Experience has been an integral part of Fiji’s basketball team to the FIBA Melanesian Cup, and its prevalent in the many players retained for it from the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau in July this year.
This, according to national coach Earl Hughes, and relayed by FIBA.
Hughes hoped the seasoned exposure of the core players would be a compelling factor in ensuring they perform well.
“We’re sticking to the core of the winning team and have chosen to go with experience,” Hughes explained.
“This is probably the most experienced team we’ve ever had, and I’m hoping that this level of experience will drive success.”
He added while the momentum from their Palau win had slowed down, the onus was still on ensuring they participated to their best in the Solomon Islands, where the competition will be held.
“Momentum has slowed since the gold medal. We look to compete very well and put ourselves in a position to win,” Hughes told FIBA.
Meanwhile, Fiji will be using the Melanesian Cup as a platform to qualify for the Asia Cup Pre-Qualifiers.
The FIBA Melanesian Cup starts next Monday and will finish on Thursday in Honiara.
Fiji will open the tournament against the host nation, Solomon Islands.
