NMIBF touts 2023 accomplishments

Basketball fans and players got more than they bargained for as ballers and fans alike stormed the newly built Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium to participate and watch multiple basketball tourneys.

Last year saw a full return of 5×5 basketball—from the interscholastic level to adult tournaments such as the “Mich” Ultra Cup Men’s Islandwide Basketball League and the return of the Inter Gov’t/Business League, as well as NMIBF’s hosting of a goodwill tourney against Pohnpei, and welcoming FIBA Oceania National Federation & Sport Development manager Annie La Fleur.

Local athletes also participated in the Oceania’s Coach Education Program in Melbourne, Australia, (Marlene Lumabi) and FIBA Youth Leadership Program in New Zealand (Jack Aranda).

The NMI was also represented at the FIBA Oceania Zone Assembly held in Australia and at the FIBA Congress held in Manila.

The year 2023 saw the continuation of basketball programs such as the Junior and Senior National Program, the Summer Bola Camp, and Her World Her Rules.

Currently, NMIBF is hosting 3×3 tourneys as a chance for CNMI athletes to represent in the 3×3 FIBA Cup in Singapore next year.

With all those accomplishments, NMIBF president James Lee rated 2023 an 8.5 on a scale of 1-10 as they’ve “accomplished a lot as far as basketball goes.” Therefore, the highlight of 2023, he said, “would be everything we were able to accomplish that year. All had its own significant accomplishment that benefited our athletes, coaches and most especially our island and community.”

The 2023 NMIBF schedule came out last August and their leagues will continue this year. Lee said, “plans for 2024 is to continue with our existing programs and expand as well such as the grassroot/youth program and women’s program which will be dubbed as “I Am Her” Program.”

Lee then, on behalf of NMIBF, “Want to extend our gratitude and many thanks to all the sponsors such as IT&E, Marpac Inc, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Tan Holdings, Marianas Arsenal, and R&J; our partners, FIBA, Northern Marianas Sports Association, Public School System; our athletes, media, volunteers and officials. Thank you, because without you all, the NMI Basketball Federation would not have been where we are today nor been able to accomplish any of the above mentioned.”