Ricardo Ratliffe is proud to represent Korea

SEOUL (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Ricardo Ratliffe has been the motor driving Korea's sublime engine in the Asian Qualifiers, and he is all too happy to put on their blue and white kits every game.

"I feel very proud because being able to represent Korea is a big gift," he said. "I have now incorporated Korean culture a lot more, and I feel that it is a great honor to represent Korea."

Ratliffe debuted for Korea in the first round of the Asian Qualifiers, playing in the second round against Hong Kong and New Zealand. He made an indelible impact from the onset and has since been the team's most dominant presence.

He has recorded double-doubles in all but two of his Asian Qualifiers appearances, averaging a competition-leading 30.2 points along with 12.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 65% from the field.

Korea are now at third place in Group E right behind New Zealand and Lebanon. They are one game ahead of Jordan, while China and Syria hold up the rear. Only the top three teams are assured of a spot in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 with the fourth place team needing a better record than the fourth place team of Group F to advance.

Amidst their impressive win streak, though, Ratliffe is confident they will make it to the world stage for the seventh time.

"We have been winning, so it's good to talk about our team's goal, and of course, we want to play in the World Cup next year," he declared. "We are still a young team, and if we keep on winning, then that will be great experience for us."

Korea next face Lebanon and Jordan both on their home court. They play Lebanon on 29 November and host Jordan on 2 December.

FIBA