APIA (Samoa) - Samoa is set to welcome the FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup, a milestone moment for the nation’s basketball community and a powerful catalyst for the growth of women’s sport across the Pacific.
For Assistant Coach Jim Griggs, the tournament represents more than competition, it’s a chance to showcase the pathways that are transforming Samoan basketball.
“The selection process was lengthy, and after a training camp each player has had home programs to undertake. Each coach was assigned several players to assist and monitor their progress,” Griggs said, highlighting the commitment and structure behind the team’s preparations.
The squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent.
Three players return from last year’s FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup - Division B campaign, including guard Tereise Reupena, who has sharpened her skills training at NBL1 level. “Tereise has gained valuable experience to be our main guard,” Griggs said.
Fresh from standout performances at the FIBA U15 Women’s Oceania Cup 2024 and the FIBA U16 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B earlier this year, Marley Sialeipata, Talaitupu Reid, and Tapuitea Matatia are set to continue impressing with their consistent form heading into this tournament. Adding further strength to the roster, Rykkah Mareta‑Manu and Adelaide Filemu bring valuable experience from the FIBA U16 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B, providing depth and versatility that will be crucial on home soil.
For Samoa, hosting the FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup is about more than home-court advantage.
“Apart from ‘home court’ advantage with local supporters, it’s an opportunity to assist the development on-island,” Griggs said.
The players as role models for young players, the coaches as aspiration for local coaches, and organisation for commercial and ongoing government support, this is a huge opportunity.
“From what I hear, Samoa is buzzing with excitement to host the tournament,” Griggs said. “While expectations will be high for the local teams, as is the Samoan way there will be respect for all teams. While we have a challenge ahead of us, we are quietly confident our girls’ teamwork will be the catalyst for a good outcome.”
Samoa’s recent success, including a historic win over New Zealand at the 2023 FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup in the pool phase, has been driven by a clear vision.
“I think the progress of Samoan basketball has been elevated by the vision and hard work of the new administration,” Griggs added. “Expanded communication networks and diligent exploring for talented players have also helped. The addition of experienced coaches, with Head Coach Melissa Seumanu leading us, and Assistant Coach Sonny Au, as well as our Team Manager, Henri Mercier we have showcased a professional approach and resulted in moves to implement further pathways.”
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.