PAPEETE (Tahiti) - For Romani Keith-Peraua, his first appearance in a Cook Islands jersey was about much more than basketball. It was an opportunity to represent his heritage, honour his family's support and take another step in a journey that began on the courts of Auckland, New Zealand.
The young point guard made an immediate impression at the FIBA Polynesian Cup 2026, delivering a game-high 29 points, seven rebounds and four assists in his international debut against Tonga.
Keith-Peraua seized his opportunity on the international stage, delivering a standout performance and demonstrating the potential he continues to build through experiences like this.
"It was good just to represent the Cook Islands and make my debut on a big stage like this, with FIBA hosting the competition and the home crowd here in Tahiti."
Growing up in Auckland, Keith-Peraua first picked up basketball around the age of 13 and has spent the past eight years developing his game, including representing teams in West Auckland.
His connection to the Cook Islands comes through his father's side of the family, making the opportunity to wear the national jersey particularly meaningful.
It means a lot. I'm not only representing the Cook Islands in basketball, but also doing it for my family. I've got a lot of relatives back home, and I just want to make them proud.
Among those who have supported him throughout his journey, one person stands out, his mother.
"My mum has always supported me. All the money she's spent on me to get me to where I am today. I look up to her a lot." That support has helped carry him from his early playing days in New Zealand to representing his family's heritage on one of Oceania's biggest basketball stages.
An important chapter in Keith-Peraua's development came in 2024, when he attended the inaugural FIBA Oceania 3x3 Youth Performance Camp. The camp brought together participants from across 15 National Federations, providing opportunities for basketball development both on and off the court.
For Keith-Peraua, the experience proved particularly valuable in building his confidence, challenging him to make quicker decisions, trust his instincts and become more comfortable competing in a fast-paced environment.
“Especially with 3x3, everything happens so quickly. There’s a lot of movement and you have to keep making decisions, so it really helped me trust myself more on the court and build that confidence in my game.”
Beyond developing his skills in the fast-paced format, the camp introduced him to valuable lessons about mindset, self-belief and personal development. Initially hesitant about stepping into the 3x3 environment, Keith-Peraua left the camp with a different mindset.
"Going into 3x3, I was a bit hesitant, but coming out of the camp, especially with the mentality the coach taught us, I gained a lot more confidence. I've been able to take that confidence to the court."
Two years later, that growing self-belief has accompanied him onto the international stage, where his impressive debut has marked an exciting new chapter in his basketball journey.
Beyond his individual performance, Keith-Peraua is embracing the experience of competing alongside his Cook Islands teammates and representing his country at the FIBA Polynesian Cup.
For a player still at the beginning of his international career, the opportunity is one he does not take lightly. And while his own journey is only just beginning, he already has a message for young Cook Islanders hoping to follow a similar path.
Keep working hard. Keep training, not just at team training but outside of it as well. Do your own personal training. When you make the team, be proud to represent your country and show confidence out there.
With 29 points on debut, Keith-Peraua has already made his mark at the FIBA Polynesian Cup. But for the young Cook Islands representative, the greatest significance lies in the jersey he wears, the family he hopes to make proud and the example he can set for those who come after him.