SAMOA (FIBA U17 Oceania Championship 2017) – With the FIBA U17 Oceania Championship right around the corner, Samoa has unveiled the squad preparing for their mission on Guam.

After a fifth-place finish in the FIBA U18 Oceania Championship 2016, Samoa will be looking to climb up the standings and challenge for qualification to the FIBA U18 Asia Championship 2018. Lelei Tautau and Dante Joseph were part of the group that finished fifth in Fiji and will add valuable experience to this year’s squad.

Tautau was an imposing presence inside during last year’s event, averaging 10.3 rebounds per game he was the second leading rebounder for the tournament.

Joseph is excited for the chance to test himself against the best players in the region once again.

“I can’t wait to get to Guam! Our preparations are going really well and I am excited to show all the other countries what Samoa can do.”

Joseph is determined to make his second stint with the national team a memorable one.

“I am so proud to represent Samoa, I feel so honored and grateful to have this opportunity. I’m not going to let my teammates to my country down. We will show the other countries what Samoa is made of.”

“I am determined to help my team do the best it can. We have great teamwork and the ability to score a lot.”

Samoa has been placed in Group B with powerhouse Australia, newcomers Palau and the fourth placed team from last year's event New Caledonia. Samoa will need to place in the top two of this group in order to make it to the Division A finals.

FIBA