TOAHOTU (Tahiti) - Luke Sinisa has been named the Most Valuable Player of the FIBA Polynesian Cup 2026 after playing a pivotal role in Tonga's championship-winning campaign.
The Tongan forward helped his team defeat hosts Tahiti 74-69 in the Final to claim the title, capping off an impressive tournament in which he averaged 16.2 points, 12.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
Sinisa headlines the All-Star Five alongside Tonga teammate Marcus Alipate, Samoa's Dru-Leo Leusogi Ape and Samuta Sielu Avea, and Tahiti's Rahiti Tinirauarii.
Luke Sinisa - Tonga (MVP)
The tournament's leading rebounder was a dominant presence throughout Tonga's title-winning campaign, averaging 12.4 rebounds per game alongside 16.2 points and 3.6 assists.
Sinisa recorded double-doubles in three games, including an impressive 19-point, 19-rebound performance against American Samoa during the Group Phase.
He also delivered 22 points and 13 rebounds against Samoa in Tonga's opening game, before contributing 10 points and 9 rebounds in the Final against Tahiti to help his team secure the championship.
Dru-Leo Leusogi Ape - Samoa
Ape was one of the tournament's most influential all-around performers, averaging 25.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and a competition-leading 7.8 assists per game. He was among top two among all players in each category.
The Samoan guard's high was recording a 23-point, 17-rebound, 10-assist triple-double against American Samoa.
He saved one of his best performances for the Third-Place Game against Cook Islands, erupting for 35 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals with a performance efficiency valuation of 42.
His outstanding display helped Samoa secure a 101-94 victory, the Bronze Medal and qualification for the Pacific Games 2027.
Rahiti Tinirauarii - Tahiti
Tinirauarii was a standout performer for hosts Tahiti, averaging 25.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game while helping his team reach the championship game.
The 19-year-old guard delivered a series of impressive performances, including 34 points and 12 rebounds against Cook Islands, followed by a tournament-high 37 points against eventual champions Tonga during the Group Phase.
He also recorded 29 points and 10 rebounds against Samoa, showcasing his ability to consistently produce at both ends of the floor.
Tinirauarii finished the tournament with two double-doubles and helped Tahiti secure the Silver Medal on home soil.
Samuta Sielu Avea - Samoa
Avea was the tournament's leading scorer, averaging an impressive 30.8 points per game alongside 12.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
The Samoan forward delivered the highest-scoring individual performance of the competition with 40 points against Tahiti during the Group Phase, adding 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.
He also opened his campaign with 32 points and 16 rebounds against Tonga, before recording another 32-point, 12-rebound performance in Samoa's Third-Place Game victory over Cook Islands.
Avea's scoring prowess and consistent production were instrumental in Samoa's Bronze Medal finish.
Marcus Alipate - Tonga
Alipate makes his third FIBA Polynesian Cup All-Star Five selection, having previously received the honor in both 2018 and 2022.
The experienced point guard continues to be a key figure for Tonga, adding another individual accolade to his collection while helping his nation capture the championship.
Alipate averaged 14.4 points and 3.0 assists per game, with his best performance coming against Tahiti during the Group Phase when he recorded 22 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds.
His outside shooting was another important weapon for Tonga, connecting on five three-pointers in that encounter.
Alipate's latest selection continues an impressive run of individual recognition dating back to the inaugural competition in 2018, underlining his longevity and influence on Polynesian basketball.
FIBA