The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) National Championships for Men & Women will commence next Tuesday, July 4 at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre in Port Moresby.

With nominations now officially closed, twelve men’s teams and eight women’s teams will face-off with the goal of being crowned 2017 national champions.

On the men’s side, Pool ‘A’ will feature Alotau, Kerema, PMBL #1, PMBL #3, NCDBA & Tubusereia #2, while Pool ‘B’ has Central 3X3, Daru, Kavieng, Lae, PMBL #2 & Tubusereia #1.

In the women’s competition, Pool ‘A’ will stage Daru, Kerema, POMWBL #1 and NCDBA, while Pool ‘B’ lists Kavieng, Lae, POMWBL #2 & Tubusereia.

The tournament format will see teams play round-robin pool games on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday before final matches get underway on Friday.

Saturday, July 8 will bring the event’s two showcase matches, with the women’s grand final being held at 3:30pm and the men’s grand final following at 5pm.

Once the two new national champions are crowned, BFPNG will be announcing its Papua New Guinea National Representative Squads that will be preparing for the FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup in September.

BFPNG Chief Executive Officer Joel Khalu said he was excited about the number of teams and the talent that will be on show at the championships.

“The Federation is certainly happy to have twenty teams from all over the country nominating,” he said.

“This means the playing standard is sure to be very high, which is fantastic for spectators.”

“It’s also positive that we’ve been able to get representative sides from some of our regional affiliated associations.”

“It gives those players travelling to Port Moresby a tremendous opportunity to play against different competition, which will lift the levels of the sport nationally.”

The officially opening of the BFPNG National Championships will take place at 9:30am on Tuesday.

For more information on please contact BFPNG CEO Joel Khalu on khalujoel@gmail.com