Confident Shin, Asian champs Korea looking for “big party” in Zaragoza

SEOUL (2016 FIBA U17 World Championship) – Shin Minsuk and Korea were so overjoyed to grab their first FIBA Asia U16 title last summer. Now the confident Koreans are looking to turn the 2016 FIBA U17 World Championship into their own "big party".

Shin tallied 16 points to go with six rebounds and five steals as Korea knocked off Chinese Taipei 78-69 in the 2015 FIBA Asia U16 Championship title game, ascending to the top of the continent for the first time.

"This achievement is all the more meaningful because we made history. I cannot even explain how much I have grown as a person," said Shin, who averaged 15.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.4 steals in the tournament.

"I feel so honoured to be a part of such a great team of players and have so many good times and memories that will last forever. Nothing can be better than this in my career as well as my life."

My expectation is for the up-coming U17 World Championship to become a great party for us. I really hope we can show big things in front of the world basketball fans. - Shin

Shin is hoping that more good memories will come in Zaragoza this summer where Korea have been drawn into Group D with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dominican Republic and France.

"All three of these teams are very strong and powerful. I think it will be obviously very tough but also good for me and my team to improve and progress," Shin said.

"All teams participating in the 2016 U17 World Championship have lots of tall and talented players with a lot of experience and good skills. All we care about, however, is focusing on our game and getting wins."

Korea missed the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship and have failed to shine in their previous two appearances, with just one victory in 14 games in the competition – beating Egypt for 11th place in 2012.

"My expectation is for the up-coming U17 World Championship to become a great party for us. I really hope we can show big things in front of the world basketball fans," said Shin.

The forward said he knows that Korea have the confidence to have success – especially after getting a major victory over previous three-time reigning champions China in the continental tournament last summer.

Shin played the full 40 minutes and collected 21 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists in a 90-84 win over China in the Semi-Finals.

"Winning against China was more than just a win because we did it all together. We shared joy, pleasure and even laughing and crying. None of the accomplishments would have been possible without every single player. We definitely demonstrated that I may be weak alone but we are strong together," Shin said.

Koreans Lee Junghyun (No. 6) and Shin Minsuk have a close relationship.

One of the closest connections in the Korean team is between Shin and Lee Junghyun, both of whom were born in Gunsan.

"Gunsan is not a big city in Korea. However, the city is well equipped with sports facilities for basketball players. I am able to just focus on playing basketball and feel good about doing that," said Shin.

He and Lee have known each other for nearly seven years.

"Thanks to this strong relationship, I feel comfortable and I think Junghyun and I were always on the same wavelength."

Shin and the rest of Korea hope that common wavelength guides the Asians to having a "big party" in Zaragoza.

FIBA