Wesley, Hechanova headlines Pacific Games All-Star Five

Apia (Samoa) - The brightest stars gathered in the 2019 Pacific Games but in the end, five players stood out on their way to being members of the All-Star Five.

Here the top five players of the recently concluded Pacific Games who made it to the prestigious All-Star Five.

TAI WESLEY (GUAM)

Tai Wesley was a steady force in Guam's Pacific Games sweep, tallying 18.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks through five games.

He also saved his best for last, racking up 24 markers and eight boards to lead the way for Guam in their 83-74 Gold Medal win over Tahiti.

Wesley did all of those in only 24. 6 minutes per game which was a flaring factor of Guam's depth -- bringing us to another catalyst next on this list.

DARREN HECHANOVA (GUAM)

While Wesley served as Guam's source of offense, Hechanova proved to be a double-edged sword due to his brilliance both on offense and defense.

Hechanova was already impressive with 13.0 markers, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists but his tournament-best of 3.4 steals pushed Guam to a triumphant title defense.

 

ARIIRIMARAUE MEUEL (TAHITI)

Tahiti had a magical run to the Finals of this quadrennial basketball showpiece only falling short against eventual champion Guam to settle for a Silver Medal.

And one key factor of that was Meuel who kept the Polynesia Cup titlist afloat even against favorite Guam before losing steam in the finale, 74-83.

Meuel posted averages of 17.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 31.9 minutes for Tahiti which exceeded its Bronze Medal finish in the 2015 Pacific Games.

JOSHUA FOX (FIJI)

The former runner-up may have bled for just a bronze medal finish this time but still, that did not take any bit of spotlight away from star Joshua Fox who normed a double-double of 13.0 points and 12.2 rebounds on top of 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals in 32.3 minutes of action.

MARCUS ALIPATE (TONGA)

Tonga only finished at the seventh place of this year's Pacific Games.

However, Alipate surely etched his own mark, coming out on top of everybody in terms of scoring to put on a show in Samoa.

Alipate tallied a tournament-best 34.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 36.4 minutes.

FIBA