The Tonga Basketball Association will not send the women and men national team in the 2007 South Pacific Games in Samoa. Tonga hasn't played in a major FIBA Oceania event since the Oceania Youth Basketball Tournament in 2002.
The Tonga Basketball Association will not send the women and men national team in the 2007 South Pacific Games in Samoa. Tonga hasn't played in a major FIBA Oceania event since the Oceania Youth Basketball Tournament in 2002.
Candidate countries for the 2007 SP Games men tournament: American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Fiji Guam Northern Marianas New Caledonia Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Tahiti Palau Marshall Islands
Paul Khoury missed the World Championship with Lebanon
Tonga is light-years away from participating to the FIBA World Championship but one of its child could have been playing in Japan. Unfortunatly the tongan-born lebanese player Paul Khoury (207-C-68) will not be there due to visa problems.
Paul Afeaki Khoury (207-C-68) was born in Tonga in April 1968 from american parents, he went to the USA and graduated from Utah University in 1992.
Tonga is light-years away from participating to the FIBA World Championship but one of its child could have been playing in Japan. Unfortunatly the tongan-born lebanese player Paul Khoury (207-C-68) will not be there due to visa problems.
Paul Afeaki Khoury (207-C-68) was born in Tonga in April 1968 from american parents, he went to the USA and graduated from Utah University in 1992. He played his first pro season in Turkey before heading to Japan for 5 years. In 2001 he signed a contract with the lebanese team Al Ryadi and three years later he joined Sagesse, the best team in the country. His lebanese years were the best of his career and he was granted by a lebanese passport by the governement. Khoury has a big body, he's always using his 128kg-frame to muscle his way to the hoop. He's not a go-to-guy but an effective team low post offensive and defensive. He's too slow to compete against the best but he's a great players at the lebanese standarts. With the Lebanon National Team, Paul Khoury played the 2002 World Championship in Indianapolis. The team didn't manage to win a single game and got the last rank after a 70-100 loss to Algeria in the classification game despite a 16pts 9rbs effort from Khoury. During the tournament, he averaged 6.4pts 56.5%FG 6.0rbs in 19min per game including a 7pts 10rbs game against Turkey and some great players like Mehmet Okur, Hedo Turkoglu and Mirsad Turkcan. Last year, Lebanon secured the silver medal in the Asian Championship with a loss in the final game against Yao Ming's China and Paul was one of the best post player in the tournament. He should have been an important part of the Lebanon side in the 2006 World Championship in Japan but fate changed his plans. Because of the war in Lebanon, the national team's preparation became more complicated. Because of the chaos, the team wasn't able to bring its manager, conditioning coach and Paul, one of its best players. "We had practiced five days when the war started," said NT coach Paul Coughter "We saw a window of opportunity to get out and took the last vehicle out of Lebanon and drove 12 hours to Jordan. We practiced five days in Amman, went to Turkey, Slovenia, and the Philippines before arriving here." Lebanon is playing in the group A with olympic champion Argentina, double-world champion Serbia, France, Venezuela and Nigeria. The team will try to qualify for the second round. Unfortunatly, the 38-year old center Khoury will have to watch it on television.
The 2005-06 US college season is about to begin and we take a look of the Tongan women that will be participating this year
Jessica Fisiikava 5’10” G Junior California Baptist (NAIA)
Fisiikava had a impressive sophomore year at Umpqua CC and she has transferred to an NAIA school. Expected her to contribute a lot of the bench in her junior year.
The 2005-06 US college season is about to begin and we take a look of the Tongan women that will be participating this yearJessica Fisiikava 5’10” G Junior California Baptist (NAIA)Fisiikava had a impressive sophomore year at Umpqua CC and she has transferred to an NAIA school.Expectedher to contribute a lot of the bench in her junior year.Fatai Hala'api'api (186-F/C) Junior Eastern Kentucky (NCAA Division 1)Hala’api’api had her sophomore year cut short because of a season ending injury.A dominating player in the post with great shot blocking abilities Hala’api’api can bring a lot to EKU in the hope of getting them into the NCAA tournamentMeliame Halaufia 6’3” F Junior Azusa Pacific University (NAIA)Halaufia has come from a year off and will have a lot to contribute into the team, giving the team’s lack of height.Question is whether she will start or come off the bench.Ofa Tulikihihifo (180-G/F) Senior CSU-Northridge (NCAA Division 1)Has had an excellent career at CSU Northridge and if she continues to excel during her senior year she should be considered a WNBA draft prospect.If she doesn’t make it to the WNBA, Europe is a also another option.Salote Tupou (180-F/C) RS-Freshman CSU Fullerton (NCAA Division 1)Tupou got redshirted last year and is ready to see some limited playing time for the CSU Fullerton as a freshman.
