SOLOMON ISLANDS 2007 AUSTRALIAN BASKETBALL TOUR REPORT

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The Solomon Islands Basketball Federation used the acquired funding from the IOC to send both the Men's and Women's National Basketball Teams to Australia on a 12 day tour. Leaving from Honiara, Solomon Islands on 12^th June and returning on Saturday 23^rd June were 13 male athletes, 12 female athletes, 2 coaches, 2 team managers and 2 referees. In addition to this, another Solomon Island male basketball athlete residing in New Zealand joined the tour group to participate in the tour program. The tour started in Brisbane, Australia before moving on to Coffs Harbour where the FIBA Oceania office is based. This is where the tour matches and trainings were based from.

 

TOUR OBJECTIVES

 

The objectives of the tour were as follows:

 

1. Play opposition of a challenging standard that is not possible in Solomon Islands to assist with the preparation for the Men's Women's Squads in the lead up to the South Pacific Games in Samoa, Apia.
2. Give international exposure and experience to all athletes, officials and referees
3. Assist with the selection process for the final Men's and Women's teams to attend the South Pacific Games.
4. Give the opportunity for all athletes and officials to bond as a group and grow as a team.

 

TRAINING PREPARATION

The Men's and Women's Basketball Squad training program initially started on 8^th January 2007 with 2 x 2 hour training sessions each week. Since this time the number of training sessions has been increased gradually to a total of 6 per week.

 

Before departure for the Australian Tour more than 80 training sessions had been completed by the each of the National Squads.

 

From 17^th April - 1^st May 2007 FIBA Oceania Basketball Zone Development Officer (ZDO) Jon Hoyle was in Honiara to assist the Men's and Women's National Basketball Squads with their preparations for the Australian Tour and the  South Pacific Games. He worked closely with coaches and players over a number of training sessions, including early mornings to assist in the skill development of the athletes and coaches.

 

TEAM MEMBERS

 

Mens                                                           Womens

 

1. Moses Au                                  1. Mirriam Basia
2. Moses Kivo                                2. Natala Pongi
3. George Fafale                            3. Mary Daffie
4. Allan Wane                                4. Wendy Nasala
5. Waige Turueke                           5. Joycelyn Basia
6. Scaden Tesua                             6. Wendy Pongotapu
7. Jr. Hilton Gwali                          7. Eva Pongi
8. Mark Mataki                               8. Pheobbie Laore
9. Timothy Goulolo                        9. Jessy Konofilia
10. Davison Toliliu                           10. Emma Joyleen
11. Augustine Basia                          11. Delma Peseika
12. Frank Kivo                                 12. Ethel
13. Anthony Prince

 

Coach: Ryan Burns                              Coach: Eric Matangi

Team Manager: Randy Hatigeva            Team Manageress: Mrs. Everlyn Pongi

 

Referees:

 

Brian Pongotapu

Lungu Kiloko

 

COMMITTEE PREPARATION

 

The Solomon Islands Basketball Federation (SIBF) Committee had been planning the Australian Tour since November 2006. In the last few months before the tour departed the committee was meeting up to 3 times a week to work out the final details and overcome any problems that had arisen. Preparation for the tour included the following:

-         Budgeting

-         Booking flights, accommodation, bus hire

-         Arranging of training and matches

-         Uniforms and T-shirts

 

 

MATCH RESULTS

 

MENS TEAM

Solomon Islands 72 def Coffs Christian College 39

Solomon Islands 105 def Coffs Harbour State League 91

(Waige Turueke 24pts, Alexander McFadden 14pts, Allan Wane 12pts)

Port Maquarie State League 86 def Solomon Islands 79

(Waige Turueke 38pts)

Solomon Islands 51 def John Paul College 30 (short game)

Solomon Islands 79 def Coffs Harbour State League 72

(Waige Turueke 20pts, Moses Au 10pts)

 

Solomon Islands 64 def Grafton State League 56

(Waige Turueke 33pts)

 

WOMENS TEAM

Solomon Islands 48 def Coffs Harbour U/16 Championship 47

 

Solomon Islands 46 def Christian Community High School 24

 

Coffs Harbour State League 74 def Solomon Islands 62

 

Solomon Islands 66 def Port Maquarie State League 58

 

Solomon Islands 43 def John Paul College 22

 

Grafton State League 54 def Solomon Islands 52

 

PROGRAM

 

