Samoa basketball in Turkmenistan

By Ulimasao Fata 15 September 2017, 12:00AM

The Samoa National Basketball team has arrived in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan for the Asia Indoor Games Championships.

Ryan Paia, Theodore McFarland, Joseph Vaetoe and Ezra Pama Tufuga are the flag carriers for Samoa at the Asia Indoor Games, representing Samoa in the Three on Three tournament.

They left the country last Monday.

The team is travelling with the President of the Samoa National Basketball Federation. Talalelei Pauga and is coached by Su’a Stephen Schuster.

According to the basketball development officer, Linda Kersall, the team is made up of all local players. 

“The Samoa National Basketball Three on Three team is made up of four local boys currently playing basketball in Samoa,” she said.

She also commented on the team’s preparations for the tournament. 

“The team has been prepared for the last three months and we have used recent tournaments to upgrade their skills and their mindset, throughout the tournament that they are preparing for.

“This is the first time our team has been invited for this tournament and the boys are looking forward it.”

Linda believes this is a milestone for Samoa National Basketball Federation. 

“To get a chance to compete on the world stage like this is definitely a huge achievement.

“Our association is still trying to promote the game in Samoa, but having to compete on the big stage encourages local students.”

By Ulimasao Fata 15 September 2017, 12:00AM
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