BY JOY OFASIA
The Solomon Islands National Men’s Basketball Team is confident and ready as they prepare to compete in the inaugural FIBA Melanesian Cup 2025 — a tournament the country will host for the very first time.
Head Coach Michael Nao spoke with local media last week and said the team still has work to do, but their spirit and focus are strong.
“There’s a lot that we need to go through these next two weeks, but we are confident that we’ll be ready when the time comes,” Nao said.
He noted that the team has been working hard to build both their physical fitness and their teamwork. The effort from both younger and older players has been encouraging.
“I am encouraged by all the players who have shown commitment to improving themselves. It’s so good to see the younger players stepping up, and the senior players leading the team,” Nao said.
Coach Nao believes the team is making strong progress and that their hard work is showing results.
“We are progressing well. The energy is there, the mindset is there, and the guys are disciplined and committed in their trainings,” he said. “We are putting in a lot of work and we trust that we will perform really well — better than previous years.”
He also noted that recent practice matches against other teams have helped lift the team’s spirit and performance.
“Playing with other teams has boosted the morale and energy of our athletes. It has pushed our local players to step up to the national standard, which is really encouraging for everyone,” Nao added.
The FIBA Melanesian Cup 2025 will run from 13 to 18 October at the Friendship Hall in Honiara. It will feature teams from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, and host nation Solomon Islands.
This year’s tournament is also a qualifier for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti, making it a key event for both the men’s and women’s teams.
