With national pride on the line, they’re chasing a podium finish and a place at the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti
As host nation of the 2025 FIBA Melanesian Cup, the Solomon Islands Men’s team are ready to turn their passion into points on the scoreboard and a performance that will make their nation proud. With the roar of home crowds booming after every shot made, and the spirit of the islands backing their every play, the men’s national team will take the floor in Honiara not just to compete, but to represent a nation eager to make its mark on Melanesian basketball.
The Solomon Islands are working tirelessly to ensure they qualify for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti with their FIBA Melanesian Cup results. After their 12-point win against Papua New Guinea at the 2022 FIBA Melanesian Cup, the Solomon Islands have claimed their position in the ranks and are ready to seek redemption for a spot in the top two this year.
But the significance of representing their country and making the Solomon Islands nation proud is another core goal for the team. Solomon Islands men’s player, Kalita Maelasi has been dreaming of this moment since he was fourteen years old and cannot wait to get back on the court and make his country proud.
“Being a Solomon Islander means everything to me,” Maelasi said. “I cannot begin to express the gratitude of being from a small country and being given the opportunity to represent my flag on a high level. I want to put Solomon Islands on the map, not just for myself, but for the people who have made me who I am to this day. I can say that everyone on this team is more than blessed to be able to hold this flag high and proud.”
Maelasi says the team is ready for the challenge, “I feel like coming into this, we as a family are willing to put 100 percent effort into the game to represent our country.”
“We are excited to showcase the talent and character that has been homegrown in the Solomon Islands,” Kalita Maelasi expressed.
This is the first time the Solomon Islands Men’s Team has had a female manager, and Tracey Wickham is proud to have the title. She is confident in her abilities and has been helping, “build a strong sense of togetherness as we count down towards the tournament … I know most of the boys in the team, and it’s helped with how I approach working with them,” Wickham said. “There’s a lot of camaraderie and light-heartedness as we work towards game day.”
Wickham has been working hard by “supporting the coach and delivering what the team needs, making sure that camp runs smoothly, and that the players’ needs are met. We are expecting a lot of focus and dedication from the boys, so my role is to ensure that everything runs smoothly.”
The FIBA Melanesian Cup will be hosted by the Solomon Islands Basketball Federations in Honiara from October 13 to 18. The event will be supported by the National Sports Council, with the two teams qualifying for the Pacific Games 2027 in Tahiti. All games will be livestreamed via the FIBA YouTube Channel courtesy of TTV Solomons Islands.
