CHARACTER, discipline and teamwork will be key factors as the Fiji Under-15 boy’s basketball team prepares to finalise its national squad for the FIBA Oceania Cup 2026 in Auckland, New Zealand.
National Assistant U15 boys coach Jordan Dokonivalu said the selection process was not only about identifying talented players but also finding athletes who could demonstrate the right attitude, work ethic and commitment to representing Fiji.
Dokonivalu emphasised that while individual talent remained important, players needed to understand their roles and contribute to the overall structure of the team.
“We view discipline, attitude, and work ethic as being just as critical as technical ability.
“In fact, we treat them as the foundation upon which all our technical skills are built,” he said.
“Without the right mindset and a strong work ethic, even the best technical training won’t translate into consistent performance on the court.”
During the training session, the focus was on improving the players’ fundamental skills, particularly ball-handling consistency and shooting mechanics.
The training also included defensive communication, which Dokonivalu said was important in strengthening team cohesion and ensuring players worked together effectively.
He said the selectors were looking for players who were coachable, displayed a positive attitude and understood the importance of teamwork.
Dokonivalu added that players needed to demonstrate a high basketball IQ and the ability to integrate into the team’s system rather than relying solely on individual skills.
“Our priority is finding players who can seamlessly integrate into our system and enhance our overall team structure,” he said.
“We look for athletes who understand their role and possess the high basketball IQ necessary to contribute to our collective success rather than just relying on isolated skill.”
Following the finalisation of the national squad, the selected players will enter an intensive integration phase, focusing on tactical drills, team chemistry and understanding the team’s objectives.
Dokonivalu said the next stage would be crucial in ensuring the players were aligned with the team’s playing approach and ready for the international challenge in Auckland.
