during the event. But before looking too far ahead, the team is committed to making the most out of their preparations before competing in July.

"They can't wait to be there, and neither can I. I wish them to have a wonderful tournament, as well as all the other teams that will compete," he said.

Coach Delaveuve was very thankful for FIBA and the New Caledonia Basketball Federation for the opportunity to coach these athletes and compete against the best teams in the region.

FIBA