KOR - Yoo stresses importance of hard work, defense

SEOUL (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Korea boss Yoo Jae-Hak has at least this week settled on the squad he is taking to Spain for the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The coach is to rely on Lee Jong-Hyun (Korea University), Kim Jong-Kyu (Changwon LG Sakers), Kim Joo-Sung (Wonju Dongbu Promy) and Oh Se-Keun (Anyang KGC) in the low post.

Ha Seung Jin, the center who was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers 10 years ago but never established himself it in the NBA, has not made the final cut.

The 2.21m pivot hasn't played much basketball the past couple of years while fulfilling his public service commitment in Korea.

He has also been bothered by a hip injury.

One player that Yoo will be expecting big things from is Oh.

While he only stands 2.00m in height, there is not a more combative presence on the court when he's in the game.

"Oh Se-Keun gives us a capable rebounder inside," Yoo said.

"He will be undersized, but I can assure you that he will never be outworked, that is what he said to me."

The Korean backcourt is going to have a different look compared to last year.

Because of injuries sustained in a car accident at the start of June, Kim Mingoo, the playmaker who made the all-tournament team at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship in the Philippines, is in recovering mode and not playing basketball right now.

The guards will therefore be Yang Dong-Geun  (Ulsan Mobis Phoebus), Kim Sun-Hyung (Seoul SK Knights), Park Chan-Hee (Anyang KGC) and Kim Tae-Sol (Jeonju KCC Egis).

Yoo's forwards are Cho Sung-Min (Busan Sonicboom KT), Moon Tae-Jong (Changwon LG Sakers), Heo Il-Young (Goyang Orions) and Yang Hee-Jong (Anyang KGC).

Most important for Yoo, who is preparing Korea for Group D games against Mexico, Angola, Australia, Slovenia and Lithuania and also for the Asian Games in Incheon, is that his players understand their defensive responsibilities.

"Defense is a strong focus this year," Yoo said.

"We still want to apply pressure but be resilient through constant communication.

"We want to be able to adjust right away, without calling a timeout by changing to zone and know how to trap a pick and roll defense."

Korea squad for FIBA Basketball World Cup: Lee Jong-Hyun, Kim Jong-Kyu, Kim Joo-Sung, Oh Se-Keun, Yang Dong-Geun, Kim Sun-Hyung, Park Chan-Hee, Kim Tae-Sol, Cho Sung-Min, Moon Tae-Jong, Heo Il-Young and Yang Hee-Jong.

FIBA