PNG National Men’s Basketball Team Head Coach, Mr Moi Muri, continues to leave a lasting legacy in developing some of the best basketball talent in the country.
His dedication and commitment were evident during last Sunday’s Pom WBL Grand Finals, where his junior players from Ultimax dominated across multiple age divisions.
Ultimax teams secured victories in the U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18 categories. Notably, the U10 and U12 mixed teams, as well as the U14 boys and girls, won their respective grand finals.
Speaking on behalf of Coach Muri, his elder son and PNG international player, Apia Muri, expressed his pride in the young athletes’ achievements.
“These kids deserve this success. Your time and efforts have not only brought you victory but also made a significant impact in the community,” said Apia Muri.
“They played for the love of the sport, and I want to thank the man behind it all — a coach, a mentor — Moi Muri. I also want to acknowledge the senior players who dedicated their time to these youngsters, and the parents who supported them throughout the weekends.
We thank our Heavenly Father for the skills and talents He has given, and we give praise to Him. Thank you to ULTIMAX for sponsoring these children. CHAMPIONS ULTIMAX!”
Moi Muri is well-known for his strict principles within the basketball arena.
He ensures that his players start and finish their training on time. Beyond basketball, Muri also teaches the kids about the importance of life and how to be good citizens within the community.
The Ultimax basketball club trains under the heat of direct sunlight at the Muri Basketball Court in Kaugere. From senior men’s and women’s teams to the U10 division, they all train at the same venue on different schedules.
“These kids don’t train in a stadium or indoor court; their training ground is outdoors, under the sun. Outdoor training motivates them to take every match seriously,” Muri said.
Through his mentoring and coaching, the Kaugere community has produced some of the best basketball players in the country. Mr. Muri continues to work tirelessly to nurture more basketball stars from the Muri Basketball Court.
Meanwhile, the Ultimax senior men’s and women’s teams are set to play their Major Semi-Finals in the Port Moresby Basketball Association (POMBA) this coming Wednesday. Both the men’s and women’s teams finished at the top of the ladder for the POMBA 2024 season.
