Day: June 25, 2024

Malta National Team Gears Up for FIBA Small Countries of Europe Championship

As the FIBA Small Countries of Europe Championship tips off on Tuesday, all eyes are on Malta’s National Team. Under the guidance of newly appointed coach Duncan Fenech, Malta will be looking to make a significant impact in the tournament, which kicks off with a series of crucial matches.

Duncan Fenech took over the reins as Malta’s head coach in February, following the departure of American coach Alan Walls. Fenech, who also leads BOV Division One side Luxol, was Walls’ assistant last year and has since stepped up to the challenge. With his deep understanding of the team’s dynamics and strategic mindset, Fenech aims to steer Malta to victory.

Central to Malta’s strategy will be Samuel Deguara, Malta’s “cheat code” in the centre position. Deguara, currently playing in Taiwan, has been a pivotal player for the national team over the years. His towering presence and skill set make him a constant size mismatch for opponents, and he is expected to play a crucial role in Fenech’s rotation.

Kurt Cassar, seen as the heir to Deguara’s throne, is a young centre with the ability to shoot from deep. Playing in the Italian Serie B, Cassar has had an impressive club season and is eager to replicate his form in Andorra. Meanwhile, Maltese-Australian forward Joshua Tomasi made a notable debut in the GSSE 2023 with his athleticism and strength. After a season that took him from Malta to Spain and then Australia, Tomasi brings solid defence and powerful offence to the team.

Returning to the national setup after several years is Maltese-Swedish forward Michael Sjoberg, who adds height and experience to the squad. Sjoberg’s presence is expected to bolster Malta’s frontcourt.

Local-based majority

Luxol-based point guard Nathan Xuereb will play his third tournament with the national team. Xuereb impressed in previous FIBA games and is set to be a key player in the starting five, especially with the absence of American-born guard Eric Washington.

Malta’s captain, David Bugeja, brings invaluable leadership and experience to the team. His on-court vision makes him a central figure in Fenech’s strategy. Additionally, Alec Felice Pace, having led Starlites to a local quadruple, aims to carry this momentum into the national team. His energy and performance will be crucial for Malta.

A rising star in Maltese basketball, Neil Cassar, has earned a spot on the national team after a standout season on loan with Valletta Fighters. His size and athleticism are key to Malta’s transition play.

Fenech Selects Squad for FIBA European Championship for Small Countries 2024

Starlites duo Kurt Xuereb and Matthew Scerri returned from long-term injuries this season and were pivotal in their team’s title win. Their energy and resilience will be assets for Malta.

Young talents Miguel Brincat and Ian Felice Pace add depth to the squad. Ian Felice Pace, the BOV Knock Out’s leading assister, and Brincat, known for his long-range shooting, will provide Malta with diverse offensive options.

Malta will face Gibraltar on Tuesday, San Marino on Wednesday, and Andorra on Thursday. Success in these games will be crucial for better seeding in the semifinals on Saturday, potentially securing a place in the final on Sunday.

Malta’s Women’s National Team Primed for FIBA Small Countries Championship

As the FIBA Small Countries of Europe Women’s Championship tip off on Tuesday, the Malta Women’s National Team, under the new guidance of coach Charles Bonnici, is set to showcase its talent and determination in Pristina, Kosovo.

Bonnici, a familiar name in Maltese women’s basketball, took over the reins earlier this year from Angela Adamoli. Known for his success with Starlites, where he led the team to a title, Bonnici brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the national squad.

Amber Melgoza, after an impressive debut last year at the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE 2023), returns as Malta’s offensive powerhouse. Her speed and technical prowess, honed from a successful season in Spain, make her a crucial asset. Melgoza’s scoring ability was pivotal in GSSE, and she is expected to be the focal point of Malta’s attack once again.

Another key player is Steffi De Martino, a veteran stalwart known for her lethal three-point shooting. Her experience and consistency have been invaluable to the team over the years. Opponents will need to be vigilant of her ability to change the game’s dynamic with her shooting skills.

Josephine Diaby, the most experienced player on the roster, comes into the championship buoyed by a domestic double victory with Caffe Moak Luxol. As the team’s primary threat on the boards and in close-range shooting, her presence in the paint will be critical.

Danika Galea, touted as Malta’s hottest prospect, will be in motivated form after securing a commitment to the NCAA Division 1. Her MVP performance at the under-18 FIBA Division C Championships last year speaks volumes of her potential. With a robust playing style, her contributions on both ends of the court will be essential.

Bonnici Selects Squad for FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries in Kosovo

Ylenia Bonett, having played in Iceland and Austria, brings polished skills and valuable international experience. Her rapid fastbreaks and relentless energy will be pivotal in Malta’s transitional play.

Kristy Galea, Depiro’s standout player this past season, has demonstrated exceptional shooting and basketball IQ. Her form from the US and a strong season locally, capped by the Knock Out final MVP, highlight her capabilities.

Malta defensive strength

Sophie Abela, known for her defensive prowess, provides leadership and playmaking. Her ability to withstand contact and find open teammates will be crucial for Malta’s game plan.

Forwards Claire Ciantar and Marie Buhagiar bring size and rebounding ability. Ciantar, a co-captain for Depiro, and Buhagiar, despite a challenging season with Hibernians, are key defensive players.

The Starlites trio, Mikela Riolo, Maria Bonett, and Michela Zammit Cordina, coached previously by Bonnici, bring chemistry and complementary skills to the team. Riolo’s technique, Bonett’s pivoting, and Zammit Cordina’s speed make them a formidable unit.

Malta will face a challenging schedule in Pristina, starting with Kosovo on Tuesday, followed by Georgia on Wednesday, and Cyprus on Thursday. Each match presents its own set of challenges, but with the blend of veteran experience and young talent, Malta’s Women’s National Team is poised to make a significant impact.