Foketi’s on a mission to inspire Tongan youth around the world

Viliami Foketi, 23, has already garnered much praise from his skills and now the international community has started taking notice.
Just last year, he recorded an astonishing 39 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists during an Ultimate Basketball League game.
In the 2017 Waratah Men’s League, Viliami had managed to maintain a scary field goal percentage of 58 per cent, after having taken home the Molten Waratah League Youth Player of the Year Award prior to that.
Last month he represented the home of his family’s heritage, Tonga, as they too made their debut into the 16th FIBA Pacific games. However, they didn’t make the finals.
It can be easy for Australians to forget or not acknowledge our roots, as our proud Tongan has found himself.
“Growing up in Australia, it can be very easy to forget about or neglect our heritage and the various cultural traditions that come with it,” he said. “For me, it was no different.
“However as I grew older and became more aware, I made a dedicated effort to learn and immerse myself within the Tongan culture, and this became a big part of my growth as a human being.”
The team’s top rebounder is urging others to pick up the ball
“I wish to inspire the Tongan youth around the world to play the sport of basketball and aspire to play at the highest stage,” he added.