NUKU’ALOFA (Tonga) – Tonga is gearing up for its historic debut at the 2024 FIBA U15 Oceania Championship, and the team from the Pacific is eager to make its mark on the regional stage.
With a strong sense of pride and determination, the players are committed to giving their all in the tournament, which marks a major milestone for the nation’s basketball journey. Tonga Women’s Head Coach, Joseph Vega, has emphasized the team’s dedication to preparation in the lead-up to the competition. “We’ve been constantly communicating with the players through Zoom and online training courses, focusing on strength and conditioning,” explained the 33-year-old coach. “We’ve also had several training camps in Reno, NV, Auckland, NZ, and Salt Lake City, Utah, to ensure we’re as prepared as possible.” While acknowledging that the team has faced challenges due to limited resources and time, Vega remains optimistic about the players’ readiness.
“Despite the obstacles, the girls are fired up to give their best. We’ve worked on building trust, which has been a key focus—trusting and playing for one another,” Vega continued. “Our goal is to take it one game at a time and compete fiercely, no matter the outcome.” The team’s defensive mindset is central to their approach, a philosophy echoed by key player, Kyra Tu’ihalangingie-Midson. The 14-year-old is especially focused on making a significant impact on the defensive end. “Defense is one of my strengths—I love it because it pushes me to work harder. As a team, we’ve been emphasizing giving 100% effort every second on the court,” she said. “I’m also excited to showcase my playmaking skills, and most importantly, to listen to my teammates and play for them.”