DATE	ACTIVITIES
Tuesday 12th June	5.30pm Arrive Brisbane Airport 6.30pm picked up by Bus and taken to City Palms Motel Overnight in Brisbane at City Palms Motel
Wednesday 13th June	11am Checkout of accommodation 12pm Visit Brisbane City 6pm Depart Brisbane for Coffs Harbour
Thursday 14th June	1am Arrive at Aqua Villa Apartments, 56 Park Beach Rd, Coffs Harbour. Contact Sandra Mottram PH:02 6652 3539 10am - 12 noon Training Courts 5 & 6 Sportz Central 2.00pm - 3.30pm Training Courts 5 & 6 Sportz Central 5pm Match - Women Vs Coffs Harbour Championship U/16 Girls at Sportz Central
Friday 15th June	10am - 12 noon Training Courts 5 & 6 Sportz Central 1.00pm Match - Men Vs Christian Community High School 2.00pm Match - Women Vs Christian Community High School Bonville Station Road, Coffs Harbour. Contact: Scott Davies
Saturday 16th June	No training venues available 5.30pm Match - Women Vs Coffs Harbour State League 7.00pm Match - Men Vs Coffs Harbour State league
Sunday 17th June	10am - 12 noon Training at Sportz Central 2pm Depart for Port Maquarie, Hastings River Rd. 5.30pm Match - Women Vs Port Maquarie State League 7.00pm Match - Men vs Port Maquarie State League Contact: Phil Lee 0429 840 033
Monday 18th June	9am - 11am Training at Sportz Central 1pm Match - Men Vs John Paul College 2pm Match - Women Vs John Paul College Stadium at John Paul College. Park Buses on Road Contact: Leroy Conroy
Tuesday 19th June	9am 1 male and 1 female athlete to Channel 10 TV Studios for TV interview. 6.00pm Match - Women Vs Coffs Harbour State League 7.30pm Match - Men vs Coffs Harbour State League
Wednesday 20th June	10am - 12 noon Training Courts 5 & 6 Sportz Central 3.30pm Depart for Grafton 5.30pm Match - Women Vs Grafton State League 7.00pm Match - Men Vs Grafton State League
Thursday 21st June	11.30pm Depart Coffs Harbour for Brisbane
Friday 22nd June	7am Arrive Brisbane Airport - some athletes take return fight to Honiara. (Limited due to space onboard flight) 10am Remaining group is picked up at spend the night at family houses.
Saturday 23rd June	8am Depart Brisbane Airport for Honiara, Solomon Islands.

 

 

COACHES REPORT - MENS TEAM

 

The tour consisted of a number of training sessions at a first class basketball facility and a total of 6 matches. The matches were located both in Coffs Harbour and also as far as 2 hours drive when we visited Port Maquarie to play their State League Senior Mens Basketball Team.

 

The overall result for the Mens Squad was 5 wins and 1 loss. This was an outstanding achievement when looking at the size and strength of the teams we played. The majority of the matches were against much taller and much physically stronger men. This was a good test for the squad which has a large number of young players who are still growing and developing.

 

There is no doubt in my mind that the training the team had done so far greatly assisted the results that were achieved. All players worked together to play as a team to overcome obstacles, which was impressive. The squad also showed a very strong attitude of never giving up as they continued to play and work hard no matter what the score was. This was especially a factor in the last game we played when we played the State League Champions, Grafton. Despite losing by as many as 11 points in the 3^rd quarter, the team played hard and eventually came out winners at the end of the match.

 

The tour was formatted with a game and training session on most days, which was similar to how the tournament at the South Pacific Games is structured. This proved for an ideal preparation, as it was a mentally and physically demanding program which tested all athletes.

 

There were also some injuries throughout the tour which tested the team. In the first game Junior Gwali injured his ankle and missed the following 2 games. In the second game Allan Wane injured his ankle and was unable to play for the remainder of the tour. Although it was disappointing to suffer injuries, it was also a challenge for other members of the team to step up and take responsibility.

 

Waige Turueke was outstanding throughout the tour. His shooting, rebounding, defence and fitness were all excellent. He was the team's top scorer for the tour and plays a valuable role. It is clear to me that his time in U.S.A. has been valuable and worthwhile.

 

We were also fortunate enough to have Anthony Prince join the squad in Coffs Harbour. He paid his own fare to join the squad and participate in the tour. Anthony was a valuable addition to the squad. Standing 6 foot 3 inches tall with a wide body, he was an excellent addition, especially because height is one area that the squad is lacking. His worth was proven when Allan was injured and it was left to Leon Hatigeva, Moses Au, Timothy Goulolo and Anthony Prince to carry the load in the Centre and Forward positions.

 

I would like to thank all the people who assisted us on our tour, including Steve and Judy Smith from FIBA Oceania, Sandra Mottram from Aqua Villa Apartments, Jon Hoyle as fabulous assistance throughout the tour and Darren Thomas from Coffs Harbour Basketball Club for his personal assistance.

