Laisiasa Puamau, a distinguished basketball coach from Fiji, has received a scholarship to participate in the International Coaching Apprenticeship in Basketball (ICAB) program in the United States. This initiative, backed by Olympic Solidarity, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and FIBA, will allow Puamau to enhance his coaching skills at an elite level.
The ICAB program, which commenced on June 3 and will run until November 6, 2024, offers an intensive education course designed to bolster basketball coaching abilities and provide participants with exposure to the US intercollegiate basketball setting. Puamau’s selection highlights his remarkable coaching achievements and potential to advance basketball in Fiji and the wider Oceania region.
Spanning six months, the ICAB program includes four modules consisting of virtual sessions, in-person lectures at the University of Delaware, and a three-week apprenticeship with a NCAA Division 1 basketball program. This exceptional opportunity will enable Puamau to observe, interact with, and learn from top college basketball coaching staff across the United States.
“We are excited that Puamau has been chosen for this esteemed scholarship,” expressed Lyndall Fisher, sports development manager at FASANOC. “We believe this experience will not only be beneficial for Laisiasa but will also greatly aid the growth of basketball in our country.”
After completing the program, Puamau is anticipated to apply his newly acquired knowledge and experiences to advance basketball coaching and development within Fiji. As a FIBA-licensed coach, he boasts a rich background in basketball both as a player and a coach, having represented Fiji in various international competitions and led national teams to numerous accolades in regional and Pacific tournaments.