HAGÅTÑA, Guam — Guam has been a modern powerhouse in Pacific basketball. Now, the island nations is looking to usher in a new generation of talent through FIBA’s international competitions, starting with the FIBA U15 Oceania Cup. Former Guam Men’s Basketball Team captain Willie Stinnett has taken on a new role as head coach, and he’s determined to help identify and nurture the next stars who can continue the island's basketball legacy. "Although we've had recent successes, we also remember the many times we fell short, particularly at the Pacific Games," said Stinnett, now 38. "Our goal is to build on our program's foundation, and it all begins here, with this team." Stinnett, known for his leadership on the court, now wants to share his wealth of knowledge and experience to help develop the island’s future stars. Guam won the bronze medal in the last edition of the FIBA U15 Oceania Cup, and Stinnett is hopeful they can either match or surpass that achievement this time around. "We may not have a lot of big players, but we make up for it with our heart and the strong chemistry we've built," he explained. "Our focus is on communication and playing for one another. If we stick to our strengths and give our best effort, I believe we can deliver a solid performance in the tournament." A former standout for the Hawke's Bay Hawks in New Zealand's National Basketball League (NBL), Stinnett is confident that the team is ready for the challenge.
"We've been training consistently for the past two months, and the players have improved a lot. I know we'll face tough competition in the tournament, but I’m excited for them to test themselves against world-class teams. It’s an opportunity that will accelerate their development," he shared. Reflecting on his own experience in youth basketball, Stinnett praised the new structure of FIBA’s youth competitions, which now start at the U15 level.
"When I first represented Guam at 17 in the U19 Oceania Championship, there was nothing like this for the younger age groups. This is a fantastic opportunity for our youth and helps bring more visibility to our country. It's a platform for them to aspire to. Some of these kids I've been coaching since they were 10, and now they have something to look forward to, even at a young age." While the competition promises to be intense, Stinnett emphasized the importance of embracing the broader experience of international play.
"Competing at this level is not just about basketball," he said. "It’s about building friendships, networking, and learning from other cultures. The bonds you make with players from different countries can last a lifetime and benefit you both on and off the court. Playing for Guam has given me so much, and I hope our players take full advantage of this opportunity." Stinnett's journey in basketball has taken him from Guam to the US, where he played for Wenatchee Valley College, and to the Philippines, where he suited up for Adamson University. Now, as a coach, he hopes to pass on his experiences and guide the next generation toward their success.