Meliame Hala’ufia is one of many Tongans that are playing college basketball in the US. Having playing in her two first years at the College of Southern Idaho, Meliame Hala’ufia is set to join her younger sister Kristie at Azusa Pacific and she talked to us about her time at Southern Idaho and her expectations at Azusa Pacific.
Meliame Hala’ufia is one of many Tongans that are playing college basketball in the US. Having playing in her two first years at the College of Southern Idaho, Meliame Hala’ufia is set to join her younger sister Kristie at Azusa Pacific and she talked to us about her time at Southern Idaho and her expectations at Azusa Pacific.
Meliame Hala'ufia
Height: 6'1/2
Position: Post
Age: 20
What are you strengths and weaknesses in your game?
Strengths- shots in the paint, rebounds, free throws. Weaknesses: Staying on my feet on defense, conditioning.
Describe to us your basketball playing style
I guess I would say I'm I true post player, because there’s not too many out there. And my game is mostly in the paint and using the backboard.
You playing in 2002-04 in College of Southern Idaho, describe to us how you performed from an individual and team prospect and if they were above or below your expectations?
At CSI, I thought I performed pretty well, I learned a lot. I learned I needed to be stronger because there were bigger post players then me in the league compared to high school. They were definitely above my expectations. We did a lot of conditioning; I can probably say I was in the best shape ever though two years I was there, it felt great. My team my freshmen year was good, it was sort of a new beginning because it was the coaches first season there too. Our season went all right we just made it to the tournament. But my sophomore year went great we won the league, and the tournament and went to national tournament in Kansas where we got sixth place. IT was a great season.
Playing in junior college, how has that helped you as a basketball player?
I learned a lot mentally and physically. I think it helped me become a better player like being stronger, making good choices and other things.
You redshirted the 2004-05 season, were it some that was planned or were it because of an injury?
I actually didn’t redshirt it was kind of like I took a year off. A coach there recruited me at Cal Baptist and something happen that he was no longer the coach anymore so when I got there it was a new coach. And things just didn’t work out with him. It was more like I told the year off.
Why did you choose Azusa Pacific?
When I came to visit I really liked their campus and the team. I also like their small class sizes and also the fact my sister was coming here as well.
Did you have other offers to play elsewhere?
Yes, Sonoma State
Heading into the college basketball season, what are your expectations on a team prospective?
I don’t really have any expectations I'm just excited to get started again, it seems like it’s been forever since I last played.
Having two years of college experience, what are your chances of starting at Azusa Pacific this year?
I think there pretty well. There are only two other post players. And it just depends how well I do in my conditioning and just being able to run the floor.
What do you think of the competition in you conference?
I think it going to be good; some of the other teams in the league have big post players to so I think it’s going to be a good competition.
What are your expectations on a personal level this upcoming season?
Do my best and just show them why they (Coaches) brought me here.
What qualities do you think you will be able to bring into the team?
Shots in the paint, and rebounding.
We have found out that you are also Tongan, is that true?
Yes my parents were both born in Tonga. But we live here in California.
Assuming that you are eligible to play for Tonga, would you consider playing for them if they invited you?
Yes, maybe.
With many Tongans like Ofa Tulikihihifo, Fatai Hala’api’api, Jessica Fisiikava, Salote Tupou and others playing in college basketball what do you think you would be able to bring into the Tongan National Team?
I'm really I'm not sure.
We thank you for taking in the time for the interview and we wish you all the best for the future
Name, Height, Position and Age: Fatai Hala'api'api, 6'1, Center, 19 yrs old
What are your strengths and weaknesses in your game?
