Fiji U-20s make national basketball squad

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Four members of the Fiji Under-20 team for the Oceania tournament were named into the national training squad to prepare for the Pacific Games in Samoa next year.

Isikeli Mara, Simi Seruvatu, Max Hussain and Tui Sikivou all made the cut in the 24-member basketball squad after trials at the FMF Dome on Saturday.

The four will now train for the Earl Hughes coached U-20 side and the national squad. The U20 Oceania tournament will be in Auckland later this year

National men's basketball coach, Marica Mudunavonu, said her squad was made up of a mixture of the old and the new.

Their build-up for the Games kick-off on Monday.

"All our players are Suva based. There are some young players in the side and what we are basically trying to do is blend the experience with the new and get a combination," Mudunavonu said.

The core of the team has some basketball notable names likes Baravi Thaman, Adrian Bossley and Sakiusa Rokodi.

Mudunavonu will guide her team at fitness training in their early morning run on Monday.

She said players face the first elimination in February next year.

"We are looking at trimming down the squad to 18 by February next year and to the final twelve by April," Mudunavonu said.

The women's team is being coached by Michael Whippy and the training squad was named three weeks ago.

Squad : Lai Moce, Saki Rokodi, Joseph Sokosoko, Samisoni Vugakoto, Laisiasa Puamau, Iowane Naivalurua, Etuate Waqarawai, Sovatabua Ratu, Jack Chi, Frank Saketa, Isikeli Mara, Tui Sikivou, Semesa Seruvatu, Aaron Ah Yuk, Peni Sokosoko, Adrian Bosley, Sakenasa Raiseru, Derwoed Yee, Max Hussain, Martin Singh, Simione Cinavilakeba, Eroni Kacunisawani, Simione Seruvatu, Baravi Thaman.