Solomon Islands Basketball athlete, Rebby Basia.
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BY JOY OFASIA

AFTER years of participation in both domestic and regional basketball and netball competitions up until now.

The Solomon Islands netball and basketball fraternity have witnessed the journey and transitions [upbringing, growth and experience] achieved by one of the country’s most talented and passionate female netball and basketball athlete, Rebby Basia.

Rebby, 32, who is ethnically from the provinces of Malaita and Temotu is the fourth born daughter of the country’s most famous and professional sports broadcaster, Bart Basia.

Whilst, her mother, Margret Basia is a former national netball athlete, having represented Solomon Islands in top regional competitions like the Pacific Games and others.

Solomon Islands passionate female basketball athlete, Rebby Basia.

Her two siblings, Joycelyn Aunga Basia and Basil Basia are also prominent members of the Solomon Islands national women and men basketball team preparing for next year’s 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.

Rebby recently shared her personal and athletic ‘journey’ as a netball and basketball athlete in an interview with Solomon Women’s reporter, Joy Ofasia. 

We hope that her story will bring more motivation to young athletes in the country.

Rebby’s Beginnings in Netball and Basketball

Centre (Fourth from right), Rebby Basia. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

“My mother and father were very instrumental and provided me the right path to where I am today. I thanked both of them, it was my mother who introduced me to netball and taught me how to play.  

“Growing up, I often followed my mother and big sisters to scheduled netball trainings on the court and later she allowed me to train with them on the netball court.

“I also believe without mother’s moral support and practical advice, I won’t be playing the sport I love today. 

“Since growing up and raised by a sport enthusiastic parents, I won’t deny, the fact that everywhere I go, I never miss seeing, holding, and making a pass with a ball. 

“I started playing netball when I was 11 years-old. I recalled playing in an organised netball competition for the Saint John primary school netball team in 2002 and my team won the bronze prize.

“Three years later (2005), aged 14, when I did my form one (secondary level) at the Bishop Epalle’s – Catholic school, I also started playing basketball. 

From Netball to Basketball Player … and Competition Accolades

“I was selected to join the Solomon Islands national women netball team in 2015 to participate at the Pacific Games in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

“I switched my focus to basketball in 2016, and I was part of the Temotu Arrows women basketball team who took gold after participating in the 2016 Solomon Games in Honiara.

“Later in 2017, I was selected to be part of the Solomon Islands national women basketball team to participate in the 2017 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women’s Melanesia Cup (Qualifiers) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

2022 Melanesian Cup and 2023 Pacific Games Preparations 

“This year, I am looking forward to participate in the 2022 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women’s Melanesia Cup in Fiji, which will serve as a qualifier for the next 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.

“As an athlete and member of the Solomon Islands national women basketball team, I am looking forward the Melanesian qualifiers because it is through this competition that will give us a spot for the 2023 Pacific Games.

Front Row (Right)- Reby Basia. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

“If we do not qualify then Solomon Islands national women basketball team – will not take part in the 2023 Games.

“Currently, I am focusing hard on my training.

“This woman basketball training team is mostly dominated by very young players who have been training since the past few years.

“As a senior athlete training alongside these young athletes, I can see a very big difference in this sport as we are very committed and passionate towards this sport.

Advice for the Young Athletes

“I call on young women and girls in the country to pursue any form of sports they wish to involve in because it is only gateway to keep fit and stay healthy. 

“The importance of sports not only to guarantee an individual a healthy lifestyle but it also prepare individuals to stay positive and discipline from involving in illicit and anti-social activities.”


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