SINGAPORE - Among 22 young Oceania athletes, Fa'anaetaua (Taua) Puloka is breaking new ground for Tonga Basketball, becoming the first-ever Tongan athlete to participate in the prestigious National Basketball Association (NBA) and International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Asia event.
The 15th edition of the camp, is currently being held in Singapore, bringing together 60 high-school-aged athletes from across Asia and Oceania to be coached by current and former NBA and WNBA players and coaches.
Puloka's selection is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. She earned her spot through stellar performances in varsity basketball with the Reed Raiders, where she was named Class 4A Girls Basketball Player of the Year, and at the Pacific Games: Tournament for Women 2023. At the Pacific Games, she showcased her scoring prowess, with an impressive 15.8 points per game, and ranked in the top ten for both rebounds and assists.
Currently residing in the USA, Puloka proudly represents Tonga in international competition, her play is a dynamic blend of "west-coast flashiness and the strength and unwavering work ethic of her Tongan roots."
A Dream Come True and a Powerful Mission
For Puloka, the BWB Asia Camp is a perfectly timed opportunity as she aims to play high-level college basketball next year. Beyond skill development, the camp offers a platform to elevate her name on the global basketball stage. When asked about her initial reaction to being selected, Puloka shared her disbelief and excitement.
"I was very excited. I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “At first, we all thought it was a scam. My coach, my parents, me … but then the messages kept coming and it really set in. Like, oh snap, I’m really going to Singapore next week. And I’m going to represent Tonga!"
Being one of the first ballers to represent Tonga at BWB fills her with immense pride. "It’s honestly unreal," she stated.
I feel proud—like, really proud. I know this is bigger than me. I’m doing this for my family, for my country, and for all the young Polynesian hoopers who think stuff like this is out of reach. It’s a blessing to represent Tonga on a stage like this. I just want to show that we belong out here too.
Learning from the Best
The 2025 BWB Asia roster boasts an impressive list of coaches. As a three-level-scoring guard herself, Puloka is particularly keen to learn from some of the world's best, including Philadelphia 76ers, 2024 All-Star Guard, Tyrese Maxey. "I’m most looking forward to learning from Tyrese Maxey,” Puloka said. “His energy, his speed, the way he plays with confidence - it’s something I try to bring to my game too."
Puloka also sees resemblance in their playing styles. "I do see some similarities for sure. He’s fast, shifty, aggressive - but always in control. That’s how I try to play."
If given the chance to connect with Maxey, she'd ask, "how he keeps that energy up every game and how he stays so locked in mentally. Also, how he trains his body and mind in the offseason. That next-level focus is what I want to tap into."
Beyond Maxey, Puloka is eager to absorb knowledge from other legends attending the camp.
"I’m also super hyped to learn from Ticha Penicheiro. She’s a legend. I love learning from players who’ve done it at the highest level, especially someone who played with such high IQ and creativity. And I mean… Derrick White just won a ring! So really, all of them. I’m trying to soak it all up."
Connecting to Her Culture and Inspiring the Future
Puloka idolises Pacific athletes like the Minnesota Lynx's Alyssa Pili, who also maintains strong ties to her Samoan heritage. Puloka hopes to similarly share her Tongan culture with the world.
Playing for Tonga at the Pacific Games profoundly changed her perspective on basketball in the Pacific. "100 percent the Pacific Games altered my take on basketball in the region. The Pacific is full of raw talent. Playing at the Games opened my eyes to how many hoopers are out there with heart, hustle, and serious potential. We just need more resources, visibility, and opportunities. If we keep building up the programs and creating pipelines, I truly believe the next big wave of hoopers can come from the islands."
Puloka extended her gratitude to her supporters and offered a powerful message to young Tongan hoopers:
Believe in yourself, even when it feels impossible. Your culture, your story, your style—it’s your superpower. I’m going to Singapore with all of you in my heart. Ofa atu.
Alongside Puloka, after the success of Samoa's Peata Manumaleuga at BWB Asia 2024, Samoa will send three young athletes to BWB Asia 2025. Zacharias Neli Sasulu will represent Samoan men's basketball, with Tereise Sufia Reupena and Mylaani Shay Siolosega Sione representing the women's basketball. Reupena and Sione were part of the impressive Samoan women's team that placed third in the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup in Division B.
While Samoa is already one of the stronger basketball nations in the Oceania region, events like BWB Asia 2025 are essential to provide these promising Pacific athletes the skills and experience to start competing on the world stage.
In another win for the Pacific Islands, Guam is also sending a young female athlete for a second consecutive BWB Asia event. Madeleine Ada will represent Guam Women’s Basketball at BWB Asia 2025, following the footsteps of Jia Rose at the 2024 camp. Ada and Rose represented Guam alongside each other at the FIBA U16 Women's Asian Championship 2023 in Division B, both taking leading roles for the team. With both of these talented emerging players now learning from the world's best, Guam has much to look forward to with their women’s basketball team.
In total, twenty-two athletes have been selected from five nations across the Oceania region.
Australia: Guer Bar, Cheyenne Bobongie, Taryn Bond, Harry Cook, Aysha Kemp, Koby Moir, Kaila Proctor, Isaac Riddle, and Issac Weldon.
Guam: Madeleine Ada.
New Zealand: Aubrey Chunga, Olivia Rose Hastings, Cole Hopoi, Hoani Ifopo-Togia, Cooper Lepou, Taia Lana Ama McMechan, Cooper Te Ratana, and Gia Ana Vukona.
Samoa: Tereise Sufia Reupena, Zacharias Neli Sasulu, and Mylaani Shay Siolosega Sione.
Tonga: Fa'anaetaua Puloka.