Development & Academy
Growing the Game in the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands Basketball Federation is committed to building basketball from the ground up.
We believe in creating opportunities for every age, every level, and every island.
Right now, we are in an exciting growth phase, and you can be part of it from the beginning!
A Decade of Growth & Leadership in the Pacific
Even as we continue to build our full Development & Academy pathway, we are incredibly proud of what Cook Islands Basketball has already accomplished. Over the last 10 years, we have become one of the leading basketball nations in the Pacific, particularly in the development of women’s basketball.
3x3 as a Pathway to the World Stage
In 2016, the Cook Islands competed at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup in Guangzhou, China, earning international ranking and recognition from both FIBA and the IOC.
This breakthrough opened the door to regional and Olympic qualification pathways through our National Olympic Committee.
How This Happened:
Attended the FIBA Oceania Workshops
Received guidance from Nicolas Widmer (FIBA 3x3)
Completed FIBA 3x3 education modules
Hosted eight official 3x3 events in the Cook Islands within one year
Gained international ranking through a key regional 3x3 event in the Gold Coast
(with no funding, our team even wore a borrowed U17 soccer uniform)
This roadmap placed Cook Islands Basketball on the global circuit and proved that small nations can compete at the highest level.
Local Development & FIBA Ranking Strategy
Back home, we’ve built momentum by delivering consistent 3x3 tournaments and development programs for youth and the wider population.
These events earned us official FIBA ranking points, allowing us to qualify for tournaments and stay visible on the international calendar.
Local development has kept us active, relevant, and resilient - even with limited resources.
We have key people back in the Cook Islands who ensure that they deliver 3x3 events for the annual Cook Islands Beach Games event, The bi-annual national Cook Islands Games Event, A Cook Islands Youth Games event and Rarotonga basketball in schools workshops
Impact Beyond Competition
2016 – FIBA 3x3 World Cup, Guangzhou, China
2018 – Polynesian Cup Champions
2019 – 3x3 Pacific Games Runner-Up
2022 – Polynesian Cup Hosts & Winners
2023 – Pacific Games Runner-Up 5x5
2023 – Pacific Games 3x3 3rd Place
2024 – FIBA U15 Oceania Championship
2024 – FIBA U23 High Performance Camp
2025 – FIBA Women’s Asia Cup (Debut Appearance)
2025 – FIBA U/17s Boys & Girls (Debut Appearance)
International Calendar Of Events
FIBA U17 Oceania Championship – Samoa, 2025
Youth (Under 17) boys and girls competition
FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup – Tahiti, 2026
Open Women’s national team competition
Youth Olympic Games – Dakar, Senegal, 2026
3x3 Youth Basketball (Cook Islands qualification and prep underway)
FIBA U23 Nations League – Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 2026
Cook Islands will be the host nation for this FIBA-sanctioned 3x3 event
Pacific Games – Tahiti, 2027
Open Women’s Basketball (5v5 and/or 3x3)
Hubs To Join - Register Today
Want to join open training/community sessions each month? Depending on where you are we have small communities that run sessions.
You can also register to run a hub in your city working alongside Cook Islands Basketball Federation please register below:
Gym © 2020 . Privacy Policy
Legal Terms
Contact Cook Islands Federation
Contact Pacific Digital Hub
