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Rangamar scouting CNMI’s 3×3 foes in Mini Games
Thanks to modern technology, Elias Rangamar can scout the CNMI’s possible opponents in the 3×3 basketball competition in 10th Pacific Mini Games set from Dec. 4 to 15 in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Rangamar, who will be the CNMI team’s manager, said he has started watching videos of the other teams that would be competing in 3×3 like the hosts and traditional basketball powerhouses Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
“I have been watching some videos on YouTube and have been checking other websites of the teams that could be our possible opponents. I’m studying the way they play and it will be an interesting tournament in Vanuatu,” Rangamar told Saipan Tribune in an interview yesterday.
“I like our chances. Papua New Guinea is a tall team, but we could compensate that with the speed and athleticism of the team. Most of the teams also play at the post that’s why we need to create scoring situations and knock down the outside shots to open up the middle,” he added.
Rangamar also put emphasis on the team’s defensive plays, especially in clogging up the middle against taller teams.
The Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, and Tahiti are also expected to field teams in the 3×3 basketball competition in the Mini Games.
The Ol’Aces, winners of last month’s Mariana Islands Basketball Federation-organized 3×3 Hoopfest, will be representing the CNMI in the tournament. The team is composed of Dan Barcinas, Preston Basa, Jack Lizama, and Douglas Schmidt.
Rangamar said the squad is busy with its preparation for the tournament with the players working on strength and conditioning exercises aside from their daily drills on the court.
“They practice everyday, in the morning and evening, depending on their schedule aside from doing some weight training for strength and conditioning,” added Rangamar.
Rangamar, meanwhile, said FIBA Oceania donated AUD $2,250 (US $1,768) to MIBF and they will use the money for their trip in Vanuatu. MIBF will also hold a 3×3 fundraising tournament next month.