My strengths are blocking shots and posting up on the block. My weaknesses are ball handling and shooting the ball.
Why did you choose to go to EKU?
I chose to attend EKU because I wanted to experience a new atmosphere and people.
Name, Height, Position and Age: Fatai Hala'api'api, 6'1, Center, 19 yrs old
What are your strengths and weaknesses in your game?
My strengths are blocking shots and posting up on the block. My weaknesses are ball handling and shooting the ball.
Why did you choose to go to EKU?
I chose to attend EKU because I wanted to experience a new atmosphere and people. The basketball program here is very good and they also treat each other like family.
Where there are other offers to play elsewhere?
I got a few offers from Junior Colleges and the University of Hawaii.
How would describe your colligate career so far?
My collegiate career has been very good because I broke the season shot block record (my freshman year).
You had a serious injury during your sophomore year, have you properly recovered from the injury?
Yes, I am fully recovered from that injury.
Do you think this has effected your development as a player?
Yes and No because it hasn't effected my ability to play. But it does effect me mentally because in the back of my mind I'll always think about it, so you kind of don't play hard (at first). When I get into the flow of things like 2 mins into the game I don't think about my injury anymore.
Has the injury you had, has it changed the intensity or effort you put into your physical conditioning?
Yes, because I haven't did any conditioning for about 9 months, so when I get tired I try to push harder but it seems like I go slower. But I am trying to get back into shape before the season starts so I'll be able to perform better.
How would describe Eastern Kentucky performance last year?
There's no words that can describe how great the girls performed last year. It's by the grace of God that we made it that far and we are so thankful. We had a great bond with each other, so that was also good.
How do you see EKU performing this year?
Is reaching the NCAA tournament a possibility? Our girls our ready to play and we do have a good team this year, too. The incoming freshmen are really going to play a big part in our team and mix that with our returning players we got a great squad. Yes, reaching the NCAA tournament is always a possibility, especially with the group that we have this year.
What kind of an impact you think you might have this upcoming season?
I think I'll have a big impact on this team because I can block shots and get some rebounds and also put up some points.
Do you think you might be able to start this year?
Yes, I might be able to start. But first I got to get into shape first (LOL).
You are also Tongan; if you eligible to play for Tonga in international competition would you consider playing for them if they invited you?
Yes, of course that would be an honour just to be invited and to play that would be awesome.
What do you think you would be able to bring in the Tongan team?
I think I'll bring my aggressiveness to the game and probably leadership to the team.
There are many Tongans playing college basketball, Have you play against any of them?
No, I haven't played against any Tongans yet.
You also came from Hawaii, where a large number of Pacific Islanders play basketball players, What you think makes pacific islanders so good basketball players?
I think just the intensity and aggressiveness that we bring from our culture and the skills that we have learned from our coaches makes us good basketball players.
Also being Tongan you could play in several European countries as a local player.Has playing professional basketball after you graduate being some you have considered?
Yes, that is something that I have considered very much.
Thank you for taking the time for this interview and we wish you all the best for the future
This is a list of Tongans that are playing basketball abroad. The majority of the players were outside of Tonga, however the majority of them have both parents born in Tonga or have Tongan citizenship. If they are able to get Tongan citizenship these players become Cotonou players therefore making them eligible to play in several European players as locals.
This is a list of Tongans that are playing basketball abroad.The majority of the players were outside of Tonga, however the majority of them have both parents born in Tonga or have Tongan citizenship.If they are able to get Tongan citizenship these players become Cotonou players therefore making them eligible to play in several European players as locals.A large portion of the men's players are ineligible to represent Tonga NT as they have represented other countries before like Paulasi Taulava (206-C-73, college: BYU-Hawaii) (206-C-73, college: BYU-Hawaii), Valence McCarthy (201-F-84), and Robson Tavita (194-F/C-70).If the Tongan team could include the likes of Taukiuvea, Dickie and Fotu they can a strong team in the region however their lack of height will hurt them.However in the women's side none players mention have represented another country and inclusion of the best Pacific Islander in college basketball, Of a Tulikihihifo, and a depth of tall players could possible assure Tonga of success in women's basketball in the South Pacific.
