The Malta Basketball Association held a press conference, at their premises, in Ta Qali, at the start of the new season. After the recent Council elections, the new president is now Paul Sultana, who stated that his new Council have now passed the 100 day mark in office. Their top priority will be the Juniors sector, and, more pressing, the embellishment of the premises.

Paul Sultana then introduced the new coach of the Men’s sector, Paolo di Fonzo, who boasts a wide experience of the game, in Italy, as far back as 1975. He also had contacts with the local game, when Junior Maltese teams used to take part in tournaments, on Italian and Sicilian soil. Paolo di Fonzo has already met a core group of 22 players, some of whom he had already met, when they played, or took part in clinics, in Italy.

In the Women’s international sector, Prof. Santino Coppa will still be their mentor, especially after the numerous honours won in the recent years.

Going back to the local scene, president, Paul Sultana, stated that there are two new teams in this coming season, Qormi, who had already taken part, in seasons before, and newcomers, Tarxien. They will be participating in the Junior sections, with Qormi also fielding a second tier outfit. There is also a new U/23 league, so that players who did not make the grade with the senior teams, will not be lost.

As regards the foreign players, now teams can include more than one foreigner in their formations, but there must be four local players on court, at all times. The foreigners can be included in all categories.

The last points mentioned were the adjustments to the new FIBA rules, as regards the zone, where it has now become quadrangular in shape, and the three point line has been has been taken half a metre further back, making it more difficult for the specialist shooters. This will bring the game nearer to the popular American, NBA, conditions of play.