APIA (Samoa) - The New Zealand women are preparing for the FIBA U17 Women's Oceania Cup in Samoa with a new team and a new initiative. Their journey is not just about chasing wins, it’s about building a foundation for women’s basketball in New Zealand, challenging stereotypes, and proving that the game belongs to them as much as anyone else.
With an almost entirely new roster, these young women are ready to take the international stage with purpose and pride. New Zealand Junior Tall Ferns Head Coach, Ryan Dubbeldam, said each player has been carefully selected to represent New Zealand at this event, and they all possess the talent to win the gold medal.
“Gia Vukona, daughter of a former professional player, is a Swiss army knife and can play any position,” Coach Dubbeldam said. “Sahara Katene was recently in the top five in scoring during our National High School tournament, and Keija Miringaorangi should be a standout as a point guard.”
Even though most of these young women are new to the world stage, they have been dedicating themselves to skill development and elite level experience.
“We had a super camp earlier in the year where we put in our foundations for our style of play,” Coach Dubbeldam said. “Since then, the girls have played in National Rep and High School tournaments and mini-camps prior to our departure in December."
Representing New Zealand for the first time will be an exhilarating experience for this team and their staff.
“It is always special to represent your country on the international stage,” he said. “This will be a little extra special as I get the privilege to lead a talented group of young athletes and dedicated staff.”
Now, with their preparation complete and their skills enhanced, New Zealand’s U17 women are ready to seize their moment on the Oceania stage. This tournament will test, push, and ultimately shape the next chapter of young women’s basketball in New Zealand. And whatever the final score, this young New Zealand side is already proving that their ready to rise to the challenge.
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.