FIBA Course Empowers PNG Coach to Develop Young Talent

GOLD COAST (Australia) - Ishmael Kekeao, a passionate basketball coach from the Lae Amateur Basketball Association in Papua New Guinea, is taking his coaching skills to the next level by participating in FIBA's Introduction to Youth Coaching Course.

The Introduction to Youth Coaching Course is supported by the FIBA Start Coaching Curriculum, provided by the World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC) and directly supports FIBA’s strategic priorities of Developing Youth Basketball and Empowering National Federations.

This course has opened Ishmael's eyes to a variety of coaching techniques.

"It's been very helpful in managing children," Kekeao said. "The course has equipped me with techniques to address situations effectively.  Additionally, my understanding of offensive and defensive strategies has grown significantly, which will ultimately lead to more wins for my team."

Inspired by Family Support

Driven by a desire to honour his mentor, his father John Aihi Kekeao, Ishmael Kekeao signed up for the course, along with 50 other participants across the region, eager to learn new methods and improve his ability to develop young players.  "The course has been very educational," Kekeao said. "I've learned many new skills and methods to prepare my team for any game. These are fundamentals I can directly use for junior development."

Kekeao's pursuit of coach education is fuelled by his father's unwavering support.  "My father continues to motivate me to learn and improve my coaching skills," he said.  "He's my biggest inspiration."

Developing the Next Generation of Ballers

Looking ahead, Kekeao has a clear goal: "I want to help my team develop new training methods and skills, both on and off the court.  Ultimately, I hope to use this knowledge to represent my country as a coach someday."

Kekeao is particularly grateful for the diverse access to knowledge offered by the course's presenters.  

"I learned a lot from every coach in Australia and New Zealand," he said.  "Each one provided valuable tools I can use with my team, the course curriculum was very extensive and informative"

Kekeao 's vision extends beyond his own team.  "We will share this knowledge at the club level," he declares. "This will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the Lae Amateur Basketball Association games and contribute to the overall development of basketball in Papua New Guinea."

Ishmael Kekeao's story demonstrates the power of FIBA's coaching development programs.  By equipping passionate individuals with the necessary tools, these initiatives pave the way for a brighter future of basketball, not just in Papua New Guinea, but across Oceania Region.

The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea are proudly supported by the Australian Government through Team Up, PNGAus Partnership, PacificAus Sports, and the FIBA Foundation.