KOROR (Palau) – The Pacific Mini Games are set to tip-off next week, with 3x3 action spanning from July 1 through to July 9. For the first time in the region, the event will uniquely serve as both a FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League World Cup Qualifiers and a Commonwealth Games qualifier. This development is not only a major step forward for 3x3 in Oceania but also provides a new pathway for young Pacific athletes to play at the highest level of competition.
Twelve nations have been confirmed for the event, with each nation entering men's and women's team – a win for equality and progress towards FIBA’s Women in Basketball strategic pillar. The participating nations will be: Fiji, Guam, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
Among these twelve teams, six will be competing for qualification to the Commonwealth Games. The highest-placed Commonwealth country at the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League Oceania will earn direct qualification, with up to three more qualification spots available, for Oceania determined by FIBA 3x3 Federation Rankings. The competing Commonwealth Games Associations are: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
"Vanuatu is no stranger to 3x3. We believe we can compete," said Vanuatu’s coach Rickie Vira, reflecting a great sense of confidence throughout the Pacific nations leading up to the event .
This is a huge opportunity for our country.
Despite recognising that Vanuatu has only recently begun competing on an international level, Vira has complete belief in his team.
The new pathways emerging from the Pacific Mini Games, particularly the route to the Commonwealth Games, have brought an even higher level of excitement to the players and coaches. "It’s very important, especially to our U23 players," Vira explained. "This will definitely motivate our youth players to play more basketball and encourage them to improve their game." Vira believes that, with events like the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League, will provide exposure to a higher level of competition will allow smaller Pacific countries the opportunity to learn and grow into teams that can be competitive on a global scale.
Vira also recognizes the cultural importance of the event. "The Pacific Mini Games have always been a way for our island nations to share our culture, and also our basketball identity on the court."