 

COACHES REPORT - WOMENS TEAM

 

Introduction

 

The S I National Women Basketball team successful two weeks stints in Coffs Harbour, Australia, has been the culmination of sheer hard training in the first phase of the team's preparation for the upcoming South Pacific Games in Samoa.

 

The tour itself has proven beneficial and an eye opener for the team as a whole with a very tight schedule of training and playing against teams from various colleges and states in and around Coffs Harbour, organised by the FIBA Oceania staff.

The tour had really boosted the players' morale and playing perspective especially training and playing in very high standard facilities and different environment compared to what we have back here in the Solomon Islands.

 

Training Program

The team started its training on the 8^th January 2007 with 23 players initially, training 4 nights a week from Monday - Thursday at 5 pm - 7 pm until the first trial match on the 11^th March 2007, as per SIBF calendar, to trim down the team to 15 players. With a manageable size of the squad the training seasons increased to include mornings.

 

Problem encountered

We had encountered problems with selecting girls into the squad due to the fact that basketball and netball pick from the same pool of girls as they play both sports, and some proved good at both sports, thus made some girls not fully committed to basketball training from the start. In spite of this we continued with our training programs and the team gradually picked up as they gearing up for to the Australian tour.

 

Teams Performance

The tour to Australia was regarded as a trip of a life time. The girls did exceptionally well playing a total of 6 games winning 4 and losing 2, taking into account the cold weather that really bogged them down, the new environment, the new facilities and the people they were playing against. It also meant that a lot of work and efforts in the team in terms of game structures, formats and fitness.  The opposing teams were not to be taken for granted as they have been well coached from very early ages. However the SI team put up a good fight and had adjusted well as they progressed on with their games. They should be praised for an excellent performance and results.

 

Recommendation

The tour itself was a huge success and served its purpose. It has greatly assisted me as a coach in my game planning, individual players and the team as a whole. We were able to identify our strengths and weaknesses to improve on in the next coming weeks leading up to the SPG.  I believe that having more of these tours for exposure will greatly help our athletes to confidently compete in whatever tournaments they are competing in whether locally, regionally or internationally. The SIBF also need to implement its development plans on players and facilities. One of the major setbacks here is the only basketball court we share with so many other sports and groups.

 

I would like to register my heartfelt gratitude to the IOC for making this tour possible financially, FIBA Oceania staff, Steve and Judy for being there for us, Sandra for the generous offer of an affordable accommodation, Regan for hosting us at your home with a delicious BBQ and Jon for being a very patient driver and sideline coach. Thank you so much for a very well organised schedule and the assistance rendered to us during our time in Coffs Harbour. We had such a wonderful, educational and pleasant time in the heart of basketball.  NOCSI for the continuos assistance, SIBF for the tireless efforts put into planning this tour, the Provincial Press for the T-shirts,  Players, officials, fans and supporters who made this tour interesting and enjoyable.

 

SI National Women's Basketball Team

 

(Australia Tour 2007 Report)

 

The Solomon Islands National Women's Basketball team, together with the Men's Basketball team was privileged to make a training tour to Coffs Harbour, Australia, on 12 - 23 June 2007, for training and warm - up games, in preparation for the upcoming Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa 2007.

 

The Women's Basketball consisted of 13 players, 1 coach, 1 team manageress and 1 referee.

 

The team left Honiara for Australia on Tuesday 12^th June 2007. The teams arrived at Brisbane airport and were met by Mr. Michael Chan, who was mandated to organise the arrangements for Brisbane, due to the late changes in travelling dates (two days earlier than scheduled time). The teams spent one night at City Palm Motel in Brisbane.

 

Mr. Jon Hoyle, FIBA Oceania Development Officer, arrived on Wednesday evening with a 25 - seater bus, to transport the teams to Coffs Harbour, while Mr. Ryan Burns took the 12 - seater bus. The Women's Basketball team boarded the bus with Mr. Jon Hoyle plus few of the Men's team. The bus which transported the women's team broke down half-way to Coffs Harbour (about 3 hours from Coffs Harbour). The Highway patrol was contacted, which arrived two hours later; however they could not solve the problem. The team spent the night sleeping in the bus on the Pacific High way until morning. Mr. Burns, who arrived to Coffs Harbour with the men's team, was contacted in the morning and came back and rescued most of the women's team members, while the rest waited with Mr. Hoyle for the Avis Management to sort out the problem. The teams were given two 12-seaster buses and were driven by Hoyle and Kiloko to Coffs Harbour.

