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December 2016
14 Samson James Froling (AUS)
09/12/2016
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Familiar names at this year's FIBA Oceania Championships

SUVA (FIBA U18 Oceania Championships) - Many big names both regionally and internationally have come through FIBA youth events, but this year's tournament boasts some names with a wealth of international basketball experience.

The name Froling has been a staple in Australian national teams over the last few years. 

Former Australian National Basketball League (NBL) and Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) players Shane and Jenny Froling, have piled up their frequent flyer points in recent years with four children representing Australia in junior FIBA World and Regional Championships.

Elder sisters Keely, currently of the Canberra Capitals in the WNBL, has played in two FIBA youth events. Her twin sister Alicia is currently a forward for the SMU Mustangs in the USA's NCAA Division I and has represented Australia at four past FIBA events, including most recently the 2015 U19 Women's World Championship. Elder brother Harry, also currently playing with the SMU Mustangs, has represented Australia on three separate occasions and could potential team up with the Froling family's youngest sibling, Sam, if Australia successfully qualifies for the FIBA U19 World Championship in Egypt next year.

Sam is a member of the current Australian U18 team looking to qualify to Egypt.

Only one game away from a potential gold medal match-up with New Zealand if they can get past Guam. Even with this qualification spot so close the youngest Froling isn’t getting ahead of himself.

"We are focused on the task at hand, we've been watching New Zealand’s games and our own tape," said Froling.

"It would be pretty special," Froling said on the potential of playing at the U19s next year. "Obviously I would still have to make the team next year but that would be amazing."

Another well-known name at this year's championships can be found in Australia's potential gold medal matchup, New Zealand.

Making his international debut in 1994, playing in three World Championships and two Olympic games, the name Pero Cameron has been synonymous with the New Zealand basketball for decades now.

Now, there are two new Camerons on the international stage - Tobias and Flynn Cameron. The brothers are both averaging double figures (11.5 and 10 points per game respectively) after their first two games of the tournament.

Now an assistant coach for New Zealand's senior men's national team, Cameron spoke to FIBA.com about expressed his pride that both he and his son’s have represented their country.

"Playing for your country is like no other feeling," he said.

Over the years, representing New Zealand has been somewhat of a family tradition for the Camerons.

"They get to play the game with each other and that's special. I have a sister who played for New Zealand at the same time as me, our family and I were extremely proud," he recalled.

Australia await the result of the New Zealand v Guam semi-final to see their opponent in the Gold Medal match tomorrow at 7pm Fiji time.

FIBA