three brothers from Bau Island in Tailevu with maternal links to Ono-i-Lau are living a dream that began in their backyard.
For Ratu Atirieli, 24, Ratu Gabriel, 20, and 18-year-old Ratu Zechariah Tuivanuavou, Fiji’s campaign at the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia last month became much more than an international assignment.
For the first time, they were part of Basketball Fiji men’s 5×5 team, marking a special chapter in their family.
Ratu Gabriel previously represented Fiji in the under-23 3×3 program, while Ratu Zechariah represented Fiji during the under-17 Oceania Cup last year.
For Ratu Gabriel, playing in an international stage with his brothers is something he has dreamt about for years.
“To travel with my brothers for a tournament representing Fiji is a blessing,” he said.
“Having my brothers with me makes me feel better and enjoy the experience because I’m not far from home when I’m with them.”
Growing up, basketball was not just a game in the Tuivanuavou household. The brothers regularly competed against one another, engaging in countless one-on-one contests to settle the all-important family debate over who was the best player.
“This special moment where I could share the court with my brothers wearing the Fiji jersey is something I’ll never forget,” Ratu Gabriel said.
“It’s always been a dream to play with my brothers.”
Ratu Atirieli shares the same sense of gratitude.
“I can only give praise and thanks to God for blessing us with this opportunity,” he said.
Ratu Zechariah, who is the youngest member of the Fiji team, is among several debutants in the squad.
“Being the youngest player in the team, I’ve learned a lot from the older players, especially from their experience at high-level international tournaments,” Ratu Zechariah said.
For their parents, watching their sons in the national team was an emotional moment.
Their father said the family was overwhelmed when his sons were named in the national squad.
“We as parents got emotional when they got named to represent Fiji and it will be no different when they step on the court to play,” he said.
Ratu Zechariah Tuivanuavou during their final match against Vietnam at the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers in Mongolia last month. Picture: BASKETBALL FIJI
Ratu Gabriel Tuivanuavou, right, celebrates with his teammate Tyrone Mclennan after their win 69-57 against Vietnam in Mongolia last month. Picture: BASKETBALL FIJI
