Lee sees a lot of potential in tryout aspirants

Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation has been holding national team tryouts for the 2023 Micronesian Games every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Contributed Photo)

Although the Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation has yet to release the names of players so far trying out for the national team bound for the 2023 Micronesian Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, NMIBF president James Lee admits that he likes what he’s seen so far.

“I’m really happy and excited. I see a lot of potential from both male and female which I knew we have all along. So I’m really glad to see our basketball athletes coming out showcasing their talents and wanting to be in our program and potentially being one of the 24 players (12 men and 12 women) to represent our islands,” he said.

While tryouts continue at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, NMIBF has also started its coaching search for both the men’s and women’s national teams.

“The coaches search is going great. Unlike previous years where a national head coach is selected right at the start, we have decided that coaches should apply for that position and must meet the minimum requirement which includes, submitting their resume so we can see their credentials and experience as a basketball coach, FIBA certified level 1 and 2, and attendance, meaning any coaches applying for the position as the national head coach or assistant coach must be present during the open tryout period and the first part of the national program training camp.”

He added that within that five-month period, the coaches will be mentored and assessed by the MIBF development director Elias Rangamar and at the same time attend seminars and certification classes hosted by a FIBA Oceania development manager via video conference.

“The board and I felt that this would be the best and fair approach to find the most qualified head coach to lead our future national team,” said Lee.

Aside from the national team, NMIBF will also work on other programs that includes forming a junior national team and grass roots development for the sport.

“Currently, our concentration for this first year are programs such as the national team program, junior national team, and grassroots such as village outreach and interscholastic. Then we will focus on our coaches and referees on island and get them trained and certified so that everyone will be on the same page when we do run a league/tournaments down the line,” said Lee.

The NMIBF president added that he welcomes and even encourages other organizations under their umbrella to host local basketball competitions for the betterment of the sport.

“As the basketball federation for the CNMI, we believe that our job and concentration should be that and working hand in hand with all the basketball clubs on island by providing them the support they need to grow their club because in turn, it will grow our sport,” he said.

For more information about the tryouts, send email to nmibasketballfederation@gmail.com or leave a message to NMIBF’s Facebook account Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation.