APIA (Samoa) – Samoa is set to welcome the FIBA U17 Women\u2019s Oceania Cup, a milestone moment for the nation\u2019s basketball community and a powerful catalyst for the growth of women\u2019s sport across the Pacific.<\/p>\n
For Assistant Coach Jim Griggs, the tournament represents more than competition, it\u2019s a chance to showcase the pathways that are transforming Samoan basketball.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Griggs said, highlighting the commitment and structure behind the team\u2019s preparations.<\/p>\n
The squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent.<\/p>\n
Three players return from last year\u2019s FIBA U18 Women\u2019s Asia Cup – Division B<\/a> campaign, including guard Tereise Reupena, who has sharpened her skills training at NBL1 level. \u201cTereise has gained valuable experience to be our main guard,\u201d Griggs said. <\/p>\n Fresh from standout performances at the FIBA U15 Women\u2019s Oceania Cup 2024<\/a> and the FIBA U16 Women\u2019s Asia Cup \u2013 Division B<\/a> 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\u2011Manu and Adelaide Filemu bring valuable experience from the FIBA U16 Women\u2019s Asia Cup \u2013 Division B, providing depth and versatility that will be crucial on home soil.<\/p>\n For Samoa, hosting the FIBA U17 Women\u2019s Oceania Cup is about more than home-court advantage.<\/p>\n \u201cApart from \u2018home court\u2019 advantage with local supporters, it\u2019s an opportunity to assist the development on-island,\u201d Griggs said. <\/p>\n \u201c<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom what I hear, Samoa is buzzing with excitement to host the tournament<\/a>,\u201d Griggs said. \u201cWhile 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\u2019 teamwork will be the catalyst for a good outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n Samoa\u2019s recent success, including a historic win over New Zealand<\/a> at the 2023 FIBA U17 Women\u2019s Oceania Cup in the pool phase, has been driven by a clear vision. <\/p>\n \u201cI think the progress of Samoan basketball has been elevated by the vision and hard work of the new administration,\u201d Griggs added. \u201cExpanded 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The FIBA U17 Oceania Cup and FIBA U17 Women\u2019s 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<\/a>, with the two teams qualifying for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup and FIBA U18 Women\u2019s Asia Cup 2026.<\/p>\n