Paul Ferrante named new men’s basketball national team coach

Ferrante will replace Duncan Fenech who filled the role in the past two years.

“The Malta Basketball Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Ferrante as Head Coach of the Men’s National Team,” the governing body said in a statement.

“Following a thorough assessment conducted by the association in recent months, Ferrante emerged as the leading candidate for the role, based on his extensive experience, technical competencies, and excellent track record at club level.”

On his part, association president Paul Sultana said that Ferrante has the motivation and expertise to lead the national team forward.

“In the discussions we’ve had with Paul Ferrante, it quickly became clear that he possesses the motivation, expertise and experience required to lead the Men’s National Team,” Sultana said.

“Paul has a clear vision for the continued development and potential of the men’s national team. His sustained success at club level in recent years highlights his ability to raise standards both individually and collectively, while consistently bringing the best out of his players.

“The experience he has gained coaching at the highest level of Maltese basketball was also a key factor in the MBA’s decision to entrust him with this prestigious and demanding role.”

On the local scene, Ferrante has guided three teams to seven men’s senior championship titles, five Super Cup victories, four Knock-Out titles and five Shield honours.

He has also secured five Under-23 championship titles with two different clubs.

At international level, Ferrante coached Maltese teams in youth FIBA tournaments held in Kosovo and San Marino in 2018.

Earlier in his coaching career, he also gained international experience at the FISEC Games and Jeux des Îles.

Outside basketball, Ferrante is an educator by profession and has worked at one of Malta’s leading independent schools for the past 34 years.

Ferrante assumes the role of Men’s National Team Head Coach with immediate effect and will oversee preparations for the upcoming FIBA European Championship for Small Countries 2026, which will be held in Gibraltar between June 23 and 28.

Here, the national team will be up against Andorra, hosts Gibraltar, and San Marino.

The MBA ended its statement by showing its gratitude to former coach Fenech.

“The MBA also takes this opportunity to thank former Head Coach Duncan Fenech for his valuable contribution over the past two years and wishes him every success in the future,” it said.