Vanuatu Men’s Basketball Team Ready for the 2025 Melanesian Cup

As the 2025 Melanesian Cup approaches, the Vanuatu Men’s National Basketball Team is set to represent the nation with pride and confidence under the leadership of head coach Sam Lewis. The team will travel to Honiara, Solomon Islands, from 12 to 19 October, facing strong regional contenders from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, and Fiji.

“We’re not going there to participate, we’re going there to win,” says Coach Lewis, whose focus has been on instilling professionalism, consistency, and team discipline over the past months of preparation.

Building a Culture of Commitment

The team’s early preparation centred around attendance, punctuality, and mindset.

“We wanted to make sure the boys treat themselves like professional athletes,” he explains. “At first, we had challenges with attendance, the usual Vanuatu time problems but now the players are showing real commitment.”

Despite being one of the smaller teams in terms of height, Vanuatu’s strength lies in its shooting ability. “We may not be the tallest, but we’re definitely one of the best shooting teams in the competition,” adds Lewis confidently.

Unity as a Strength

One of the team’s greatest advantages is its cohesion. “Ninety percent of our players are based in Port Vila, training together every day. They’ve known each other for nearly a decade through basketball, and that creates strong team spirit and camaraderie,” says Lewis.

While other nations draw players from multiple countries, Vanuatu’s unity and shared experience could prove decisive on the court.

Looking Beyond the Cup

Coach Lewis sees the Melanesian Cup as more than just a competition, it’s part of a three-to-five-year plan leading toward the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.

“After the Melanesian Cup, we’ll keep training and expand our squad by inviting young players. Basketball is perfect for developing nations, all you need is a ball and a hoop,” he says.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Lewis hopes the team’s performance will inspire the next generation to pick up the sport. “We want young kids to look up to our players the way they look up to footballers,” he adds.
He also acknowledged ongoing programs by the Vanuatu Basketball Federation focused on women’s development and empowerment through basketball, highlighting a growing national movement for inclusivity in the sport.

With twelve players, two coaches, and a dedicated management team heading to the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu’s basketball contingent is ready to compete and represent the nation’s colours with pride.

“We’ve put in the work. Now it’s time to show what Vanuatu basketball can do.”

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