"We are ready to defend our title," Korea coach Kim says
SEOUL (FIBA U16 Asian Championship) - Korea may have surprised some by winning the U16 Asian title for the first time in 2015. But Korean coach Kim Hyunsoo says his team is ready to defend their crown.
SEOUL (FIBA U16 Asian Championship) - Korea may have surprised some observers by winning the FIBA U16 Asian Championship for the first time in 2015. But Korean coach Kim Hyunsoo says his team is ready - and good enough - to defend their title.
Korea lost to China in the Finals of the first two U16 continental championships in 2009 and 2011 and then got bounced in the 2013 Quarter-Finals by Japan. But the Koreans roared back to win their first title in 2015 beating China in the Semi-Finals and Chinese Taipei in the Final.
This time around, Kim's team will start in a tough Group D with Japan, Lebanon and India. But the coach has high expectations of his team.
"Compared to the 2015 group, this team has more power and is more physical. So I think we are ready to defend our title," said Kim, who was an assistant coach on the U16 Asian team in 2015 and U17 team the following year at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2016.
The coach really likes how many players he can count on with this team.
"We have a good depth in our team. All 12 players have good talent, so we can push our opponent from the start to the end of the game," Kim said.
Whereas often the champs have the pressure of having the targets on their backs, that is not the case, Kim insists, with his team.
"We don't have to feel the pressure. If we can play our best and focus on every game, I believe that we are good enough to win this tournament," he said.
"Compared to the 2015 group, this team has more power and is more physical. So I think we are ready to defend our title."Kim Hyunsoo
Kim fended away any talk of China wanting to come at them for revenge from the 2015 Semi-Finals.
"China are always a very talented team and well-prepared. But I think it's important how we can perform as a team. If we can perform on the court how we prepare, I believe we can make a good result," Kim said.
Two big reasons the coach thinks his team can get those good results are Lee Seungwoo and Cha Minseok.
"Lee is our captain and leader. He can motivate our team on and off the court," Kim said.
"We don't have to feel the pressure. If we can play our best and focus on every game, I believe that we are good enough to win this tournament."Kim Hyunsoo
And about his center Cha, he said: "He is a key player in our front court. He is good at defense and rebounding. I believe he dedicates himself and brings energy."
While winning the title is Kim's top ambition, the coach mainly wishes his players can learn from this experience.
"It's their first time playing at a FIBA competition. I hope the players can learn something from this tournament," he said.
And then getting back to the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup would be another great learning tool for his players.
"If we can qualify for the World Cup, those World Cup games will improve our young players and help take them to the next level," Kim said.
"Both of them (Australia and New Zealand) are very strong teams, especially Australia, who are a top-level team. Competing with top-level teams is always a good experience. I hope to play against them in the Final or Semi-Final."Kim Hyunsoo
It is quite likely that Australia and/or New Zealand will stand in Korea's way to defend their crown. Kim thinks it's good for the other teams in Asia that the two Oceania powers are appearing at the FIBA U16 Asian Championship for the first time.
"Both of them are very strong teams, especially Australia, who are a top-level team. Competing with top-level teams is always a good experience. I hope to play against them in the Final or Semi-Final," Kim said.
And Kim believes his team will be ready - and good enough - to beat them en route to another title.
FIBA