Paulasi Taulava (206-C-73, college: BYU-Hawaii) played the William Jones Cup in Taiwan last week with the Philippines Basketball Association All-Stars. His team finished 3rd with a 6-3 record and Taulava produced some good numbers after his long suspension.
Paulasi Taulava (206-C-73, college: BYU-Hawaii) played the William Jones Cup in Taiwan last week with the Philippines Basketball Association All-Stars. His team finished 3rd with a 6-3 record and Taulava produced some good numbers after his long suspension.
He started slowly with 4pts only against Quatar in his first game but he improved his game everyday and was almost unstoppable in some games. He blasted the India national team with 29pts 11/11FG 6rbs and 4ast, he recorded 27pts 16rbs against the Taiwan NT and managed to score 23pts 7rbs vs a strong american team. He averaged 16.8pts per contest in this tournament.
Paulasi Taulava (206-C-73, college: BYU-Hawaii) is back on basketball courts after nine monthes of suspension. He played in the Philippines Basketball Association Finals and he's now playing with the Philippines squad in the Jones Cup In Taiwan.
Paulasi Taulava (206-C-73, college: BYU-Hawaii) is back on basketball courts after nine monthes of suspension. He played in the Philippines Basketball Association Finals and he's now playing with the Philippines squad in the Jones Cup In Taiwan.
In June, The Court of Appeal"s ruled that “Taulava’s natural-born citizenship was already recognized by the BI’s Board of Commissioners, which enjoys the presumption of regularity in the performance of their duties.”. This decision cleared Taulava's situation, he's both Tongan and Filipino like he's saying since October 2004. The PBA commissioner waited three more weeks to lift the suspension and allow Taulava to play in the PBA Finals. “I’ll just look at the bright side and start something good again,” said Taulava, as he prepared for his team Game 1 of the PBA Finals against San Miguel. The match was his first game since the league suspended him on October 19 last year along with five other foreign-born players for failing to complete his Filipino citizenship papers. “I called my wife and told her that I’ll be playing again. She hung up the phone because she did not want to believe also. I picked her up and we had dinner,” he said. Unfortunatly Taulava was not at his best and couldn't prevent his team to lose the serie 1-4 in the Finals, he averaged 9.0pts 50.0%FG 6.2rbs in 24min in the 5 games. Just a couple of days after the PBA Finals ended, he was called to join the Philippines team for the Jones Cup in Taiwan. He started slowly in his first game scoring only 4pts against Quatar, but he's getting better and better and posted 29pts 11/11FG 6rbs and 4ast against India in his fourth game. We'd post a recap of his game there at the end of this tournament. After nine monthes without basketball, Paulasi Taulava (206-C-73, college: BYU-Hawaii) is starting a new career, we wish him the best of luck.
Tonga government proved that Taulava is also Filipino
Paulasi Taulava's (206-C-73, college: BYU-Hawaii) team Talk n' Text urged Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Noli Eala to immediately lift the league’s suspension on Paul Asi Taulava in light of documents from the government of Tonga confirming that Taulava is half-tongan and half-Filipino.
Paulasi Taulava's (206-C-73, college: BYU-Hawaii) team Talk n' Text urged Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Noli Eala to immediately lift the league’s suspension on Paul Asi Taulava in light of documents from the government of Tonga confirming that Taulava is half-tongan and half-Filipino.
The lawyer Ray Espinosa, spokesperson of Talk ‘N Text, said there is “no more doubt that Taulava is a Filipino as affirmed for the nth time” by the new documents he submitted to the National Bureau of Investigation yesterday.
Through his lawyer Eduardo Francisco, Taulava submitted to NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco the following documents, certified on April 20 as true official documents of the government of Tonga by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Taulava’s birth certificate showing his mother Pauline to be a Filipino citizen at the time of his birth, The death certificate of Taulava’s grandmother, the former Ana Hernandez, showing she was a born Filipino and died a Filipino; and a certification that Pauline came to Tonga as a Filipino citizen and was naturalized on September 8, 1976, as a Tongan national, well after giving birth to Taulava in 1973.
“The PBA Commissioner’s Office, for a long time now, has unjustly denied Taulava his contractual rights to play for TNT, in effect denying him his basic human right to provide for his family,” said Espinosa.
