SUVA (Fiji) – Fiji enters the 2025 edition of the FIBA U17 Oceania Cup with renewed belief, increased preparation, and a squad motivated to prove they belong among the region’s rising basketball programs.
With a roster blending local talent and overseas-based players, and a coaching staff focused on discipline and development, Fiji is looking to challenge the region’s heavyweights and push toward a top-four finish.
For young guard Ratu Zechariah Tuivanuavou (Zech), this tournament represents not only national pride, but a family journey shaped by competition and inspiration. Growing up watching his older brother excel in basketball laid the foundation for his own ambitions.
“Seeing my brother (Ratu Gabriel Tuivanuavou) get better inspired me to push myself and motivated me to reach his level,” Zech said. “Playing against him now, I try not to fall for his tricks. I’ve learned to spot the gaps and react quicker…and his passing and decision-making are things I really want to pick up.”
The FIBA U17 Oceania Cup also represents a crucial development opportunity for these young Fiji players.
“It’s a good experience for my teammates and me,” Zech said. “For some of us, it’s our first time representing Fiji, so it’s a chance to learn from every team and grow.”
The Fiji boys are part of a carefully selected team designed to achieve the high-level performance they’ve been working towards. Fiji Men’s Head Coach, William Peter, said his expectations for the team in Samoa are clear and grounded.
“We want to be competitive," Coach Peter said. "Australia and Guam are tough battles because they’re very rounded teams,” he said. “Our aim is a top-four finish, and if we can achieve that, it would be a big bonus for us.”
Coach Peter said they focused heavily on character and growth mindset when finalising the roster, and is optimistic about his squad’s preparation and potential.
“The qualities we looked for were coachability, players who want to be taught, moulded, and held accountable and who can hold each other accountable.”
Despite facing challenges with venue access and funding, the team has maintained strong preparation thanks to community support.
“We’ve had some setbacks with venues and funding, but the wider community stepped in. We’re very grateful to Yat Sen and Marist Brothers High School for providing spaces for us to train,” Coach Peter said.
For Fiji, this tournament is more than a competition. It’s a chance to elevate the next generation of national talent. With players driven to represent their country and coaches committed to building a sustainable high-performance culture, the FIBA U17 Oceania Cup is set to play a defining role in Fiji’s basketball future.
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.