The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea completed its 3X3 high performance test and trials last weekend as part of its selection for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
BFPNG President Peter David confirmed that the primary objective of the trials is to identify and prepare a competitive Team PNG squad for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
While the selected players will participate in preparatory matches on the Gold Coast next month, the current squad does not represent the final team for the Games.
PNG earned its place in the 3×3 competition through its standing in the FIBA 3×3 rankings. As a result, the top 20 ranked players who contributed to PNG’s qualification were invited to attend the trials. Out of those invited, 12 players were able to attend, with four players selected into the provisional squad and two named as non-travelling reserves.
The final team list will be officially announced once formalities are completed.
Selection for the trials was strictly based on players’ standings in the FIBA 3×3 rankings, ensuring a fair and merit-based process aligned with international standards.
Throughout the weekend, players underwent an intensive assessment program covering high-performance (HP) standards, basketball intelligence (IQ), fitness testing, and competitive game scenarios. All evaluations were conducted in accordance with BFPNG’s official selection policy to ensure transparency and consistency.
Speaking on the trials, David highlighted the significance for basketball in the country to participate for the first time in the Commonwealth Games.
“While the 3×3 format is still relatively new in Papua New Guinea, this marks a historic moment as it will be the first time basketball participates in the Commonwealth Games. As a Federation, we are committed to meeting all requirements and assembling the best possible team through a fair, transparent, and equitable selection process,” he said.
He further emphasized BFPNG’s ongoing commitment to player development and equal opportunity.
“We will continue to provide all athletes with a fair platform to showcase their talent and earn selection to represent Papua New Guinea on the international stage,” he said.
BFPNG now shifts its focus toward finalizing the squad and preparing the team for upcoming international exposure matches as they build toward a strong showing at the Commonwealth Games.