Nouméa (New Caledonia) - The New Caledonia men are looking to dominate once again at the 2025 FIBA Melanesian Cup. After being crowned the 2022 FIBA Melanesian Cup champions, with a thirty-point win against PNG in the finals, New Caledonia are ready to leave it all out on the court to win the championship a second time.
With a solid core of returning players and fresh talent eager to make their mark, the squad is more motivated than ever. Returning player, Joan Delaunay-Belleville, finished as the second top performer of the 2022 FIBA Melanesian Cup, leading in assists and points scored for New Caledonia.
“Of course, I would like to be part of the All-Star Five again... but for me, the gold medal for the team is the most important thing,” he said.
During the 2022 FIBA Melanesian Cup, Delaunay-Belleville led the team to victory with 54 points accumulated over the tournament. His performance during the finals against PNG resulted in 17 points made, with an 80 percent field goal percentage. Can he repeat his success again at Honiara with a fresh team and a different landscape?
Winning is important, but the greatest privilege of the FIBA Melanesian Cup is representing the nation. Sport remains an integral part of life in New Caledonia, and Delaunay-Belleville expressed his gratitude for this opportunity.
“In these unstable times, it's what brings us together because we have fun and we all move forward with the same goal in mind,” he said.
“It's always very special to represent your country in sporting competitions,” he said.
It's an honour and a chance. And that's why you have to give it your all and give everything to win and bring home the gold
The FIBA Melanesian Cup will be hosted by the Solomon Islands Basketball Federations in Honiara from October 13 to 18. The event will be supported by the National Sports Council, with the two teams qualifying for the Pacific Games 2027 in Tahiti. All games will be livestreamed via the FIBA YouTube Channel courtesy of TTV Solomons Islands.
FIBA