APIA (Samoa) - For Australia's next generation, the FIBA U17 Women's Oceania Cup marks more than the start of another youth cycle - it represents the continuation of a pathway that has shaped countless Opals stars.
Few players understand that continuum better than Sitaya Fagan, one of the team's most experienced returnees, who now steps into a leadership role for a squad featuring seven debutantes wearing the green-and-gold for the first time.
Realize that you're one out of 12–24 people on the squad, and thousands probably tried out. You’ve got to take a bit of honor in it.
"It means a lot to me, to be honest," Fagan said. "There've been so many different groups of girls and coaches through all the age levels, and being able to play with all of them means a lot."
"Playing for your country is the best feeling."
A journey that started in Oceania - and returns to Oceania
Fagan's pathway mirrors the classic Australian progression: Oceania to Asia to the World. She first pulled on the national jersey at just 14 years old at the 2022 U15 Oceania Cup in Guam - a memory she laughs about now.
"It was pure nerves, I'm not going to lie," she said. "I was pretty young, but it was a really good experience. I don't regret anything and I learned a lot from that."
Her debut wasn’t exactly storybook perfect.
"My first possession? I'm pretty sure I turned the ball over," she said with a smile. "But I did the jump ball, so that's probably the moment I remember."
Those early jitters evolved into confidence by the time she reached her first Youth World Cup in 2024 - the moment she realised she truly belonged.
"When I got to my first World Cup, that's when it hit me - 'wow, I can actually make an impact on the court.' It was also the first competition I started in. It was such a great honor."
A leader for the new wave
Australia enter the U17 Women's Oceania Cup as favorites, but also as a developing group. With so many fresh faces, Fagan's experience becomes a crucial stabilising force.
"It's great for the new group of girls," she said. "We have seven who have never played for their country before. Just being around them and helping them understand the stressful things - I've been there - it's a special experience."
While Fagan admits the nerves never go away, they now come with purpose.
"The nerves are definitely equal, just saying," she laughed, "but it’s a good feeling knowing my teammates can come to me if they need help."
Her development over the last few years has been clear, especially on the defensive end.
"I've worked a lot on my defense. Australian basketball is known for defense, but I used to get away with things just being long and tall. Now I've focused on being really smart on the ball."
Above all, she wants the younger players to understand what it means to be selected.
"You've just got to take the journey onwards," she said. "Realize that you're one out of 12–24 people on the squad, and thousands probably tried out. You’ve got to take a bit of honor in it."
Oceania's importance - and Australia's responsibility
Fagan believes the U17 Women's Oceania Cup remains a vital tournament for all nations involved.
"It's not only good for Australians, but good for the other islands - especially those that don’t get to play in Asia or World Cups." she said.
"It's a cool experience playing the smaller islands like Fiji or Guam. A lot of Australians also get to play for those countries because of their heritage."
And then, of course, there's the rivalry.
"I do enjoy playing New Zealand - obviously our rivals in Oceania," she added.
Eyes on the future - College, Pro Ball, and beyond
Women's basketball’s rapid global growth is shaping Fagan's ambitions.
"If you asked me five years ago where I saw myself, I wouldn’t have even mentioned college or pro," she said. "But now women's basketball is improving so much that I see a future there. I really want to get a good experience of that."
She also credits the people around her - especially teammate Maddie Ryan.
"Maddie Ryan has been my spark on some of these teams," Fagan shared. "We just won gold earlier in the year. She’s an amazing player and person, and she's bottom age too - she’s got so much ahead of her."
And like many Australian prospects, Fagan has her eyes firmly set on the collegiate pathway.
"I'm very keen on college. I'm just excited to see how everything goes, and hopefully come back out here and play pro again."
Australia's mission in Oceania
For the emerging squad, the U17 Women's Oceania Cup is both a proving ground and a launchpad. With a blend of experienced leaders like Fagan and wide-eyed first-timers, Australia enters with high standards - but also a genuine sense of opportunity and growth.
And at the heart of it all, Fagan carries a simple message of gratitude.
"Thank you to my family and my teammates - I couldn’t have done it without them," she said. "All the late-night drives to practice… just dealing with my [stuff]. I'm grateful."
Australia’s pathway continues - and with leaders like Sitaya Fagan showing the next generation what the journey looks like, the future of the green-and-gold remains bright.
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