Felice Pace, Galea named Malta Basketball players of the year

Basketball association celebrates 60-year anniversary

Starlites’ Ian Felice Pace is the BOV Basketball Player of the Year for the 2023/2024 season, also securing the U23 award.

Kristy Galea of Depiro took home the BOV Women’s Player of the Year title for the same season. These prestigious awards were announced during the 60th Anniversary celebrations of the Malta Basketball Association (MBA), organised in collaboration with Bank of Valletta.

During this event, MBA president Paul Sultana reflected on the growth and achievements of Maltse basketball over the years. He highlighted key milestones, including Malta’s first international medal of the Games for Small States of Europe held in San Marino in 1985, and the the first international gold medal won by the Female national team at the FIBA European Championship Division C in 2008.

He also noted the historic first Player of the Year awards presented in 1972.

“The Association has worked tirelessly to improve its facilities since 1972, when the Basketball Pavilion was leased from the government. What started as an old airplane hangar has been transformed into a modern pavilion, complete with adjacent training courts,” Sultana said.

“We are indeed very proud to see the largest number of teams participating in our competitions in recent history, with renewed enthusiasm  and growing fan attendance creating a vibrant atmosphere for the basketball community.”

Ernest Agius, Bank of Valletta’s Chief Operations Officer, underscored the significance of the long-standing partnership between BOV and the Malta Basketball Association.

“This sponsorship, which dates back to the 1980s, is BOV’s longest-running sponsorship. It demonstrates our commitment to fostering a healthier community through sports,” Agius remarked.

“We are honoured to celebrate the athletes who have excelled in their sport during this important anniversary for both organisations.”

The event also saw the MBA honour eight individuals for their exceptional contributions to Maltese basketball: Andrea Paccarie, Angela Adamoli, Anna Calleja, Dorianne Galea, Edgar Caruana Montaldo, Josephine Diaby Grima, Michael Naudi and Santino Coppa.

The event, attended by FIBA World General Secretary Andreas Zagklis and Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, concluded with the presentation of the BOV Basketball Player of the Year awards for the 2023/2024 season.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

BOV First Division Men

Ian Felice Pace (Startlites)

MSV First Division Women

Kristy Galea (Depiro)

BOV Amateur League Men

Neil Cassar (Mosta)

St James U-23 Men

Ian Felice Pace (Starlites)

St James U-23 Women

Michela Zammit Cordina (Starlites)

U-19 Men

Isaac Azzopardi (Luxol)

U-19 Women

Anna Fenech Pace (Luxol)

U-16 Boys

Mark Iloube (Luxol)

U-16 Girls

Shanice Farrugia (Luxol)

U-14 Boys

Zac Said Hollier (Starlites)

U-14 Girls

Claire Portelli (Depiro)