''Time for revenge'' says Kim SunHyung with Gilas on mind

SEOUL (Korea) - Kim SunHyung has long been a key part of the Korea national team. Ever since he was a rising star in the 2010s all the way up to playing at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China, Kim has been a familiar face on the squad.

"It is always an honor for me to represent our country. I am so glad to be back in the national team," Kim said.

It’s been a while since Kim has been in a national team jersey, but that doesn't mean he doesn’t keep up with the team when they play. This includes the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in 2021 when the Korea went into the Clark bubble, which featured two games against the Philippines.

"I actually watched the two games [where we were] beaten by the Philippines in 2021," said Kim, referencing two losses in that bubble which included a heartbreaking loss at the buzzer.

After being drawn to the same group once again for the World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers, the stage is set for a rematch between these two rivals. With Kim being named to the team for this upcoming window where Korea and the Philippines will face each other twice in Manila, fans can expect the games to be as intense as always.

"Now, it is time for revenge. I am ready and confident about beating them in the two games."

 Kim, along with many other Korea national team regulars, have much experience on the court against the Philippines. This the reason he has strong emotions about the upcoming clash. As well as being a part of the Korea squad that beat the Philippines, 118-86, Kim also suited up in another classic game - the Asia Cup 2013 Semi-Finals.

"Games against the Philippines have always been very tight."

Then 25-years-old, Kim could only watch as Jimmy Alapag launched away the famous three-pointer that trickled the net on the way to a Gilas win.

"I remember that in 2013, the home fans were very passionate and the Philippines players were very dynamic," he recalled.

The games against the Philippines won’t be the only hurdles Korea will have to face. They will also have to play tough games against both India and New Zealand. In particular, it is the game against the Tall Blacks that many fans will be looking forward to watch as the teams have had quite a back and forth in the recent years.

"I think New Zealand are a strong team with power and strength in rebounding. We have played against them many times, so we know their strengths and weaknesses well."

SunHyung played against New Zealand twice in Asia Cup 2017 and Korea faced the Tall Blacks another two times in the World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers. From these 4 encounters, Korea were able to come away with 3 wins.

Those victories could be a reason why Kim has confidence heading into this game as well.

"When we play rebounds well, I think we can beat them."

Between all of these games against the Philippines and New Zealand that Kim has played in, he’s gathered valuable experience that has helped him to be a better player as well as one of Korea’s best players. Now at the age of 33, Kim is transitioning into the role where he transfers that experience to better his up-and-coming teammates.

"I think [the team] has become pretty young. We have lots of youngsters that are active. As a veteran, I will try to keep this active atmosphere in our team."

"I will share my experiences of playing in international competitions with our players as the players will face the feelings that I had faced before," said Kim, who emphasized that playing against foreign players is quite different from playing against Korean Players.

"I think that is the role of a veteran player."

FIBA