THE Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation will host the 2023 NMI-Pohnpei Goodwill Basketball Games from Monday to Friday next week at the Ada gym.
Pohnpei’s men and women national teams are arriving Sunday and will compete in 5-on-5 and 3x3 games against six NMI teams — Ol'Aces (men and women), Junior Marianas (men and women), and Team Marianas (men and women).
Initially, the basketball federations in the Micronesian region discussed the possibility of reviving the Micronesian Basketball Tournament with Guam, Palau, Yap, Pohnpei and the NMI as the participating teams.
Unfortunately, due to several factors, only Pohnpei could compete off-island.
“I expect Pohnpei to bring their ‘A’ game no doubt. Although it is about building friendship, the NMI teams are here to compete as well,” said NMIBF President James Lee.
The 5-on-5 games will kick off Monday at 5:30 p.m. with the women of Ol’Aces facing their Pohnpeian counterparts.
The men’s game starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday between Junior Marianas and Pohnpei while Team Marianas plays against Pohnpei on Wednesday.
The 3x3 double-elimination games will be held on Thursday and Friday with six participating teams — three each from the NMI and Pohnpei.
The entrance fee of $2 will benefit the NMI’s national basketball program.
Lee said they have included the 3x3 format to prepare for upcoming major 3x3 events such as the 2024 Pacific Mini Games, the 2025 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, and the 2026 Micronesian Games.
With the 3x3 structure, he added, “basketball skill level-wise, you must play all positions. It’s a way to learn the fundamental skills for every player.”
Community members are encouraged to watch the week-long friendship games between the NMI and Pohnpei.
