HONIARA (Solomon Islands) - Every time Joshua Fox pulls on the Fiji jersey, it means more than just basketball. It's pride, it's family, and it's a mission - one that now extends far beyond the hardwood.
I've always loved basketball, but representing Fiji adds a whole new layer of meaning
After leading Fiji to a monumental Pacific Games gold medal in 2023, Fox has returned for his second FIBA Melanesia Cup campaign - and with him comes both experience and vision.
"The biggest improvement has been the development of our younger players - they’ve really stepped up," said Fox. "We’re also seeing growing interest both locally and from Fijians abroad who want to represent the national team. That’s huge for us."
"Building a strong pathway for our players, whether they’re at home or overseas, is essential. As senior players, we’ve been having more conversations about how we can actively support this next generation. We know they’ll take the program to new heights, and we want to make sure they have every tool they need to succeed."
Fox, a veteran of Fiji's FIBA Asia Cup 2022 Pre-Qualifiers, understands how critical these regional tournaments are for the country’s basketball growth. For him, the Melanesia Cup isn’t just another competition - it’s the next step in building a lasting foundation.
A gold standard for Fiji basketball
Winning gold at the Pacific Games for the first time since 2007 marked a turning point for Fiji. For Fox, who has been with the national team through its highs and lows, the victory was both a personal milestone and a collective awakening.
"It was a massive moment for us," he reflected. "We hadn’t won gold since 2007, so personally, it felt like the payoff of an eight-year journey.
"That win helped put Fiji basketball on the map in a new way. Other teams are starting to see us as a serious program, and the attention we've received locally and internationally has grown. There’s a wave of talented players who are interested in joining, and we’re excited about where that momentum can take us.
"Now our focus is on building consistency and becoming regular contenders in higher-level competitions."
That hunger for progress has carried over to 2025. The Pacific Games triumph has become the spark - not the finish line.
Eyes on Asia once again
Fox's international journey with Fiji began years ago at the 2019 Asia Cup Pre-Qualifiers, a campaign he admits was tough but defining. Now, he’s determined to return to that stage with a stronger, smarter Fiji side.
"My last experience at that level was really disappointing," he said. "But we've made a lot of progress since then. I truly believe this time around we can make a real impact."
With younger players coming through and Fiji’s confidence growing, Fox sees the Asia pathway not as a distant goal - but as the next natural step.
Carrying the flag, inspiring the future
For all his international experience, Fox still speaks with the humility of someone who never takes the moment for granted. Representing Fiji, he says, will always carry unmatched meaning.
"It's honestly been such a blessing, and every time I put on that Fiji jersey, I’m filled with pride," he said. "I've always loved basketball, but representing Fiji adds a whole new layer of meaning. You feel the weight of the nation behind you - there’s pressure, of course - but it’s also exciting.
"We know we have the opportunity to inspire the next generation. It’s an amazing feeling when kids come up to you, know your name, and say they want to play because of what they’ve seen Fiji basketball achieve."
That responsibility - to inspire, to guide, and to give back - is what drives Fox the most.
Building beyond the court
Fox's leadership goes far beyond game day. He has become one of the key voices advocating for more investment and opportunities within Fiji basketball.
"It’s not just me - every player on our team wants to do so much more for Fiji basketball," he said.
"We're passionate about helping grow the sport by pushing for more funding, more regular competitions, and better development pathways. Right now, there just aren't enough opportunities for our boys and girls. Across the entire country, we only have three courts and one major competition a year. That's simply not enough to keep young players engaged, let alone help them reach their potential."
"There’s so much raw talent in Fiji that's waiting to be discovered and developed. With more resources and consistent opportunities, we can not only elevate the level of basketball but also use the sport to build stronger communities and give our youth positive direction. It's about more than just basketball - it’s about creating a better future."
For Fox, it’s never just been about basketball - it’s about purpose.
Focused on gold, driven by legacy
As Fiji prepared for yet another gold medal game at the Melanesia Cup, Fox’s message to his teammates was simple - stay disciplined, stay together, and play for something bigger.
"PNG are a strong side - they’re tough competitors and capitalized on our mistakes in the earlier match. For the gold medal game, we’ll review that footage closely, make adjustments, and focus on minimizing our errors.
"Our goal is clear: bring home the gold."
FIBA