As they arrived on Oahu and at BYU-Hawaii, many players and coaches from different countries were excited and pumped for the beginning of the American Money Group Asia Pacific Basketball Classic. For some, this event seems like a dream.
"Our kids never get the chance to play in a tournament like this, let alone a facility," said Michael Whippy (pictured at left), head coach of the women's national team from Fiji. "We walked into our first practice session, into the old gym [the McKay Gymnasium], and they [the players] said, 'This is the old gym?! Gee!'
"We don't even have a new gym in Suva like that old gym, so it's a big experience for us."
The Fiji team members had to work hard to attend the basketball classic. Whippy said each athlete had to pay around 1,500 Fijian dollars (about 900 U.S. dollars) to make the trip. Many of the girls fund-raised and paid out of their own pockets, he stated.
The work and fee couldn't dampen the coach's enthusiasm for his players, however. "It's all worth it. We're happy to be here! If we get invited again, we'll come again!"
Whippy said.
Whippy brought men's teams from Fiji to BYU-Hawaii in 2003 and 2004, and those teams each enjoyed success. "I hope we can emulate that performance and stay with BYU-Hawaii through this week. If we can play to our potential, I think we can stay with the Seasiders maybe for one half. We'll ask them to stop the game after the first half," he joked.
Basketball players and coaches from several teams shared the Fiji coach's enthusiasm as they ate at the Polynesian Cultural Center Wednesday night and took in the night show. Games are set to start Thursday night and run through Saturday night. (For a full schedule of games click here .)
"Man, this tournament is awesome! I can't wait 'til Friday, when we play. I am so excited to be here and represent American Samoa," said Eugene Brown, a 5'6" guard from Mesepa. "This is my first time here, playing in this tournament… I expect to play together, as one, to play the best!"
For Coach Whippy and his players, though, they likely seek to savor every second. They may even have to pinch themselves every once in a while as a reminder the experience is real.
"It's a story we can tell our children. It's a big experience for them," he said.
Some dreams do, indeed, come true.
Athletes from the American Samoa team and BYU-Hawaii women's team had fun mingling before competition begins on Thursday.