SUVA (Fiji) - After capturing gold at the Pacific Games, the Fiji Men's National Team is turning its sights toward a higher stage - and Coach Earl Hughes believes the moment has come to push Fijian basketball into a new era.
Fresh off coaching duties at the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup in China, Hughes says the international experience has sharpened his approach as he prepares the men's team for the FIBA Melanesia Cup 2025 - a key milestone toward the FIBA Asia Cup Pre-Qualifiers.
"Participating and coaching in the recent 3x3 U23 World Cup has allowed me to grow my coaching skill level," said Hughes. "The exposure was first class and the coaching conversations and player experience were at a much higher level. This will allow me to be more of a positive experience to the team at the Melanesia Cup."
Experience at the core
While Fiji's Pacific Games gold remains a proud achievement, Hughes admits that the team's momentum has cooled since. Still, he sees the Melanesia Cup as both a test and an opportunity to reignite their competitive edge.
“Momentum has slowed since the gold medal,” he acknowledged. “We look to compete very well and put ourselves in a position to win.”
This year's squad will be built around familiar faces - a deliberate choice to lean on leadership and continuity.
"We're sticking to the core of the winning team and have chosen to go with experience," Hughes explained. "This is probably the most experienced team we've ever had, and I'm hoping that this level of experience will drive success."
A strong performance, he added, would not only bring sporting glory but also help attract much-needed support for the program.
Chasing the dream
For Fiji, qualifying for the Asia Cup Pre-Qualifiers represents more than a tournament milestone - it's a pathway to elevate the entire basketball ecosystem. The last time they played was in the Asia Cup 2022 Pre-Qualifiers.
"Qualifying for the Asia Pre-Qualifiers is of big importance to the team,” Hughes emphasized. "Players are motivated to contribute and perform well as they understand that winning opens pathways for the current and next generation."
With the nation's basketball community rallying behind them, Hughes hopes that this campaign will mark a turning point - one where Fiji shifts from chasing medals every four years to building sustainable, year-round excellence.
A vision for the future
The goal, according to Hughes, is not just to win - it's to evolve.
"I hope to see basketball and player development in Fiji evolve from a four-year cycle to a professional approach and behavior cycle," he said. "We've long been stuck in the Pacific Games mindset and now need to take the next step toward continuous growth through qualification and higher levels of participation."
For Fiji, the Melanesia Cup isn't just about defending regional pride - it's about defining what comes next.
For Coach Hughes, the message is clear: the Pacific is just the beginning.
The FIBA Melanesian Cup will be hosted by the Solomon Islands Basketball Federations in Honiara from October 13 to 18. The event will be supported by the National Sports Council, with the two teams qualifying for the Pacific Games 2027 in Tahiti. All games will be livestreamed via the FIBA YouTube Channel courtesy of TTV Solomons Islands.
FIBA