FIBA Basketball

    Park Jisu ready to play her best, help Korea reach Rio Olympics

    NANTES (2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Korea 17-year-old center Park Jisu is determined to do whatever she can to help her country secure a place at the Rio Olympics.

    NANTES (2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Korea's 17-year-old center Park Jisu is determined to do whatever she can to help her country secure a place at the Rio Olympics.

    Ahead of Friday's Quarter-Final against Spain at the 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT), the 1.95m center talked to FIBA.com. 

    FIBA.com: How would you describe your performances so far in the tournament? 
    Park Jisu: I didn't play great in the first game against Nigeria. Coach asked me to focus on defense and rebounding. Offensively, I think my game wasn't that good. But in the second game, against Belarus, he gave me permission to do anything but asked me to be more confident.

    We have to play our best game against Spain. We have to keep calm to get the ticket for Rio no matter what happens. - Park Jisu

    FIBA.com: How did you manage to stay focused after committing three fouls in the first quarter against Belarus?
    Park Jisu: I am good at managing my fouls limit. 

    ...

    FIBA.com: And you scored the game-winning basket.
    Park Jisu: I had to help my team stay in the tournament. We didn't want to go home.

    FIBA.com: Korea are now one win away from reaching the Rio Olympics.
    Park Jisu: As a team we have to put all our energy and efforts to make it happen. But I have to admit Spain is a really, really tough team to play against. We are trying to avoid putting ourselves under pressure. We have to play our best game against Spain. We have to keep calm to get the ticket for Rio no matter what happens.

    FIBA.com: What are your goal as a basketball player?
    Park Jisu: I just want to play well in a tournament like this and keep improving my game. When the time comes I would like to try different leagues from around the world. Leagues like the WNBA and some top leagues in Europe would be a good experience. This year, I will be putting a lot more effort to the WKBA (Korea Basketball League) draft. 

    FIBA.com: You made your debut with the senior national team as a 15-year-old at the 2014 FIBA Women's World Championship. Two years on, here you are again facing some of the best players in the world. Have you expected this rapid growth of your game?
    Park Jisu: I just want to keep improving my game. I am always learning. 

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