SUVA (Fiji) – The XXII FIBA Congress 2023 is currently underway in Manila, Philippines, ahead of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 which tips off on August 25^th.

The two-day event which is being attended by approximately 149 National Basketball Federations, will also provide FIBA’s Central Board an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and challenges faced during their reign over the last period (2019 – 2023).

In attendance is Basketball Fiji’s President. Mr. Ioane Naivalurua who appreciated the recognition by FIBA for one of Fiji’s Basketball legend, the late Mr. Michael Whippy.

‘Coach Mike’ as he was commonly known amongst the basketball family, was a former national player, national coach and federation board member.

During the congress, FIBA acknowledged Mr. Whippy for his unflinching support and invaluable contribution to the sport at the national, regional and global level.

Mr. Whippy had a successful career in basketball. He first represented the country in 1979 at the South pacific games in Suva and continued that representation for almost twenty years, during which he served as captain on more than one occasion.

After a lustrous playing career, Mr. Whippy focused on developing the next generation of basketball players in Fiji. He started the Shaq Attack basketball club in 1994, where he was able to train and develop some of the elite players who would go on to win Fiji’s first ever gold medal at the 2007 SPG Games in Samoa, where he was then coach of the Women’s National Team.

Similar to his successful playing career, he led the Women’s National team to many regional events in Palau, Spain, New Zealand, Samoa, New Caledonia, etc. His efforts and contribution was also recognized nationally when he was awarded the “Coach of the Year” at FASANOC’s National Sports Award in 2008.

Coach Michael’s passion for basketball runs in the family as three of his four children continued the legacy and represented the nation. Son David represented Fiji in many occasions while daughters Letava and Mikaelar who are currently part of the national women’s team, lead the charge in the gold medal win at last year’s Melanesian Cup.

Basketball Fiji is forever grateful to the sacrifice, passion and commitment by Mr. Whippy to the sport in the country

Basketball Fiji Media