Apia (Samoa) -  FIBA interviewed the head coaches of the countries participating in the upcoming Pacific Games; and almost unanimously point to defending champion Fiji as the favorite and Polynesia  Cup Champion, the Cook Islands as one of the teams to beat.

Check out their thoughts and insights below.

Moi Muri, Papua New Guinea:

I think Fiji and New Caledonia will be tough. The teams from Melanesia will always be tough but let's see from the other teams. We have a good group so I think we have a good chance this year.

Laisiasa Puamau, Fiji:

All the teams coming in will be tough and I know we are being targeted so we really are focused on being the best version of ourselves. But I think Cook Islands, New Caledonia, and Samoa who are in our group will be good so we're looking at them pretty seriously first.

Paul Pineda, Guam:

Well, it looks like Fiji looks good and then we have PNG, Cook Islands and Tahiti from what we've seen in the Polynesia Cup. And of course Samoa with the homecourt advantage

Milton Taufa'asau, American Samoa:

I feel very comfortable with our team although I know all the teams came prepared with Fiji being the defending champion, I think they are still the favorite.

Noha Tetuanui, New Caledonia:

I would like to think we are one of the favorites, but yes I think Cook Islands, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea will be very tough in this competition.

Oliver Bryce, Cook Islands: 

Everybody would like to think they are the top team going into it but Fiji is definitely up there. We've played Tahiti in the Polynesia Cup, I'm sure they have loaded up. I hear Samoa's got some different players from when we've played them. PNG have some good players so I really don't know, I think once the tournament starts we will be looking to see where we're at from what I've heard people are considering us at all and it's kind of a good thing. (laughs). But I think the kids that we have our good girls that will represent the Cook Islands well.

For more Pacific Games information visit the official website here.

FIBA