A new era of men’s national team basketball will kick off in front of home supporters today at Ta’ Qali Basketball Pavilion, as Malta faces a strong tournament favourite in Azerbaijan at 16:30.
Head coach Alan Walls has had just two weeks of on-court work with the national team. However, with the help of assistant coaches and through months of prior film study, he feels he has Malta’s men ready to showcase a tough-minded brand of basketball that will surely excite home supporters.
“I really focused on defence, a weakness from last year’s competition — focusing on team defence. I wanted to make sure that they understand that strong defence will be our ‘calling card.’ I feel very confident that we will be the best defensive team in the tournament. And if we are, that will lead to great opportunities on the offensive end.”
Malta has hosted tournaments in the past, but have not found much success when playing on home soil. The opportunity to win Malta’s second gold medal of this competition in the nation’s history on home court is not taken for granted by any coach or player. The excitement is palpable, seen for the way the team works on the court and interacts with fans and friends through social media.
Walls has encouraged the men to embrace the moments as the host nation.
“I’ve talked to them about embracing the moments — not to get caught up in it. They should feed off that home energy. They can make history by winning gold on home soil. That comes with added expectations and a target on our backs, which it should as the host country. But they should use that as fuel.
“[Being the host nation] definitely adds a bit of excitement, it adds another level of expectations, and of pressure maybe. We’ve talked about using the ‘pressure’ energy in a positive way.
Ta’ Qali’s renovated, FIBA-connected stadium includes new and increased number of seatings, live-stream video cameras, and a new jumbo scoreboard – capable of displaying player names, points, and fouls – will be on display for the first time in an international competition. Seating capacity
“This is a beautiful facility — perfect size for a competition like this, and the guys are excited to show it off on an international stage. They’re excited to play in front of their friends and their families. We are hoping for a full house for every game we play.”
Malta will be seeking its second FIBA European Championship for Small Countries gold medal. Malta’s first gold medal was earned in 2018 in San Marino – a 75-59 drubbing of Norway. Samuel Deguara was named tournament MVP.
Malta’s next best finish was in 2014 in Gibraltar – earning silver after losing a tight 63-66 battle to Andorra. The national team is a three-time bronze medal winner (2010, 2012, 2021).
The five other nations arriving to Ta’ Qali bring with them tons of experience and talent that will ensure every match played will be competitive and exciting to watch.
“These guys have been preparing hard to represent them and the country, their families and their people. Malta should be very proud of their national team.”
“Everyone should come. It’s going to be a very exciting international basketball tournament. Every team has very interesting and high-level players to watch. I invite everyone to come here and fill up this stadium, and show the other teams how supportive our fanbase is.”
The Maltese National Team will start with Pool A action for the 2022 FIBA European Championship for Small Countries on Tuesday, 28 June.
28 June @ 18:30 – Malta vs Azerbaijan
30 June @ 18:30 – Malta vs Andorra
The knockout stage begins on 1 July. The championship match will take place on 3 July at 18:30.
All matches to be held at Ta’ Qali Basketball Pavilion 🏀. Tickets for persons aged +16 years will be 5 euros for the entire day (two matches per day). Parking at the pavilion is 2 euros.
The men representing Malta in the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries 2022 are:
Miguel Brincat (Depiro); David Bugeja (Hibernians); Samuel Deguara (TaiwanBeer HeroBears, Taiwan); Alec Felice Pace, Ian Felice Pace, Matthew Scerri, Kurt Xuereb (all Starlites); Aaron Falzon (Traiskirchen Lions, Austria); Tevin Falzon (Vigor Basket Matelica, Italy); Nelson Kahler (Sunshine Coast Phoenix, Australia); Nathan Xuereb (Gzira Athleta); Jack Zammit (Gustavus Adolphus College, United States).