Laisiasa Puamau, a highly respected 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, made possible through support from Olympic Solidarity, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and FIBA, will allow Puamau to refine his coaching skills at an elite level.
The ICAB program, which began on June 3 and will run until November 6, 2024, is an intensive training course aimed at enhancing basketball coaching capabilities and providing insights into the US intercollegiate basketball system. Puamau’s selection underscores his exceptional coaching achievements and his potential to promote the growth of basketball in Fiji and the broader Oceania region.
The program spans six months and includes four modules featuring virtual sessions, in-person lectures at the University of Delaware, and a three-week apprenticeship with a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 basketball program. This exceptional experience will allow Puamau to learn from and engage with elite US college basketball coaches.
“We are excited that Puamau has been chosen for this esteemed scholarship,” stated Lyndall Fisher, sports development manager at FASANOC. “We believe this experience will not only benefit Laisiasa but will significantly contribute to the advancement of basketball in our country.”
After completing the program, Puamau is expected to apply his new knowledge and experiences to elevate basketball coaching and development in Fiji. He is a FIBA-licensed coach with a rich background in the sport, having played and coached at various levels. Puamau has represented Fiji in numerous international competitions and has successfully guided national teams to win multiple medals in Pacific and regional tournaments.