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,” Mr 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,” Mr 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 eightindividuals for their exceptional contribtuons 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 Wolrd 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.

BOV 1st Division Men
Ian Felice Pace (Startlites)
MSV 1st Division Women
Kristy Galea (Depiro)
BOV Amateur League Men
Neil Cassar (Mosta)
St James U23 Men
Ian Felice Pace (Starlites)
St James U23 Women
Michela Zammit Cordina (Starlites)
U19 Men
Isaac Azzopardi (Luxol)
U19 Women
Anna Fenech Pace (Luxol)
U16 Boys
Mark Iloube (Luxol)
U16 Girls
Shanice Farrugia (Luxol)
U14 Boys
Zac Said Hollier (Starlites)
U14 Girls
Claire Portelli (Depiro)