APIA (Samoa) - At just 16 years old, Ratu Gosho Vishanin has already become one of Fiji's most promising young basketball talents.
When we win a game, never mind how far it is into the tournament, it always feels good to make somebody in your country proud.
After a standout debut last year, he’s returned to the international stage with even more determination. For Ratu, every game is a chance to represent his country, inspire the next generation, and prove just how far hard work can take him.
In his FIBA debut last year at the 2024 FIBA U15 Oceania Cup, Ratu led Fiji with the highest averages of 23.8 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. This made him a standout player not to be underestimated.
This year, Ratu has been focused on his training to ensure that he continues to make Fiji proud.
"All, I've been thinking about it this tournament," he said. "I've been in the gym at least three hours a day, shooting, workouts - I just try to put my all into it."
His extra hours of training have proved his development. Ratu is the top rebounder across every team in this tournament, averaging 12 rebounds per game.
Ratu's Fijian heritage holds great significance for him. Representing his country through basketball has been an inspiring experience, but the pressure of this responsibility also impacts him.
"It's a lot of weight on my shoulders," he said. "When I lose a game, it takes a big toll on me. When we win a game, never mind how far it is into the tournament, it always feels good to make somebody in your country proud."
For Ratu, playing in this tournament is about more than just basketball. With young Fijian kids watching him back home and believing they can someday achieve what he has, it motivates him to keep improving.
“Fiji basketball is still growing, so it means a lot to represent it."
"All of us are trying to put our own in and get kids involved," he said.
Even though Ratu is facing an important moment in his basketball career, alongside school and other responsibilities, he always remembers that he plays the sport because he truly loves it.
"Every time I play, I have fun," he said.
"I'd rather be tired from doing everything than sitting at home being bored. I just try to cram everything in, and I'm pretty much late to everything."
For Ratu, the wins, the long training hours, and the pressure all come second to something bigger: inspiring the next generation of Fijian players. His dedication on and off the court reflects a young athlete determined not only to grow his own game but to lift an entire community with him.
No matter where basketball takes him next, Fiji will continue to be at the heart of his story.
The FIBA U17 Oceania Cup and FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup is being hosted by the Samoa National Basketball Association in Apia from December 8 to 13. The event is supported by the Government of Samoa under the Ministry of Sport and Recreation, with the two teams qualifying for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup and FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026.
All games are livestreamed via the FIBA YouTube Channel in collaboration with BluWave Media.
FIBA