 

The teams were accommodated at the Aqua Villa Motel, 56 Park Beach, and Coffs Harbour. This is a very expensive accommodation under the management of Ms. Sandra, who is the Coffs Harbour Basketball Referee; however, it was acquired with a very low price by the help of Judy Smith of FIBA Oceania office. In fact, the teams were given Thursday night free of charge when the organisers at Brisbane could not confirm accommodation venue in time for the teams to leave for Brisbane on its return route.

 

Mrs. Judy Smith came over and had a brief meeting with the team's management. She distributed the match scheduled program for the teams, which consisted of training times, matches and venues during mornings and evenings. Some matches were played outside of Coffs Harbour, to which the teams had travel some hours to reach the venue.

 

The Women's team had its first match during the evening of the day the team arrived in Coffs Harbour. The match was against Coffs Harbour under 16. The Women's team played 7 matches, namely; Coffs Harbour under 16; Christian Community High; Coffs Harbour State league; Port Macquarie State league; John Paul College; Grafton State league. However, the 6^th match game and second time match against Coffs Harbour State league on Tuesday 19^th was abandoned due to the injury of one of the CHS players, who had her left leg, broke in two places. It was an unfortunate incident which affected the Women's team, however, the Women's team members, management and referees send her a signed "get well-wish card and wish her speedy recovery.

 

The team played its last match on Wednesday 20^th with Grafton State league, which were about one and a half hours drive north of Coffs Harbour. On Thursday, it was the only free day from a very tight scheduled program. The team members were given the day to pack up and clean the accommodation units and go out and see the beautiful town of Coffs Harbour, home of basketball.

 

The teams were hosted to a BBQ on Thursday night on the premises by Mr. Duran Angiki and Family. The teams boarded the three 12-seater buses, driven by Mr. Hoyle, Mr. Ryan Burns and Mr. Kiloko, at 12 midnight and took off for Brisbane airport, and arrived in time for flight check-in of seven members who were confirmed to board the Friday morning's fight.  I was on Friday's flight, with a referee official and five women's team members. The rest of the team contingent travelled back home on Saturday 23^rd June 2007.

 

Summary

 

The tour was definitely a very big achievement for our national teams, in terms of boosting the player's strength and morale, as well as a very good training experience for every one involved, including both players and management officials. Iam confident that should SI National teams have the opportunity to expose its players overseas regularly, it would greatly benefit players to excel to high level of play to able to compete comfortably with other strong pacific nations teams, even Australia and New Zealand.

 

I would like to acknowledge and thank FIBA office management, Mr.& Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Kama for their great support and tireless effort in organising the games and training program and for the invaluable advise to the teams, management and officials and, for hosting the teams for meals; Mr. Hoyle, for organising transport and driver, and for moral support, for being with the teams throughout the tour; Mrs Sandra, for excellent accommodation facilities, especially for the special price; Mr. Daren, for the great moral support in being part of the management team; to all teams and management, which had been involved in giving our teams a good basketball experience; all the families, wantoks and friends in Coffs Harbour and Brisbane, who had contributed one way or the other to the teams welfare in Australia. All these support has contributed a lot in giving the teams a fruitful and memorable basketball experience.

 

Finally, thank you to IOC, ONOC, FIBA Oceania, NOCSI, Solomon Airlines, Provincial Press Ltd, and SI Basketball Federation for making it possible for the SI National Basketball team tour.

 

The teams had been good ambassadors for the country, and I am grateful to be part of the contingent. We Are Basketball!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                          

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Report on IOC Funds towards the Solomon Islands Basketball Team preparation to the South Pacific Games in Samoa.

 

On the 19^th October 2006 the NOCSI received funds on behalf of the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation from IOC to assist the team's preparation to the South Pacific Games in Samoa.

 

The money was used during the Solomon Islands National Basketball Team tour of Coffs harbour Australia on the 12^th to the 23^rd June 2007 for both Men's and Women's.

 

Below is the break down of Expenses during Australia tour.

 

 

Description	Amount		Balance
Funds received from IOC   Airfare for 32 people @ SBD 3,500.   Accommodation for 34 people   Food     Fuel   Hiring of Basketball court   transport   Miscellaneous   Exchange rate. 0.1466	AUD	SBD	146,436.17                                     168,310.37
	4,418.00   1,574.60     929.85     676.50   100   556.15	112,000.00     30,136.43   10,740.79     6,342.77     4,614.60   682.12   3,793.66
Total	8,055.45	166,946.11	- 21,874.20

 

 

On behalf of the Solomon Islands Basketball team I would like to thank IOC for providing the funds to enable the Solomon Islands Basketball team to tour Australia as part of their preparation towards the South Pacific Game.