CANBERRA (Australia) - "We're not in Utah anymore", is probably a thought that had occurred in the mind of Tonga's star Huni Folau at some point.
And surely enough, being here at the FIBA U15 Women's Oceania Cup 2024 in Canberra is far from Folau's home - about 13,000 kilometers away, actually - but she doesn't mind the distance.
"It's very nice [being here]," said Folau. "I've never stayed out at some place like a tournament like this where you get to go outside of the schedule, so it’s pretty cool."
Of course, the air is more refreshing and the grass just looks greener when things go your way, too, and a lot has been going Folau's way. For starters, as of the beginning of the Semi-Finals, Folau is averaging a double-double of 20 points and 10 assists per game. Her scoring is second among all players while she leads all players in dimes dished. Adding 5.3 rebounds and 5.5 steals per game is also pretty nice as well.
The icing on that cake is that Tonga have yet to lose a game so far in Canberra, booking themselves a trip to the Semi-Finals. It's their first-ever appearance in the competition and they are already making history.
"Amazing, especially since it’s our first time here and we’re making history," she expressed.
For that to come from Folau, who has played in many competitions and tournaments, just reflects how much this means to her and the team.
"It’s an unreal feeling, it’s crazy."
It's the kind of feeling that has the 14-year-old hooked on this sport in particular. Folau is a multi-sport athlete, also playing rugby, but it's been the game of basketball which she has played since the 5th grade that she has fallen head over heels for.
"There’s surely ups and downs but I just keep loving it and especially the environment, the girls that I’m playing with - I’m just loving it, it’s amazing."
So far, it's been a lot of "ups" for Folau whether it's the 30-point, 13-assist game against Cook Islands or the near triple-double of 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 steals against New Caledonia. All that has led to the next challenge for Folau and Tonga - facing Australia in the Semi-Finals.
"We’re super excited to at least be up there with them, we know how good they are," declared Folau. "I’m sure no one thinks [we will win] because they’ve been beating everyone else, but we’re coming in with heart and dedication to win that game."
That there is a display of mentality that would make Folau's role model proud.
"Kobe [Bryant] is my favorite player, his mentality is just different."
And it's also a good sign for Folau's future as she aims to follow in trailblazed by Polynesian female baller, Alissa Pili. The 23-year-old forward who plays for the Minnesota Lynx has had a remarkable early part of her career and it has inspired many including Folau.
"Seeing that she can go there, it just lifts the poly community by showing that we can go there, too, if we put our mind to it."
It also helps to have a strong support system, which is the case for Folau who has the Tongan community in Utah behind her back.
"There's definitely a lot of support," she said . "Like people back home right now, I see them all sharing my stuff, I didn’t even know half of them, but they are very supportive."
FIBA