PAPEETE (Tahiti) - Samoa arrives in Tahiti with purpose. After finishing fourth at the 2023 Pacific Games and claiming bronze at the 2022 FIBA Polynesian Cup, the men’s program has built a steady foundation, and this year’s squad believes it’s ready to climb again.
For veteran guard Ratu Levy, the campaign represents both continuity and evolution. Having represented Samoa in basketball and 3x3, he’s one of the team’s most adaptable leaders, someone who understands how different formats sharpen different parts of the game.
“Understanding and adjusting to different styles of play from basketball to 3x3 has really helped my game,” Levy said. “It’s taught me how to read situations faster and lead in different ways.”
This year’s roster blends returning experience with emerging talent, a mix Levy says has energised the group.
“It’s a great opportunity to play with some new talent and see the development of the younger ones in the squad. They’ve brought a lot of excitement into our preparation.”
Samoa’s broader ambition is to build momentum, depth, and a pathway that lasts beyond one tournament cycle.
The goal is to qualify for the Pacific Games. But ultimately, I’d love to see Samoa competing in broader competitions. With Samoa Basketball Federation focusing on youth development, hopefully the next generation can take us even higher, but we have to set the standard and foundation now.
That standard was sharpened by the narrow miss in Honiara in 2023. Falling just short of the podium has stayed with the group, and Levy says it fuels their approach to Tahiti.
“Finishing fourth at the Pacific Games means we have unfinished business,” he said. “If we qualify, it means we did our job, and at the Pacific Games next year, the goal is to get that gold.”
For Levy, the motivation behind the jersey remains simple and deeply personal.
I love the game, I love my country, and my family and friends who support us every tournament. I always take pride in representing Samoa and never take it for granted.
With a refreshed squad, a clear pathway, and a leader who embodies the pride of the program, Samoa enters the 2026 FIBA Polynesian Cup ready to make a statement, and determined to return to the podium.
Men's teams from the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tahiti (host) have already qualified for the Pacific Games 2027, with the top two placed teams at the FIBA Polynesian Cup 2026 to also secure their spot.
The 2026 editions of the FIBA Polynesian Cup and FIBA Women's Polynesian Cup will tip-off on October 19 to 24 from Toahotu.