APIA (Samoa) - Samoa enters the 2025 FIBA U17 Oceania Cup with ambition, momentum, and the home-court advantage firmly on their side. This year, in front of their families, communities, and a nation ready to rally behind them, Samoa is not just aiming to compete—they’re aiming to make history.
With returning players from the 2024 FIBA U15 Oceania Cup, these boys aim to build on their previous success. Over the last three FIBA U17 Oceania Cup events, Samoa has earned the third-place position. But this time, on their home ground, they are ready to overtake the leading teams and come out on top.
Samoa Men’s Head Coach, Gavin Briggs, said that hosting this event will be a pivotal moment for these players to connect with their country.
“I think any young man or woman who gets to represent their country, and that connection with their country, at home here in Samoa has a very real honour,” Coach Briggs said. "That opportunity alone comes with a huge amount of pride and expectation, and I’m sure playing in Apia will be a great motivator for these young men."
With their families and communities cheering them on from the stands, Samoa has the talent and support to challenge the winning hierarchy this year.
“We have a great group of athletes coming into this event,” he said. “Jayden Joseph, Gibson Collins and Afele Taimalelagi, in particular, have all been working really hard on their game, and I’m certain they’ll have an impact on our team playing in this year’s tournament.”
This team has been carefully selected from a vast pool of talented young men. Each player is designed to add a specific skillset to the game, and ultimately win Samoa the gold medal.
“Having so many people trial shows the investment in representing your country from outside of Samoa,” Coach Briggs said. “Coaches were challenged within the selection process, as some hard decisions had to be made, and this team carries the understanding that we represent all that has come before.”
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.