Basketball 
BY KEVIN TEME

The official opening of the FIBA Oceania under 15 Youth basketball tournament is set for 6pm today at the Taurama Aquatic Center in Port Moresby.
Seven countries Australia, New Zealand, Guam, Fiji, Samoa and host PNG.
Tonga are officially withdrawn because they failed to provide the necessary documents in the set extended deadline for the teams that were supposed to travel to Port Moresby.
FIBA Oceania executive director, David Crocker released an official statement regarding Tonga’s withdrawal.
“We have received news of Tonga withdrawing officially from the FIBA U15 Oceania Championship, and we are disappointed with the outcome. We have worked tirelessly with TNBA for the past few months to secure the documents, but we have to uphold the rules and regulations of the sport.”
This will be the first time for PNG to host such a FIBA sanctioned tournament apart from the Pacific Games.
It is believed New Zealand is already arrived in the country. They were expected in Port Moresby on Saturday while the rest of the countries arrive today hours before the official opening ceremony.
PNG’s young duo of Zephan Boussoungou and Frank Keisa has been dropped from the side.
Daroa said it was unfortunate for the two players.
“For Keisa, I honestly wanted him in the team as he is one of the top players but unfortunately he turned 16 and it was hard for him,” he said.
For Zephan, Daroa said he had problems with passport of origin that didn’t allow him to play.
A disappointed family member of young Boussoungou who didn’t want to be named said, “The BFPNG failed on their part by not allowing their son to be part of the team.”
“He trained so hard and was looking forward to the tournament but we are truly upset that he was dropped because of the passport issue. He was born here in PNG. Just like overseas kids that come and play for the PNG Kumuls in rugby league, so why is it so hard to allow him to play,” the family said.
The final squad for the first game tomorrow night at 7pm is Jordan Abel, Ethan Tsiamalili, Paitien Smare, Ray Whitchurch, Rueben Kila, Morea Elavo, Harold Elavo, Atti Bradley, Jabez Lucas, Edwin Kanitau, William Bray and Jabez Philemon. The head coach is Ricky Ani, Assistant coach is Richard Arava and the team manager is Virgil Hani.
The girls team has Luan Muri, Lynnette Lelai, Bianca Tukayo, Princess Kaore, Jessica Fege, Maureen Kai, Alice Kaiawa, Philomena Arek, Philomena Isei, Jeleena Irofe and Julianne Aia.
Current women’s national coach Moi Muri has been appointed as the coach for the junior women’s team while Jordan Sere is the assistant and Julie Hulama is team manager.